spotted ARB D4 bullbar

[trobbo]

Sitting at the lights tonight on the way home from work, I noticed the spunky headligts of the D4 coming up behind me and approaching rapidly in the slip lane.

As I'm mesmorized by the lights everytime I see them I watched the car in my mirror the whole way until it passed me.

As it flashed pass I noticed the D4 was wearing a bull bar. That's rare I though having read on here others attempts at getting bar work, but what was even rarer was it looked like an ARB bar. Now everyone is being told these are not available yet so I thought I better go check this out.

I pulled out of my lane and zoomed down the slip lane and turned in the direction of the D4. I eventually caught up and got a better look - yep he has an ARB bar sitting on the front of his car.

As it was dark and I was driving I didn't get a chance to get any pics, but if you know what the D3 bar looks like then this looked pretty much the same. Not that that should surprise anyone.

I have seen this D4 around Ringwood couple of times now - Bonatti Gray HSE 3.0 ltr, but this is the first time I have seen it with a bar.

So if you are after a bullbar it is probably time to start turning up the heat on ARB because they at least have a proto type developed.

[GeorgeK]

An ARB store in Sydney said ARB had the first prototype designed and they are developing/testing a second prototype. I was told ARB expect to have one ready for sale in 6 weeks. Therefore about early August. We shall see...I guess.

Cheers

George

[Brick]

Hoooeeee,

Just in time for the delivery of my D4 and before we head of up north for a bit of a break.

[Watpub]

Nothing on their web site yet and when you do a product search by Landrover Discovery D4 it still shows a D3 :mad:. Although I must admit the bull bar on the D3 looks grouse and hopefully is a sign of what the D4 will look like.

Hmm, 6 weeks to save how much loot? About $2,500???

[trobbo]

I must admit the bull bar on the D3 looks grouse and hopefully is a sign of what the D4 will look like.

Hmm, 6 weeks to save how much loot? About $2,500???

I prefer the sahara style bar myself but ARB have said they are not doing one because they didn't sell enough for the D2a.

The D3 bar is $1846.95 plus fitting of $340 - total $2186.95.

If you think the fitting sounds expensive there is a 20+ page fitting manual. :o Long gone are the days im afraid, where you simply undo a couple of bolts to pull the old bumper off and then do them up again with the bar in place.

[Watpub]

Trobbo,

Do they reuse things like the fog lamps from the D3/D4 or do you have to buy the ARB ones? I know the ARB ones cost and arm and a proverbial.

Ron

[Tote]

They used my fog lamps when they fitted the bar to my D3.
Regards,
Tote

[Watpub]

For what it's worth I just emailed them to stick my hand up for one and this was the reply:

"The Discovery 4 bars are still in the prototype/engineering stage so we don’t have any pricing or production runs set at this stage. I expect to have some more information in the next couple of weeks. I have put an order on a bar for you to get you in line for when they are available. This order doesn’t commit you to it but it means that we will have a bar put aside for you. "

Regards, Ron

PS: Just received a follow up email where they advised that only the Deluxe bar would be made available.

[Graeme]

I hope they still have my name and contact details up near the top of their list. I suppose I should check.

[Duck's Guts]

I've had a deposit down with ARB on a D4 winch bar since 22/5/10.

3 weeks ago was told that the prototype failed. Failed what? Not sure but it was suggested that it might have been something to do with the SRS air bags etc. & meeting compliance. Also told that the second prototype was complete & now undergoing compliance.

Yesterday was informed that a D4 winch bar now has an ARB Part Number (sorry but I forgot to ask for it), and manufacture will soon be commencing. Earliest deliveries will be end-July or early August.

My official order to ARB quoting the part number went in yesterday. So I should be one of the first deliveries....

And I can't wait...the roos around here are terrible. I've already hit one small roo (no visible damage) & been close all too often, & I've only had the D4 for 4 weeks.

[sheerluck]

....I've already hit one small roo (no visible damage) .....

To the roo or the car?

[Watpub]

My official order to ARB quoting the part number went in yesterday. So I should be one of the first deliveries....


Did they give you any pricing? Also, are you getting it colour coded?

Regards, Ron

[Graeme]

It was confirmed today that my order is indeed on the system and has been since 18th Feb when I believed I was placing my order.

[Duck's Guts]

Did they give you any pricing? Also, are you getting it colour coded?

Regards, Ron


No, not yet for the bar, but told to expect similar to D3 price i.e. $1695.45.
Yes, I am getting colour coding (zinc rich undercoat/primer known as Stornaway Grey in L/R speak).

