Land Rover Discovery and Discovery II

tincup47 · April 2002

You saw some early production vehicles that are here for testing and evaluation.

kbonnel · April 2002

I am just eager (or not) to see what a 2003 DSII is going to set me back

Kimo

mrwhipple · April 2002

tincup, is there any kind of kit to reactivate the "center diff lock" within the cab, for a '00 or '01 disco? Would it have any effect on the ECU?

thanks

tincup47 · April 2002

activating diff lock in 00 and 01 Discovereys will cause all sorts of problems with the ABS and traction control. They have changed the ECU and traction control strategy in the 03 model to enable diff lock. There won't be a kit that I know of to change this.

mrwhipple · April 2002

Could you switch out the ECU, or would that be a huge money factor? How would a kit differ from activating it manually underneath for an emergency? Just curious?

expert1 · April 2002

Has anyone had their new DIIs' smogged lately under California new rules? I hate to sound dumb, but with permanent 4X4 do I need to find a shop that all four wheels are put on the dyno or will the viscious clutch just slip and not apply any drive to the front?

tincup47 · April 2002

The Discovery does not have a viscous clutch, it utilizes the Traction control to control wheelspin. The center diff is an open design. You will have to take it to a testing facility that has provisions for AWD vehicles, as damage will occur if you do not.

denver8 · April 2002

Here in Colorado the testing facilities have a designated lane for AWD vehicles. They get all four wheels on the rollers and run the speed up to about 80 mph. The first time I took my Defender in they didn't get it tied down very good and the truck started moving around on the rollers, fortunately the guy shut her down before anything crazy happened. Scared me half to death.

expert1 · April 2002

All of my other cars have been taken to the regular $19.95, with a coupon, smog shop. In all the smog shops that I have gone to none have had dual dynos. Oh, well I guess I have found one thing that costs more with a DII.

billmelater2 · May 2002

I just recently had my 2001 BMW 330ci with a premium and Luxury package stolen (11 days ago) and not recovered as of yet. Looks like I need to replace. I fell in love with the Disco II after I bought mine two years ago, so here I am again. I have a few questions and a few responses.

Q1: What is the reliability factor with this vehicle? I have read a lot of stuff here about ACE and the brakes – both a repetitive problems in the comments above. What is the deal? I need a 5-year+ owner to start talking or someone that beats their DII to spill it. I don’t want to here about “I love it its great at 700 miles”, “I just picked mine up and won’t drive anything else”. I need long hall drives to come forward.

Answers to above:

What is the price of the 2003? – I have two requests that are out now and have not gotten them back yet but will pass them on when I do. I heard from one dealer that the new engine will have better mileage then the Range (due to less weight in the DII) and the price will be about $1000 more.

In addition to the above mentioned, I have been heavily researching the Discovery II and found a lot to share with other Disco II owners and future 03 owners. Land Rover will be making a big debut with the Rover and the Disco for 2003 this summer. The new Range Rover series III is due out in about 2 weeks. The dealers are currently being trained and testing the new model, which was a joint effort between BMW and Land Rover. The new RRIII is really nice, almost too nice to off road. The colors the options are all reconfigured and redesigned with the best of results. This technology is being passed onto the 2003 Discovery II with new options, brakes, suspension, engine, headlights, etc. If anyone has seen pictures of the new Rover, will love the 2003 Disco. They look the same from the front. LR changed the headlights and the taillights for 2003. The engine is what I am really waiting for. Once I get the prices back I will order one for the July launch.

Also if you have been poking around this web site you will find that Land Rover is number 5 for stereo's in cars over $30K...

5. 2002 Land Rover Range Rover (Alpine/Harman-Kardon)
An SUV in the top five? Pass the tea and crumpets and crank up the volume — this is one great-sounding audio system. With 460 watts of unadulterated Alpine juice powering 12 Harman-Kardon speakers throughout the cabin, you'll think you're at the Royal Albert Hall when this thing kicks in. The system includes an in-dash six-disc CD changer, a 10-inch subwoofer in back and — something we rarely see — a separate volume control for the sub. Pass the Grey Poupon and the opera glasses, bloke. Now if they could just fix the funky cosmetics and ergonomics. Oh, wait. They did that (with BMW's help) for 2003.

