Land Rover LR3

johnmajor

I heard that LR has been deluged with enquiries about bluetooth (me included) & dealers have little information from LR to convey.

 

Nokia are the OEM for LR with delivery for dealer installed units planned sometime in March 05.

 

I heard that a big sticking point is pricing.

 

LR have a number in mind but Nokia has a bluetooth kit coming out that is less than half the price!

 

It's a 610 or 616 kit.

 

It's not integrated to the Nav display but the details of the LR bluetooth are so sketchy & variable that it may just be the way to go for some on-road warriors!

 

http://www.nokia.com/nokia/0,,65323,00.html

 

I'd be interested to hear others info, views, thoughts & possible alternates!

ronprx

Does the dealer installed DVD player have the ability to hook up game system...i.e. RCA input jacks for videa and audio?

grommet

An OEM dealer installed kit PTI/Bluetooth can be added that is only voice controlled. It's already available in some markets, but I'm not sure in which ones. Ask your dealer about availability... but I doubt they know.

 

The factory-installed version, which allows some interaction/integration with the radio controls/keypad and the instrument pack, is still pending. "Spring" availability.

 

Also note that an optional cradle compatible with your phone will be required for the PTI system if you want it to download the phonebook. It does not sync using Bluetooth according to LR/Nokia. (No, I don't know why. Competitors do it.)

 

The cradle will offer: Phonebook access, call registers (missed, received & dialed), charging and an external antenna booster.

 

Definitely not as "high tech" as the New Nokia 616 Car kit... that has a built-in GSM phone that can use the Bluetooth SIM Access Profile to read your SIM card. (Of course, you'd need a compatible GSM phone.) When in the car, your portable phone can be "taken over" by the car GSM system... so even the external antenna is used. All wirelessly without a cradle, and with your GSM phone in your back pocket.

emols

please keep me posted if it stalls again-mine has always started right up again with no problems, but it has done this twice in a natter of 5 weeks. Land Rover dealer here in atlanta cannot find anything wrong. Let me know if it turns out to be anything.

ypshan

If the car stalled, the dealership might be able to see a record of it when they read out the data log of the car.

spirou

I purchased a LR3 on november 21 2004. One week later my car stopped in someone's driveway as I was backing out.Just dead.

Completly dead with a pool of fluid under it. It took road service 3 hours to get me in the hollywood hills, 30 minutes away from the dealership. They gave it back 4 days later telling me there was a leak in the power fluid that it why it died.....OK, what do I know.....one week passes, I am driving down hill, the car dies one more time, like driving a dead whale!......This time it took them 5 hours to get me. The dispatcher gave the wrong street name. I was frantic, calling every half hour, speaking to a different person everytime who knew nothing about my case!!!!

Hello? enter the infos in the computer? This time they tell me I forgot to put gaz maybe? Of course I am a woman I must be of course creasy and put no gaz in my car!.... Forget the nasty discussion on the phone, trust me I was not pleased. Now 5 days later they call and tell me the fuel hose was detached and everything is fine.....Like I am believing them! My lawyer is handling the case now. I am a working woman , I need a car to start in the morning, my fault , I went for the look instead of substance.

Spirou

outrageous

That is very unfortunate that your car had both of those problems and that you had to wait so long for assistance. The fact that each mechanical failure had to do with an unclamped or untightened hose makes me wonder if the assembly line person totally neglected a series of tightening steps. I suggest that you ask your dealer to check all hose fittings to ensure they are properly tightened. After that, you can probably relax and enjoy your car.

go4snow

Thanks for the well wishes and good luck with your stalling problem. I will be getting the car back on Wednesday and hopefully I will never have to call Roadside Assistance again. They towed my car two hours away to the nearest dealer but they did absolutely nothing to help my wife and kids get home.

go4snow

Must have been five minutes to Guiness time at the factory!

teldoc

The white dragon has just turned 1,000 miles. Had our first LR3 snow experience in St Louis Friday night. This is our 6th SUV and this thing drove like it was being pulled by a chain. Snow didn't affect it. I would be very confident taking this truck into any weather situation.

