Land Rover Repair: Discovery II Transmission Maint, mobil 1 synthetic atf, internet recommendations

Question
I have a '03 Discovery II that I bought used. I want to svc the trans but can't decide whether to or not based on internet recommendations. The vehicle has 73,000 miles and I don't know its prior service. I don't want to take it to the closest dealer (1+ hr away and won't give me straight answers). If it can be svcd by someone else, is there anything special I need to tell them (or maybe provide, ie. a LR filter)? How about fluid recommendations? Thanks!

Answer
I suggest you drain and refill the pan but do not pull the filter.  If the fluid comes out really black, repeat the drain and fill 2-3 times.  You fill the transmission from underneath via the plug on the side.  My best suggestion is that you find a shop that knows how to do the work and let them at it.  Most general garages are really not qualified to work on these vehicles so be careful where you go; ask about their experience on Rovers.  We use Mobil 1 synthetic ATF here at Robison Service.

Good luck with it
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John Elder Robison