Feed back?

tincup47 · May 2002

The 2003 Discovery is not a complete update, basically it involves the 4.6 engine, diff lock being enabled and body and trim changes. Suspension, Chassis, Body Structure, basic interior design (other than colors) are unchanged from the 2002 Discovery. There are similarities in the Headlamps to the New Range Rover but none of the New Range Rover technologies are involved in this version.

expert1 · May 2002

I am confused. The DIIs' haven't been around for 5+ years yet. All I know is in my 16K, good mileage (16), power,awesone snow capabilities, minimal maintenance and plenty of stares and high fives. My brother-in-law has the same comments with his 30K+ DII and his friend has one the the first 1999 DIIs with 60K+ with no problems yet to be seen. I will get back to you in 4 years and give you a report.

billmelater2 · May 2002

I have a question for Tincup47, why would they state that the brakes, suspension, head lights, even the navigation monitor is in the LCD format rather then the current scroll words only model? I have the new brochure and it details each of these areas as being new and updated. Plus the sales person was just in San Diego on their testing grounds. How do you know that these areas remain unchanged? I am asking not challenging because this conflicts with what I have been told/learned. Also with that said do you know of any completely new body’s for 2004 on the Disco II?

Thank you very much for your comments.

tincup47 · May 2002

While there have been enhancements to many aspects of the Discovery, the basic platform is unchanged. It is still body on frame construction with live axles front and rear. The Engine (the 4.6 is just a stroked 4.0), Transmission and transfer box are basically the same as the current version as is the suspension. The Range Rover on the other hand is new from the ground up, sharing virtually no pieces from the current model.

nanuq · May 2002

I've got a '96 DI and I've had her about 5 years now. That year is known for several problems, all of which have happened to me. But once sorted, they stayed fixed.

I'm at 70k miles now, and those are hard miles. I might call those "dog miles", each one counts for 7 on-road light-footed miles? I drive Anuqa offroad extensively, I regularly bend the air dam, break my rear lamp lenses in the bumper and grind parts on the underside. I've been places where the passengers were shouting to LET ME OUT!!! and effortlessly got back again.

This winter she really shined; I spent a week tugging people out of ditches when we got 3 feet of snow in 24 hours. Everyone else that I know was stuck, in Explorers, Jeeps, you name it. I was having the time of my life pushing snow with the headlights, blowing it up over the windshield, and only got buried a couple times (and had to climb out the back hatch to dig myself out... the doors wouldn't open).

Reliability-wise, she had a tough start. One major mechanical, several minor mechanicals, several minor electricals, and the last problem was sorted 3 days after the warranty died. And I must say it was a painful agonizing death... I used that warranty till it bled.

And now? Not ONE problem in over 3 years of hard, hard use. I haven't broken anything that wasn't MY fault (stupidity). And I can compare her reliability to any of the 13 Hondas I've owned over the years... and that's with the hard use. I want to say "abuse" but it's not... it's simply hard use. I maintain her impeccably, and she rewards time and again.

I have nothing but highest recommendation for this truck.

Regards, -Bob

rkoesler · May 2002

Hello old, and new Roverites, it's been a long time since I posted. I'm at 26,250 miles with my 00 DII, and have had ZERO problems. It's the best, most trouble-free, reliable vehicle out of about 32 I've owned (including numerous BMW, MB, Toy, and others). That's in total contrast to my '99 DII which was the ultimate piece of crap. Goes to show you, that no two are alike, and everybody can have a lemon. Please don't judge a vehicle based on just one opinion.

billmelater2 · May 2002

Guys, thanks for your responses. I am test driving the DII SE tomorrow and considering 01 Range Rover Demos. If I DII I will order the 03 model which comes with a new warrantee which is parts/labor/service/maintenance/roadside assistance for 5/50,000. I really liked that feature that they will be offering. I had also mentioned that the new 2003 were getting new breaks and suspension and was challenged by another Towne about 4 responses back. I called the dealer and they confirmed that both systems would be refined and updated to have more advancements and corrections over the previous years.

I would especially like to thank “Nanug” for writing in and telling everyone what the Discovery was designed for and that they were actually designed prior to 1999. I thought I was nuts, when someone stated that they were just launched in 99.