 

Overall, the powertrain is milky smooth and the motor has satisfying pull through the rpm spectrum. Happier now than the day we took delivery, it's a great vehicle.

grommet

FYI: Land Rover updated the US site with more details and pictures of some of the available LR3 Accessories:

 

http://www.landroverusa.com/us/en/Vehicles/LR3/Accessories.htm

doctrix

ronprx, yes, there are auxillary RCA ports (L/R audio, video) to connect a game system. There are also two ports to connect wired headphones, in addition to the wireless headphones, which work very well.

threeputt

Thanks to all for all the info I have gleaned here of late. Picked up my new Grey/Tan HSE7 yesterday and so far I'm blown away. Only a couple hundred miles so far, but I've been keeping an eye out for the bugs you guys have reported. I do have a couple of silly questions that I have not been able to answer with the manuals. Navigation system...under language options, what is the difference between US English-M and -F? I thought it would be a female voice, but apparently not. At least not female in answering basic commands such as "radio tune FM 99.5". Would "she" be giving directions when navigating whilst the English fellow acknowledges the commands? Do you have to accept the disclaimer each and every time you turn on the ignition or can you change the default boot-up screen? Also the cooler box in the center console -- can you keep it on without the engine running? If so, what is the battery drain protection interval and how is it set up? If anyone hears of a Bentley Service Manual showing up for the LR3, please post. I have owned their manuals for my SAAB's and VW's in the past and find them invaluable. We are ecstatic with our purchase thus far and look forward to many good years in the seat and on the forums....TIA Jeff

emols

the service department hooked it up to the computer and nothing was reported. no data.they still do not kow what causes the random stalling(only twice).thanks anyway.

michaelwillems

I can answer one: yes, you need to agree each and every time you start the car, if you wish to use nav or 4x4. You can blame the lawyers for that one!

doctrix

threeputt,

 

On the language issue, there are two places to change the voice.. in the navigation system AND in the voice response prompts. On the cooler, it can be kept on while the ignition is off. There is a safety switch that will cut power to it when the battery falls below some amount... not sure what that threshold is.

 

It's a great vehicle...

travelinman

I'm getting an LR3 SE, and would like to get XM with it. First of all, I can't believe it is not a standard option. Secondly, has anyone put XM in their vehicle? Did you have the dealer do it or someone like Circuit City do it? Where did they put the receiver? Is it intrusive?

 

I currently have XM, and cannot imagine life without it. I'm just hoping it won't be too intrusive. It's too bad it's not integrated. LR really missed the mark with this one.

threeputt

Thanks doc. I figured out the female nav voice, just haven't dug deep enough on the voice response configuration. Man I consider myself a gadget sort of guy and I still think I would benefit from a short class on the LR3. Lots of neat things I'm finding. I'll likely be disappointed when I finally become proficient on everything. I'm having a blast right now though! Jeff

tincup47

Ford has an agreement with Sirius, so XM is not going to be found integrated in any Land Rover. Just like GM has an agreement with XM so they won't offer Sirius down the line.

doctrix

I just came from a nice drive listening to my iPod in my HSE, attached to the Auxiliary port with the Belkin adaptor mentioned previously. I've gotta say this is the finest audio I have ever heard from any vehicle, and even better than most quality home systems.

 

The power, the highs and lows reached, and clarity are all simply amazing!

btn

According to my manual the tire pressure for my Goodyears should be 33 and 36psi. As I mentioned before, this past weekend I was having traction troubles, so I released about 10 seconds of air from each tire ( I didn't have tire gauge with me.) Today, when the tires were cold I took a reading. They were at 39 and 45. I can only imagine where they were at before I let 10 seconds worth of pressure out.

 

I also came upon an older Discovery, also with Goodyear Wrangler m+s tires. The tread was much more aggressive. I took pictures so that people could compare the 2. I've also added other pictures, per outrageous request...

 

http://imageevent.com/landrover/lr3snow?n=0

 

"some more photos of your Bonati gray LR3 in the snow and add them to your gallery, I'd love to see them. This is one of my top color choices."

stever

The XM & Sirius Satellite Radio discussion may have some aftermarket suggestions.

