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Landy nut

Member Since: 22 Dec 2007
Location: In hiding
Posts: 154

TD5 engine oil, gearbox and transfer box fluid query

I am a big fan of doing a thorough servicing job inbetween the usual LR dealership services and plan to do the usual oil change, gearbox and transferbox fluids on my 06 plate TD5.

Now, the Haynes manual recommends Texaco MTF 94 for the main gearbox and Castrol Syntrax 75W90 for the transferbox. Therefore, my question is..........the 300tdi R380 uses ATF GL4 and transferbox uses EP80/90, so is there really any difference between using one or the other?? I do wonder if the TD5 having slightly thinner oils results in less resistance within the drivetrain and therefore a potential contributor to emission reduction (later TD5) and whether or not I would actually be better off using the 300tdi fluids for component longevity instead. I dont really care much about anything other than using the best possible option for my car, so any advice would be welcomed as to how I can give her the best and hopefully keep nice smooth gearchanges!!

As for the engine oil, Haynes recommends 5W40 to 5W50. Now I know I wont bother with the 5W50 as it will be running too thick, but I remember on my last couple of TD5's that I used 5W30 synthetic. Has anyone here run 5W40 and noticed any difference? I would imagine the engine runs slightly quieter and maybe a little smoother but would be interested to hear from anyone.

Thanks

12th Jul 2010 8:15pm

Zinke

Member Since: 27 Jan 2009
Location: Scunthorpe
Posts: 670

Engine oil is 5W30 semi synthetic

The gearbox oils have changed over time and the latest oils spec'ed for the TD5 are also now recommended for the 300 tdi's models as well. Its worth putting in the best oils you can when it comes to the gearboxes and axles.

If your close to north lincs then give me a call or PM me as i bulk buy oil and filters for the TD5 and can get some very good discounts.

Pete

12th Jul 2010 8:24pm

stevie d

Member Since: 09 Nov 2009
Location: Bishops Stortford
Posts: 342

Landy Nut,

I changed my engine oil TD5 at the weekend and noticed a huge difference. The truck had been serviced by Liveridge in Feb 10, when I bought it, but I've been gradually going through the vehicle.

I bought a 20ltr tub of fully synthetic 5w30 oil from Partco/ Unipart for about £46. Oil made by Fuchs and meets all the necessary API criteria, I am not sure what Liveridge put in the engine, but it must have been crap.

I've also used Difflock oils for G box, T box and diffs - expensive, but I believe very good.

The truck had previously considerable drag when freewheeling - now almost eliminated

Google 'Oil Bible' for info on oil and clearing up a few myths

I hope this helps,

Steve Defender 90 TD5 Station Wagon
Discovery 3 HSE
BMW 330i Coupe

13th Jul 2010 7:37pm

Mike landy 2001

Member Since: 19 Oct 2025
Location: South Wales
Posts: 2

I'm looking up to see what oil I need for diff, gearbox and transfer box for my td5 110, so many oils to look at, I'm getting overwhelmed ðŸ˜©

24th Oct 2025 6:03pm

DefenderCan

Member Since: 25 Nov 2023
Location: Canada
Posts: 56

Engine Oil Depends on outside temperatures, the ranges are 5w30,5w40,5w50

5w30 is a fuel-efficient spec really and 5w40 is definitely a true diesel spec. For winter you're getting the same 5w spec but it's the summer months that make the difference on which oil you choose.

The r380 is very sensitive to oil specs. Only mtf94 or ATF Dexon III. Full stop.

Everything else 75w90.

I'll go further, 5w40 oils usually carry an A4/B4 ACEA Spec. What does this mean? Basically, it holds your oil film integrity for much longer and less likely to breakdown quicker. For 5w30 they are now A5/B5 ACEA previously when the td5 came out A1/B1 which is a fuel-efficient spec.

Personally, I would want a spec that protects my engine oppose to spending a bit extra on gas if any.

Also, if you did make any performance mods, the added friction from each stroke would benefit with a 5w40

25th Oct 2025 10:58am

julian

Member Since: 17 Feb 2017
Location: Devon
Posts: 205

1994 Defender 110 300 Tdi CSW Alpine White

R380 mtf94 (I think atf was an earlier spec on earlier builds, and they changed it to mtf)
Transfer box and diffs, ep somthing or other.

25th Oct 2025 11:16am

revd

Member Since: 20 Apr 2024
Location: England
Posts: 296

Factory recommended oil change/service intervals take into account mpg, acceptable costs for fleets, avoidance of warranty claims and the convenience of annual servicing aligning with MOT to maximise the likelihood that private owners will stick with main dealers.

Not applicable to many of us, who are more concerned with longevity and the avoidance of major component failure. My practice is 5000 miles for engine oil/filters and annually for everything else. Typically mileage is about 8k/annum. I don't overly fret about which brand as long as it is of the correct specification, with the reduced service intervals the oil that comes out is not exhibiting signs of serious degradation. Without even having to jack the car up, oil services on Defenders must be among the easiest.

25th Oct 2025 12:35pm

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