I think my next question should be what colors inside and our does everyone recommend.

Thanks everybody.

tincup47 · May 2002

I did not dispute that the brakes and suspension would not be improved, just that is not a complete redesign like the 2003 Range Rover is over the 2002 model. There are changes to front end geometry that improves turn in and anti-dive features, along with changes to the brakes to improve pedal feel and stopping distances in the 03 Discovery. This is different than the changes from a body on frame, live axles front and rear to Unibody construction with front and rear independent suspension with the 02-03 Range Rover. The 03 Discovery will probably be the best Discovery made yet, but it is not a complete update.

nanuq · May 2002

It is very common for the offside rear spring to sag. It happened on mine about the same mileage into the fun. You're still under warranty, have them measure up and replace any spring that's sagging out of tolerance. If you need to replace them yourself for some odd reason, go with OME springs (Old Man Emu). You can read about this on Discoweb.org.

Build quality is VASTLY improved over the DIs. Back then they were mostly hand made and if the lads at Solihull were recuperating from a big weekend your Monday truck might pop out missing an engine.

Seriously, Rover has spent some big money tightening up their program. Even then, the problems were initial build... once sorted, they stay sorted and you'll have a truck to enjoy for literally decades.

As for brush bars and skid plates, I haven't mounted them on mine and I use her HARD. So far I've gouged the chassis many times but the hard bits are tucked up pretty well between the frame rails and they're safe if you drive to keep them away from rocks. You do want to be kind to your diffs. They're both lined up under your seat (on the DII) so it's easy to pass rocks; on the DI they're lined up on the offside. If you drop a wheel off an obstacle and crunch your diff onto a boulder without a skid plate you'll be walking.

I hope this helps, -Bob

nanuq · May 2002

Thanks for the kind words. The Disco was actually introduced overseas in 1994, I believe.

The one perfect pure and holy color for any vehicle is, of course, silver. Having aluminum skins under the paint, if you get too friendly with a tree branch and gouge your finish, nobody will really be able to tell.

My interior color is darkish grey, and it's wearing like iron. The older seats had the REALLY top grade leather and with 6 years of use mine still look new with minor wrinkling where they flex. I use Lexol to keep them soft.

I bought the heavy, deep floor mats from Costco and they do well at trapping mud and snow.

Best regards, I'm out of here for the weekend. We got fresh snow overnight and I'm taking a bunch of kids out camping in it.

-Bob

jynewf · May 2002

The Disco was introduced in 1989 in the UK. I was studying in the UK in 93, and Discos had already been around for a few years.

Back then, the Discos, along with the Vauxhall Frontera, were the besting looking things on the road.

polo2928b · May 2002

Hello everyone
My wife and I are planing to buy a Discovery II 2003, which shall be comming out at the end of the year, however, I am not familiar with the Rover models as I wish, so I need your help?
1. When is the current Discovery II expected to change models?
2. How does it compare to the X 5 of BMW (maybe comparing it to a X5 4.4 or 4.6 is not adequate but maybe to the X5 3.0
3. overall satisfaction, since it seems that it lacks HP and the SD model is not available in leather.

kkone · May 2002

The 2003 Disco II will be out this JULY 2003 and not the end of the year.

Response to question:

1) The current Discovery is not expected to change until 2005.

2)You are comparing "Apples" and "Oranges" with the X5 and the Disco II. The X5 is a car and the Discovery II is a truck. The engines are totally different as well. Disco has lot of low end tourque and X5 has lots of horse power.

3) No response....

Hope that helps

awseymour · May 2002

Hi folks,

Anyone have an idea how hard the trailer wiring harness is to install ? Looks like just mounting the connector, route the wires and plug in. Hard part seems to be getting my hands into those little holes in the back panels to plug the harness in. Basically is this a do it yourself job ?
Thanks

kkone · May 2002

Tincup:

I saw four 2003 Land Rovers today driving in San Francisco today 3/6/02. All 2003 models: Disco, Range, Defender 110 Wagon and the Freelander. All were painted ORANGE and had safari/luggage racks on all of them. They all had tons of gear on the roof. What are they doing in San Fran?

They looked GREAT!

KK

nanuq · May 2002

Ha! They were probably Mike Green from West Coast British, on ANOTHER trek. Last time I talked to him he had over 650,000 miles on his Disco Series I.

