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  #1  
Old 03-20-2015, 04:38 AM
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ZF lifeguard 6 = Mercon SP?

I found few articles saying that Mercon SP is same as ZF lifeguard 6.
User fun2drive, sent samples of both ZF lifeguard 6 and Mercon SP to Blackstone laboratory for analysis. And the result states that both were very similar. Has anyone used the Mercon SP on their automatic 6 speed transmission? I was looking to use this on my 05 x5 4.4.
Mercon SP ($8) at local parts store vs ZF lifeguard6 $20. That's more than half off.

Automatic Transmission Fluid (ZFLifegaurd6=Ford Mercon SP) - Bimmerfest - BMW Forums
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  #2  
Old 03-20-2015, 05:52 AM
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Salt water is very similar to water, but I wouldn't use it in my cooling system. Same with distilled water which people said should only be used with anti freeze.. ZF already warn people not to use non approved atf with their trans.
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Old 03-20-2015, 06:54 AM
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That's about $84 saved for a 7 liter drain and fill or $120 for a full 10 liter replace all the fluid service that comes up every 30k/few years...on a vehicle well known to kill transmisions anywhere from 40k up?

Well, if your tranny doesnt agree with Blackstone, at least you have $120 to put towards fixing it.
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Old 03-20-2015, 07:31 AM
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I used our signature series ATF and the trans seems to shift smoother.
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Old 03-20-2015, 09:19 AM
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I think the point here is that the Ford 6R60/80 transmission was actually a ZF 6HP26 made under licence by Ford in Livonia. That’s why it’s not unreasonable to speculate that Mercon SP, which was specified for the 6R60 (and made by Shell in the USA), is identical to ZF LifeGuard Fluid 6/Shell M1375.4 (made by Shell in Europe).

When Ford replaced Mercon SP with Mercon LV some time ago there was a lot of discussion regarding LV’s backward compatibility with SP and whether it was causing issues with the performance of the 6-speed.

So is Mercon SP still available in the USA?

Phil
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  #6  
Old 03-20-2015, 09:26 AM
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Yes, here are some places.
ATF Transmission Fluid Mercon SP, XT-6-QSP, Motorcraft
Local advance auto parts:
Motorcraft Mercon SP (ATF) Automatic Transmission Fluid (1 Quart) XT6QSP: Advance Auto Parts
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Old 03-20-2015, 12:13 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RRPhil View Post
I think the point here is that the Ford 6R60/80 transmission was actually a ZF 6HP26 made under licence by Ford in Livonia. That’s why it’s not unreasonable to speculate that Mercon SP, which was specified for the 6R60 (and made by Shell in the USA), is identical to ZF LifeGuard Fluid 6/Shell M1375.4 (made by Shell in Europe).

When Ford replaced Mercon SP with Mercon LV some time ago there was a lot of discussion regarding LV’s backward compatibility with SP and whether it was causing issues with the performance of the 6-speed.

So is Mercon SP still available in the USA?

Phil
Why stop at Ford??

Normally reserved for high end luxury and sports cars, ZF has made the 6HP26 available to Hyundai for use on its 2009 V8 Hyundai Genesis.

https://www.carpartsdiscount.com/aut...html?3594=2268
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Old 03-20-2015, 07:22 PM
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Unless ZF comes out with scientific proof that their ATF is somehow unique compared to some high quality ATF's out there, I'm getting ready to flush my ATF with Liqui Moly 1200 Top Tec 1200.

I've used Liqui Moly products (engine, ATF, diff. etc...) for 11 years now with great success. I've been in contact with their technical support and I believe them when they say that 1200 is compatible and meets and exceeds every single requirement of my ZF AT.

IMO, ZF is scaring people away from other compatible products in order to maximize profits. Of course there are plenty inferior ATF's out there but there are good ones too.
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Old 03-20-2015, 10:10 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bmw540san View Post
Unless ZF comes out with scientific proof that their ATF is somehow unique compared to some high quality ATF's out there, I'm getting ready to flush my ATF with Liqui Moly 1200 Top Tec 1200.

I've used Liqui Moly products (engine, ATF, diff. etc...) for 11 years now with great success. I've been in contact with their technical support and I believe them when they say that 1200 is compatible and meets and exceeds every single requirement of my ZF AT.

IMO, ZF is scaring people away from other compatible products in order to maximize profits. Of course there are plenty inferior ATF's out there but there are good ones too.
I thought they did come out with that. It is called the spec for Lifeguard 6. It is different than Lifeguard 5, for example. So if someone claims that they meet both specs with the same fluid, as an example, then that claim is suspect. ZF license the spec. No need to buy it from them, they list all the oil companies that make it. Use any one you like. Or use a generic fluid, at your own risk. That LM fluid appears to be a Dexron III, as that is the first spec they say they meet. They go on to recommend it for a long list of vehicles calling for fluids that are known to be non compatible with Dexron III.
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Old 03-21-2015, 08:30 AM
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JCL

My observation is that the majority of people reply here simply to convince themselves that they did right by refilling it with the fluid of their choice.It's true,that most of them won't have any issues if they drive Xes to get some groceries ,no harder.But for instance it would be interesting if they challenged their trannies towing and speeding to the permitted limits.Probably then the result would be different.

Quote:
Originally Posted by JCL View Post
I thought they did come out with that. It is called the spec for Lifeguard 6. It is different than Lifeguard 5, for example. So if someone claims that they meet both specs with the same fluid, as an example, then that claim is suspect. ZF license the spec. No need to buy it from them, they list all the oil companies that make it. Use any one you like. Or use a generic fluid, at your own risk. That LM fluid appears to be a Dexron III, as that is the first spec they say they meet. They go on to recommend it for a long list of vehicles calling for fluids that are known to be non compatible with Dexron III.
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