Gearbox fluids burrowing down to facts !
I know I have posted about this before but there is a lot of Tosh out there about ATF fluids.
Manufacturers have their own specifications that have to be adhered to within the warranty period. If a Mercedes under warranty has a Gearbox failure then the dealer has to take a sample of the fluid and it is analysed by MB and if it's not genuine fluid they will reject the warranty claim.
Outside of the warranty period however things are very different and we are in the real world not vested interests.
Basically the Dexron fluids that started with 1,2,3,4,5,6 etc(in roman numerals) etc are all backwards convertible so if you have an older vehicle with the original specification being Dexron 1 you can use Deron 3 and it will not damage the gearbox.
The evolution of the fluids is a combination of additives that have plasticisers to keep the later seals supple and compounds to prevent heat degradation. Then there are semi and fully synthetic ATF fluids.
Early rubber based seals will fail not because it's the later fluid that has been used but because the older seals perish quicker. Even the later seals harden with heat and age but later specification fluids seem to stop even high mileage boxes from seal failure.
The Nissan Gearbox in my r3mR listed Matic D and I used initially FUCHS Titan 4000 then later Fuchs Titan 4400 all Dexron 3 equivalants or better. There is now a Dexron 6 fluid that is fully synthetic and is backwards convertible. My Hyundai Santa FE used the same fluids.
However as I did around 10,000 miles a year I always changed my fluid once year and as this was only around 3 litres I used the best I could afford. Due to the volume of the Torque Converter you are changing well less than half the fluid each time on a normal drain plug drop.
I have been driving automatics for about 30 years and have never had a gearbox failure. I tend to use the Fuchs brand simply because it is not overpriced and is a good product. I admit I only use MB fluid in the Wifes Mercedes but that is because I get it at cost plus 2% from the dealership where I work. If I did not I would use a Fuchs equivalent fully synthetic.
The only difference I have noticed with new ATF is the gear changes seem better when the engine is cold but at normal working temperature no difference have I ever noticed.
Obviously there are other specifications with other Marques but again I would go on a website like Opie Oils and look for the Fuchs equivalent. Other reputable makes like Shell & Castrol are makes I would use on the basis of similar specifications.
You might find that the Ausie Spec oil like those in the Middle East are to cope with the higher ambient temperature so here in the UK you can use a UK spec oil for you Y60.