FWIW those were "Kalahari Specials" from my meagre knowledge, and were probably off for a demo of some sort.

tincup47 · May 2002

I have not heard anything about LRNA having any special event in San Francisco with any vehicles. At present there is a training event for the new Range Rover only going on in Santa Barbara. That is all we have going on. We wouldn't have a Defender 110 at any event as they are not sold here at this time and there are no plans to do so in the near future.

kkone · May 2002

Tincup:

I should have taken some pictures. I pulled over and looked at the vehicles because I wanted to get a good look at the 2003 Disco and Range. The thing that caught my eye was they were all painted ORANGE. The were all parked in front of our City Hall of San Francisco.

Wonder who they were or what was going on????

Kevin

luongh · May 2002

Does anybody know what will be the fuel mileage for the 2003 Disco? Is it true that Landrover is going to change the warranty term in 2003?

Thanks
luong

highmile · May 2002

I had read that the first Discoveries were introduced in 1989 and they were only available as a two door version. I saw the picture, and it looked weird. It's the same size and everything, just with two doors.

smarticus · May 2002

The first discoveries in the Uk were launched in 1989. I had the original 2 door. Looking back at it this was a pretty basic vehicle with a 2.5 litre diesel with 200 lb torque and 113 bhp, no electric windows, no central locking, steel wheels and no metallic paint. However at the time it was a revelation. It fitted perfectly below the Range Rover and above the Defender and was priced very competitively at about £16,000. It actually shared a great many components with the Range Rover and used all sorts of other parts from current and discontinued vehicles in the Rover Group. There is little doubt the Discovery saved Land Rover and turned it from a small scale manufacturer of specialist off road work horses (Defenders) and high end Range Rovers into a volume producer. The Discovery was actually designed and launched in a very short period of time and at a relatively very small cost (Rover being very short of cash at the time). The basic design was however brilliant, as bourne out by the fact that the current model still shares many features / concepts with the earliest version.

expert1 · May 2002

Took my father-in-law for a ride the other day through my his sons' vineyard in Amador County, CA. Up mountains and down valleys, over rocks and newly plowed soil. Traversing 30 acres plus, his comment was that he now didn't have to go to the gym for a work out. His muscles and bones were shook well enough to last him a few days. Compared to his other sons' Ford Excursion, this is a stiff vehicle. Back on the highway his mouth almost dropped by how smooth it now rode.

philbra · May 2002

Hello,

Been a fan Rover for years(owned a '63 Series IIA Pickup), but I've been ready to drop the Cherokee for something bigger,nicer, and hopefully more dependable.

I know the Discos have their quirks - gasket-seals, dealer, etc, but I'm used to working on my own vehicle and my wife(although she doesn't completely understand working on a truck for fun - she drives a Honda) I was wondering what I should look for in a 97-98 Disco I - potential problems, etc.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Phil

nwdisco · May 2002

Hello folks. Can anyone suggest how to have my windshield replaced without the leaking that I understand is very common? Also, how do you prevent the rear door from banging when you hit bumps.

mrghos · May 2002

Hello good people! I am really wanting to get a 2002 SE, Westminster Edition Disco. The all black interior and different rims are great. The only thing is, I wonder should I wait and go for the 2003 with the redesigns and bigger engine?

Feedback please...

Thanks!

nanuq · May 2002

I had my windshield replaced with a piece of factory glass and I have no leaks or wind noise. I think you just have to get an original glass and have it done at a good shop.

The rear door has a replacement latching block available that helps a lot. If you still have the original there's a big allen head screw on the post... loosen it and adjust the post "closer in" to the door seal, so when it latches it will hold the door tighter shut.

Good luck! -Bob

futurebeachbum · May 2002

Purchased a 2002 Westminster Edition a month ago. I also wrestled with the decision. I went ahead and purchased for the following reasons.
1. I liked the 2003 headlights, but thought they would be mostly hidden behind the the brush guard I added.
2. In test driving the 2002 I was aware of the complaints about needing more power but found the peformance satisfactory.
3. I took advantage of the current 4.9 financing.

futurebeachbum · May 2002

4. The dealer was willing to discount the 2002, I wasn't sure they would be as willing to deal on the 2003.
5. i assumed the 2003 would carry a higher sticker.