 

Steve, Host

brad6

I have the XM SkyFi2 installed in my SE. I ran a cable to the back of the front/center armrest where the auxiliary input is located. I guess it's mainly for kids in the backseat? The benefit of the SkyFi2 was that it did not need to be installed by the XM dealer, saving me $125. I had to run the satelite cable myself, but it's not too difficult to hide in the dash panels--certainly worth a try if you're feeling even a little bit "handy."

I only have two issues: one, the audio level is much lower on the auxiliary port than the CD or FM outputs. In other words, if you switch from XM to FM, the volume jumps dramatically. Also, if you have the navigation voice set to match XM's output, it will be way too loud if you're listening to FM. Hope that makes sense. I don't know if the output can be adjusted, but I will ask next time at the service center.

The other issue is visibility. About a week after I put the XM radio in my LR3 someone smashed the window and stole it. The XM was "only" about $150 but it cost almost $500 to fix the window and it took an entire week because they were no parts available. That's another story!

Good luck

grommet

XM <--> Sirius converters, "XM Direct", for Sirius ready head units do exist. The head unit thinks it has a Sirius plugged in, even though you have XM. It's often used on BMWs, another partner of theirs.

 

Of course, that assumes you have a Sirius-ready head unit... which we don't have on the LR3. :-| Let's hope we see a Sirius module released and new radio firmware to support it (I know, unlikely)... though it would probably be self-contained so XM fans couldn't "XM Direct" it.

 

Oh, well. Maybe next model year...

grommet

tincup47, do you know what the actual problem was? Was it not wired correctly?

 

With the DVD player on, is the "AUX" mini-plug input on the jack behind the console (for MP3 player, XM Radio, etc.) disabled and taken over by the DVD player output? Or is there a toggle somewhere? (I'm wondering if I would still be able to use it if the rear passengers are watching a DVD.)

outrageous

Thanks for the follow-up and additional photos. I'm sure the over-inflation of your tires contributed to your loss of traction (although I still wouldn't recommend reducing the pressure below 33/36 psi on snow). The tires on the older Disco you photographed are off-road oriented Goodyear Wrangler MT/R's, which are available in England (not USA) in a size that fits the 19-inch LR3 wheels (see: http://www.goodyear.co.uk/services/tyreguide/feat_wrangler_mtr.ht- ml ).

doctrix

I got the cross bars... I think they look sharp and can support a decent load (155 lbs). However, they cause a fair amount of wind noise, so I won't be leaving them on all of the time. Luckily, they're easy to put on and take off.

 

The body side molding is a great addition and should probably be on every LR3.

ronprx

Just back from the LA Auto Show and reviewed all my contenders. Acura MDX, Lexus GX, Land Rover LR3.

 

I must say that the Acura and Lexus appear to have a better fit and overall refined quality. Lots of plastic with the LR. I REALLY want to like the Land Rover. It was my first choice going in, but it may be difficult to get wife approval on this vehicle that is 1) more expensive, and 2) less tested. We really don't need the serious off road abilities but we do like the third row seats. The Lexus 3rd is a joke and the MDX is OK

 

Any others going through this process with suggestions. I also understand that the MDX will have a new design in 2006.

 

I need a reason to believe in LR.

go4snow

I just got my LR3 back from the shop (in there for a blown transmission cooler hose) and now the oil light is on. It's full of oil but the light is still on. I am really getting tired of this. Anyone else out there have any experience with this oil light thing?

ypshan

According to Edmunds' own test.

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/FullTests/articleId=1- 04064#

 

"The LR3's obesity makes that V8 work for a living. The LR3 posted a best 0-to-60 time of 8.9 seconds, nearly a full second behind the much lighter (4,740 pounds) GX 470. And that's without the extra 35 horsepower the Lexus picked up for '05."

 

"Pack it up with a full load of passengers and it starts to suck wind, but unless you plan on towing a trailer or offer the NY Jets a ride home, the LR3's drivetrain has enough guts."

 

Well, I do intend to tow a 6000 lb trailer. Anybody tried to tow with LR3 and what's the experience?

