How reliable is the 8 speed auto?

[TerryO]

Can't say I have read any reports of anyone having trouble with their 8 speed auto but that doesn't mean there hasn't been and I missed it.
Sure it's likely that few are out of warranty at present but some are now three years old and no doubt some have done big kilometres and been used for heaving towing. So if there is any reliability issues it is likely someone has had one go wrong by now I would expect.

So does anyone know of any issues to date?

[scarry]

Sorry can't help,and mine is a six speed,so that doesn't help.

Actually haven't heard of any issues,except an early issue with the rotary dial on a few vehicles.

Maybe some Defender owners will chime in shortly

[LandyAndy]

Ive got problems with mine.For most gear changes I cant feel the shift,can only tell by watching the tacho
Just reading an article in the latest Land Rover "One Life" mag this morning about the Range Rover Sport SVR.When are you getting one Terry????
"ACCELERATION.A more powerful engine means better performance.This is the fastest Land Rover ever.The top speed is 260kmh,while 0-100kmh time is just 4.7 seconds."
"RESPONSE.The modified 8 speed auto gearbox produces more electrifying performance.The low gear shift times improve acceleration and response.The transmissions shift strategy has been modified to complement a more dynamic driving style.The throttle is automatically blipped to smooth downshifts"
"SOUND.To ensure the aural thrills of the SVR match the dynamic ones,the Land Rover teamhas designed a deep growl with increased diameter under-floor exhaust pipes and new quad exhaust pipes protuding from a redesigned rear bumper.Unique internal valves allow reater exhaust flow at higher revs,while fuel is not cut off on the overrun when the car is in Dynamic mode-giving a pronounced crackle."


1 POWERBALL!!!!!!!!
Andrew

[TerryO]

Not my style Andrew, not that I have any, I'll stick with Disco's or in two years time then maybe the new Defender which we all know will just be a reproduced Disco with a rattly exhaust, weaker diffs and no door seals.

[phl]

I know the shift programming is different, but the same gearbox is used in quite a few vehicles, such as Jaguar (much before the Disco) and BMW, so if there are problems, it would have reared its head by now.

The ones giving problems seems to be the proprietary gearboxes, such as for VW.

[jon3950]

Mine was a very early one and had done just over 85k when I traded it today. It had done a bit of towing but nothing heavy. It was still going strong but felt like it was probably due for a flush - nothing serious but some of the changes were not quite as smooth as they were.

Cheers,
Jon

[Cambo_oldjaguar]

To date I have not heard of a single complaint or fault regarding the ZF 8HP in any Jags or Land Rovers.

It seems to be unbelievably good.

Which is nice because when the 6HP first came out in the Jags there were many complaints, just google "the lurch".

8HP is a winner in every way possible.

[Pedro_The_Swift]

someone should design retrofit kits,,

[LandyAndy]

someone should design retrofit kits,,

They have Pedro.
You just have to get a more modern VIN number
Andrew

[DazzaTD5]

I find driving the 8 speed in customers vehicles, its a well smoother vehicle (both in D4, RRS) and the 8 speed doesnt get caught out and do that downshift stumble that the 6 speed does.

There was a few recalls of the 8 speed as used in the Jeep Grand Cherokee WK2, but this seems to be isolated to the ZF box in the Chryslers (all ZF boxes built in the U.S are built under license by Fiat-Chrysler).

I'd suggest if its serviced at that 100K like all ZF boxes it will be tough and reliable.

Regards
Daz