Not an easy decision, but whether you end up with a 2002 or 2003, either one will be a great SUV and a blast to drive.

expert1 · May 2002

Bob is right on the money with his windshield advise. I had wind noise with my 2000 DiscoII and took it into the dealer. They discovered that a non-factory windshield was installed and that the rubber was reused. I talked to the service writer about Rovers and he said that only three aftermarket glass suppliers should be used and mine was not one of them. Since it was a insurance job, I had a rock ding too, I went with factory glass. ($915.00) It comes with a new rubber gasket and new plastic rivets. He also said that he only uses one installer here in Sacramento at his dealership. It guarantees him of a complaint-free installation.

nanuq · May 2002

Another thing to consider, the roof line on a Series-I Disco drops well down in front. Being 6'5" tall, I'm looking thru the top couple inches of glass as it is. When I had my windshield replaced they put on a tinted glass, with the dark strip at the top. Now when I drive at night it makes me scrunch down in my seat to see beneath the tinted strip.

Just something to consider. Next glass for me will be non-tinted at the top.

I believe this was addressed in the Series-II Disco, the roofline doesn't come down quite as far... but it's still something to think about.

Regards, Bob

mrghos · May 2002

Thanks futurebeachbum! I am going to try to hold off till towards the end of the summer. Hopefully I will still be able to locate a 2002 Westminster Edition here in Indiana. I guess if I NEVER drive the Disco with the bigger engine, I will never know what I may be missing. The sticker probably will be higher in 2003. And 4.9% looks really attactive right now...

Thanks!

aghadden · May 2002

I know you asked for a 5+ year owner, but DII's have only been out since '99 1/2. I'll probably get flamed for this, but I wish I had listened to similar posts before I bought my 2000 DII in January of 00. I absolutely loved this vehicle when it was new, had never been more proud to drive a vehicle. I'm now at 33,500, and my only hope is that LRNA will agree to a repurchase it. In the last three months it has spent more nights at the dealership than with me (literally). Between recall work, the dealer totally screwing up the 30K service (gaskets weren't replaced correctly and all the tranny fluid leaked out), rear main seal having to be replaced, new O2 sensors, new ECM, dealer dented it while in for service, brake job that caused the breaks to squeak, and several other minor problems. Now the tranny is making noise (wonder if it has anything to do with all the fluid leaking out

). I'm just sick. I know some people have had good luck, but this is far and away the worst vehicle I've ever owned. If you're considering a Disco, my advice would be to run away as fast as you can. If your dead set on one, mine's for sale...

nanuq · May 2002

I'm sure sorry to hear of your problems with the Series-II.

One bit of advice that seems to still work with the newer Rovers... sometimes you gotta "take her over the hump" so to speak.

Initial build quality is light years better than it used to be, but it seems there are still trucks where problems arise that must be dealt with. However, once fixed (not simply "bandaged") they'll stay fixed.

I haven't heard of as many problems as this with the newer Discos. It was common with the Series-I Discos. It may be that you can bite the bullet, fix the remaining annoyances (and have that transmission looked at pronto) and you'll have no more trouble.

I was at the same point you are. I HATED this truck after a couple years' aggravation. But I stuck it out, and now she's wonderful. Absolutely zero trouble in 3 years, and I use her HARD.

Good luck, -Bob

bear38 · May 2002

anyone know the numbers for the new 4.6l? is it the same engine ford has been using in the trucks and expeditions?

nbow · May 2002

There is a Range Rover launch event in Chicago on Monday May 20th at the Museum of Contemporary Art. You'll be able to drive the New Range Rover. Call 1-877-480-8546 to RSVP for the event.

bakca · May 2002

Bear38: Here is a link to specs for the 2003 DII

http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=11531

aghadden: Sorry to hear of your troubles. Sounds like the DII has been fine and that the last service caused the problems. The dealership seems to owe you big time. Based on my dealer experience (although not extensive) they should take care of you. If not I bet LRNA would make sure they do.