 

Thanks.

threeputt

Finally something I may be able to help with! We were driving/weighing the very same vehicles before deciding on the LR3. Actually a Pathfinder was in the mix too. The 2nd and 3rd seat configurability was a big factor with us. If you thought the MDX rear seats were alright, then just sit in the rear of the LR. Nice and roomy for me (5'10"). I haven't been back there for very long, but I think I could handle it for awhile. Now I also know I won't be back there, but we have kids and they are growing. I like the feel of the V8 in the LR3 more than the high revving 6 in the MDX as well. 1900-odd rpm at 70 mph. Very torque-y Is that a word? Man you can go all over the country and never get above 2500 RPM if you could resist. As for offroad capability, that's a given. While I plan to experiment a little deeper in my off-roading, my normal life in the dirt will usually be camping trips, etc. Which is another reason we liked the rear of the LR. Everything lays absolutely flat. Throw a futon in there and there's another bed. There are no seats to take out and deal with in the garage, and I didn't like the rear seat access on the MDX. The second seat didn't flip forward like in the LR. Much tighter space to squeeze through to me. They didn't even lay down flat...the 3rd ones did, but not the second row. So you have this ramp rising toward the back of the front seats. AUX input for the stereo is cool. Better audio system all around(IMO), and I listened to them all critically. Took a stack of carefully selected CD's with me for each trip to various dealers. Wish they had the satellite integrated though. On road comfort: The LR feels solid as a rock to me. Maybe the extra weight is a bigger factor, but nothing seems to phase it. The MDX is more of a car, and I thought it would feel MUCH more comfortable and responsive than the LR, but to me it doesn't. They've really hit both targets here. One last factor, take it as either a pro or a con, but knowing that a new MDX is coming very soon, I know I'd be disappointed with my 05 had I bought one. I'm sure they will up the power, maybe stretch it a little to make more rear seat legroom, and hopefully figure out a way for them all to lay flat. I've always wanted a Rover, and these arguments I've outlined above actually had my wife and kids pushing ME towards the LR3. I wanted it for all the guy reasons of course, but LR has covered the practical side as well. I'm probably forgetting some things, but if you haven't driven it yet GO DO IT. It may change your mind about refinement. Just remember it is ultimately a utilitarian vehicle and, for me, I don't want that masked with too much luxurious isolation. Reliability...can't argue with you against the Japanese. Quirkiness I can deal with, and I expect a few interesting experiences. Price of being different I suppose. I've had a few SAABs over the years so I'm used to that. Oh yeah the other thing, $$$. I would have had a harder time justifying this to my wife as well had she not seen and appreciated, at least for our family, the practical advantages over the other SUV's we looked at. That is, if you can use the words PRACTICAL and FIFTY G's (give or take) in the same sentence. Hope this helps... Jeff

outrageous

I assume you mean the red "low oil pressure" light. Did it come on while driving? Did you drive with it on for any length of time? How did the engine sound? Don't take any chances and drive if it stays on or you could ruin your engine.

tincup47

Actually it is a problem with the DVD unit itself. The prototypes worked correctly and the vendor changed a component after the design was approved and the shipping units all had the problem. There was no indication of any problems until retailers started installing the units and reported the issue. This was about a month ago. The problem has been identified and the remaining units in stock were sent back to the vendor to be reworked. They are working on getting a fix for units already installed in customer vehicles. This could just be a matter of swapping units when we have the updated parts available.

 There is a dummy plug that needs to be inserted into the AUX port for the DVD player to be heard through the audio system and that is provided with the kit. If the DVD is used with the headphones the AUX plug should be available to be used with an MP3 player, but I'm not positive it would be.

bjsbenz

Have my new Silver SE for 2 weeks and 500 miles.....it's a great solid truck! As I have posted before, I'm in the business and lease and sell everything so I have driven all of the competition. There is no comparison with the overall performance/capacity of this vehicle. I had an X5 and even though it's not as quick it's so much smoother in the engine and ride. The GX470 is boring and actually much smaller on the inside. Those are the 2 that most of you compare to....LR3 is hands down the winner!

    In reference to the quality, I haven't had a problem but that doesn't mean that there couldn't be issues down the road.......but GUESS WHAT? BMW and Lexus have their share of problems also. I pick up my customers vehicles for service and they all have some issues (yes even the MDX). I know we all want something that is perfect but that isn't reality.

