Anyones thoughts on gearbox oil

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jimmacD

Well-Known Member
Posts
350
Location
Lincolnshire
Just about to carry out a third gearbox oil change on my L322 2002 4.4 V8 with BMW 5 speed ZF gearbox and these oils have popped up on the radar: Westway ATF LA2634 Lifeguard 5 and Smith Allan ATF LA2634 Lifeguard 5, they seem cheaper than branded or stealers. Has anyone any knowledge on these two brands? Any good? Ta
 
I've used Smith & Allan many times with no issues although not for the oils quoted.
Ta, its a tricky one as peeps bang on about using stuff at £20 a litre but after contacting SA and West they both confirm that their oil is perfect for ZF5 gearbox.... at £30 something quid for 7 litres delivered it seems a no brainer, whats the catch? Now cheaper than my local factors, who were cheap.
 
Ta, its a tricky one as peeps bang on about using stuff at £20 a litre but after contacting SA and West they both confirm that their oil is perfect for ZF5 gearbox.... at £30 something quid for 7 litres delivered it seems a no brainer, whats the catch? Now cheaper than my local factors, who were cheap.

You can often get similar prices from Eurocarparts when the correct promo code comes up.

Smaller profit margin and not such a flashy container, usually, maybe with less executive salaries and smaller back-office functions to support.

The only one that used to seem worth a bit extra was the top end Shell stuff but only if you're not doing regular changes.
 
Think I will go with S&A and then spend a bit more in a few months when my wallet is a bit healthier, chances are we don't get any bad snow this year so ffrr may not be pressed into service other than towing a trailer for the odd tip run.
 
Oh, I'm not real now?
Grrrrrr.... real as far as sticking the cheapo stuff in their motors! Its funny that we put any old **** in our daily drivers and have sleepless nights about what to use in our agricultural vehicles? Doing the gearbox at the mo... used cheap stuff from factors several months back with "transfail" and regular trips, expected the oil to be grubby, it is lovely and clean! How is it, however much care I take I always end up with fluid and oil everywhere. Found a bad leak on the front diff, hoping its just a worn plug.
 
Ta, its a tricky one as peeps bang on about using stuff at £20 a litre but after contacting SA and West they both confirm that their oil is perfect for ZF5 gearbox.... at £30 something quid for 7 litres delivered it seems a no brainer, whats the catch? Now cheaper than my local factors, who were cheap.

The more expensive stuff may have more inhibitors and so forth in it. Expensive fully synthetic oils are designed to last so fewer changes required. However, I don't think they're working optimally for as long as they state and if anything does start to wear you won't find out till too late. Better to change it more frequently and check colour, consistency and debris. For that you can get away with cheaper oil.
 
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