rkoesler · May 2002

I feel your pain, "adhaggen". I had a '99 DII that was the biggest piece of automotive crap I'd ever owned with 18 dealer visits and some $9000 in warranty repairs (new transfer case, front wheel hub assembly, drive shafts, trim pieces, door strikers, water pump, numerous water leaks, oil leaks, etc.); All in less than 11000 miles. I could not get LRNA to do anything, so I finally traded for a Toyota, BUT

I missed my DII very much and so I bought a 2000. It now has 26,500 miles and has been perfect in all respects. I just love it. It's better than my last three new Mercedes' or BMW's. Get the dealer to fix yours right, and stay in love with it as you should be. Good luck. Keep us posted!

expert1 · May 2002

Sorry also about your problems. At 16+K with my 2000 DiscoII and still not a drop, squeal, pop, or whistle. I will cross my fingers at 35K. All of my servicing is done by myself. When ever I have had any of my vehicles worked on by others I have had problems. I had to retime my Dodge, clean the engine of my Chevy (with was also dented by the dealer on the roof) and un-squeak my brakes on my Toyota. I have learned the hard way. Don't blame the LR, blame their service personell. I suspect the lowest paid mechanic gets the 30K service jobs at a dealership (maybe they really use the wash boy). I bought this rig because it is a dream to service. The clearance makes oil and fluid changes a snap. Also it enables a good unobstructed view of the pan, transfer case etc. to keep tabs on the "seeps."
Question, why did the case gaskets need changing on the 30K tranny service? Did you mean the pan gasket with a filter change? This is a no brainer on ever car I have ever serviced.

aghadden · May 2002

Nanuq, Bakca, expert1 and Rkoesler,

Thanks for your sentiments on my predicament. I do agree that part of my problems has been the dealerships, but I have now had serious problems with three dealerships I've dealt with. LR Denver South has a very courteous staff, Shane Joines in particular has been helpful and listened to my problems and has each time eventually gotten them repaired (he even repaired the bad break job done by another dealer at no cost to me), so I do give a lot of credit for that. However, my 30 K service was really botched which I believe is going to lead to even bigger problems soon, and my disco was dented while in their care.

LR Flatirons service is a HUGE JOKE. Todd Dahlbach is the most useless service manager I've ever met. Early on in my ownership (about 5k miles), I took the car in because the ABS was not functioning correctly. I told him that engagement would skip, and the car was not stopping correctly. This know-it-all told me I didn't know what I was talking about, and that this sophisticated system worked much "better" than the ABS systems I was used to. I just accepted it as a design change that I didn't like, but would have to live with. The recall on the break system that was done in February fixed the problem. My next encounter with this Todd was in February when I found a new leak spot on my garage floor (I've now had leaks from the valve covers, oil pan, tranny pan, radiator coupling and rear main). This leak was the rear main. Todd "doofus" Dahlbach would not authorize the repair because it was "seeping" not "leaking".

My other dealership experience was with LR American Fork in Utah. I had had such terrible luck in Colorado, I decided to have my breaks done in Utah while at the Olympics. Well, they began squeaking immediately. I called, they said they just needed to "seat". 2,500 miles later they were still squeaking.

All of the problems (mitering the breaks, replacing rear main, etc.) have been repaired at this point by LR Denver South, and I do give them credit for that, but I live in huge fear of what this vehicle is going to cost to operate, maintain (and rent loaners) after the warranty runs out.

The above was written on Thursday. Edmunds retracted it due to my colorful description of Todd Dahlbach. On Thursday night, the Service Engine Soon light came back on, the idle went rough, and it is back at the dealer. All O2 sensors have been replaced. The ECM has been replaced. No one seems to be able to competently service these things, or Ive got a grand lemon on my hands.

Does anyone know an attorney in Colorado who has successfully represented a consumer in a suit to get his or her money (less use) back on a two-year-old lemon?

Thanks in advance,

aghadden · May 2002

I can appreciate wanting to service your vehicle yourself, but I would issue a bit of caution. When I called LRNA directly about my "seeping" rear main, the individual I spoke with did not see that my 22.5K service had been done bu LR Denver South (although it had been), and basically told me that since I hadn't had all service done at an authorized Rover dealer my warranty wasn't valid (not so directly, but I could tell they would blame every problem on non-rover service). Good luck.

Lemon Owner

Land Rover Discovery and Discovery II

Comments

Helpful Tools

Most popular vehicles