    Whoever has ordered an LR3 be excited and whoever has theirs just enjoy it.

tincup47

Could you send me an E-mail with the name of the retailer you have been dealing with (the address is in my profile)? If you don't mind sending me your VIN also, I may be able to get in touch with one of our field reps to look into the problems.

go4snow

Yes, it was the "low oil pressure light" and fortunately I was only 1/4 of a mile from my house when the light came on. And that is where is sits. Looks great, but I don't dare drive it. I think if I call it 'sculpture' instead of 'vehicle' I will be happier. Oh, sorry, it didn't sound funny but I have only driven it about 400 miles.

outrageous

I'm glad to hear you didn't keep driving with the oil light on and that you weren't stranded in a bad place. Please keep us posted on how things turn out. Good luck!

flowner

I picked mine up yestederday and the mats. I also noticed the wind noise. My lr3 could not fit in my garage with them on. I had some trouble taking them off...I figure with two people it would be very easy to get them off.

 

I also picked up matts the dealer tried to sell me them for $300...I said no way and found the acessary page on landrover a few weeks later. Called parts and picked them up for $121...I'm not to keen on putting holes in my carpet to hold them down(see installtion instructions). I'll see if they'll stay in place on their own

johnmajor

I live on the East Coast in Maine. Pulled my 32ft boat out of the water last Saturday. Boat weighs 12,500lbs when full of fuel & it was.

The ramp to the water has to be about 25 or 30 degree slope and it is a bit slimy from the ocean + slushy ice. It was also snowing!

I have a LR3 HSE with tow & heavy duty package.

I usually pull the boat out with my Chevy Silverado 2500 duramax which has no problems & plenty of grunt. In 4 wheel drive the turning circle is hopeless and this ramp is tight especially with a triple axle trailer.

I thought lets try the LR3 and it did the job very well & was more controllable. Nearly every wheel had a few slip movements but all systems kicked in and it did the job. I was impressed

It only had to pull the boat a few miles to my storage area along twisty roads that are hilly & it managed that ok. I wouldn't want to try that for a long distance.

If I was going to regulary tow with the LR3 I'd think about a transmission oil cooler or check it didn't need one. Summers in the US are much warmer than the UK.

flowner

1) I love my LR3...I don't think it's more expensive when you compare apples to apples. The LR3 has Air suspenstion(font and back), 3 sun roofs. 6 six speed Automatic and command shift(which I love), etc

 

2) I hope in this era of modern computer design and testing that may be a moot point. I also figure a vechical that is tuff enough for off road should handle the every day stuff easily. And once you have it you may want to take a trip off road.

tincup47

John,

 I would be very careful about attempting to tow that much weight with an LR3. Maximum tow rating is 7,700 lbs. 12,500 lbs is well over that.

sector12

The vents in the center console of the second row of my SE only blow cool air even when the heat is on. My dealer told me that this was normal, and that these vents should be kept closed. Has anyone else found this to be the case.

michaelwillems

I experience the same. Also, left and right can behave differently. (See my roadtrip review on http://www.mvw.net/lr3/roadtest.php where I mention this too).

emols

has anyone noticed that there is alot of wind noise when sunroof is off?

grommet

Exactly. Don't tell your service department you're doing this. :-) Well, unless you like the phrase "your warranty is void." :-) If you really need to tow 12,500 lbs. regularly, you've bought the wrong vehicle.

michaelwillems

Anyone know LR Canada's phone number? They hide it well on the web site.

 

I need to know when I will get service booklet, warranty details, etc. These will be sent direct from LR, my dealer said, but I have seen nothing. Bit weird to not even know warranty details until weeks after I buy the car...

stever

There's a Contact Us link from the main English language site with a toll free number - looks like the whole site is being updated at the moment.

 

Steve, Host

johnmajor

Please re-read my post. I have a vehicle to tow it. It was a test!

Trailer weight limits are dead weight.

How many people weigh or exactly know the weight they are about to tow!

michaelwillems

There's a Contact Us link from the main English language site with a toll free number

 

I sure can't find it - I must be blind.

tidester

It's at the very top of the page near the right hand corner.

 

tidester, host