Also expect colour coding to be $220, supply & fit fog lights $120 (the original D4's don't fit & are returned to you for resale on eBay!), fit winch to bar $85, & fit bar to vehicle $255.

[Duck's Guts]

It was confirmed today that my order is indeed on the system and has been since 18th Feb when I believed I was placing my order.

My order was in the local ARB branch system since mid-May, but until an ARB part number is available the order can't be placed with the ARB head office/factory.

[Graeme]

My order was confirmed as being on the Melbourne system by ARB Canberra.

[Duck's Guts]

:BigThumb: Good stuff, Graeme.
Hopefully supply & install is not to long away....

As an aside: out of interest I called in to the local TJM Megamart & enquired about their bar development for the D4. They telephoned research & development at head office who informed them that TJM has no plans to EVER do a D4 bar! Believed it was too difficult an engineering task that wasn't warranted by potential sales...

[Graeme]

Hopefully supply & install is not to long away....
I was told 6-8 weeks even if they started production the next day so I'm not holding my breath.

[AGRO]

ARB Canning Vale in Perth has stated today,

Quote

We are expecting a flow of disco 4 bars late July we do not have any pricing on the bars as of yet

End Quote


Let us see whether or not this eventuates!!

[Jesse B]

Checked with my local ARB folk yesterday - they made inquiries about my bar (ordered late December!) and were told it is due to arrive in WA early August. They were also told that mine is #2 on the production run - couldn't tell me who #1 was, but #3 is someone in Tassie...

This makes me more hopeful, but I'm still not holding my breath - except when I go out "unprotected" at night (never a good move!).

[GeorgeK]

I've had an order in for an ARB bar since Feb 10. The order is in the 'system' but there is an issue with the allocated part number. Also I am now told that there is now no delivery date. This has changed since the last time I spoke to them. I haven't discussed colour coding and the ARB staff, although helpful, can't tell me if ARB have made provision for front parking sensors and cameras (I have the surround camera system). So it is still 'wait out'.

Cheers

George

[Duck's Guts]

Checked with my local ARB folk yesterday - they made inquiries about my bar (ordered late December!) and were told it is due to arrive in WA early August. They were also told that mine is #2 on the production run - couldn't tell me who #1 was, but #3 is someone in Tassie...

This makes me more hopeful, but I'm still not holding my breath - except when I go out "unprotected" at night (never a good move!).

In the imortal words of Dr Evil: "Who does #2 work for!?!?"
Just found out I'm #1... :cool:
An example of the squeakie wheel getting the good oil? :angel:

[ADMIRAL]

Checked with my local ARB folk yesterday - they made inquiries about my bar (ordered late December!) and were told it is due to arrive in WA early August. They were also told that mine is #2 on the production run - couldn't tell me who #1 was, but #3 is someone in Tassie...

This makes me more hopeful, but I'm still not holding my breath - except when I go out "unprotected" at night (never a good move!).

I had similar advice about a month ago. Todays advice is that they have numbers for two bars, a deluxe and a winch bar. No dates other than " it is at least 3 months away " and advice to my local delaer to not even take deposits. Does not sound hopeful.

[Duck's Guts]

Prototype completed, now ready for final fitting to test vehicle.
Test vehicle (not owned by ARB) & owner gone on holiday trip for two weeks.
Final fitting therefore delayed, & flows on to a delayed start to production manufacturing. First deliveries to ARB stores now not until 3rd and 4th weeks in August. :(

[Lobster]

Hi all, this is my 1st post here, but long time lurker B)

I have a 2009 RRS that I wish to fit an ARB Bull Bar. There is not one specifically made for this vehicle, but I have seen forum photos of the fitment of a slightly modified D3 bar to a RRS in America. details & photos in link below.

RangeRovers.net • View topic - Modified ARB bumper for LR3 on a RRS (http://rangerovers.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=30569&sid=3c2a2a382bdffe5295ad8184246b3ddd)

It is my belief that the front grille & lamps profile and height of the D4 is very similar to my RRS than the more upright grille of the D3.

I believe that the mountings unless changed from D3 to D4 should allow an easier way of adapting the D4 bar to my vehicle. Is any one able to comment on this?

[ADMIRAL]

Hi Lobster,

As the ARB bar requires trimming of body panels and flares, it may be a difficult fit, or an awkward looking one, if panels don't line up. The ECB bar has been well debated on this forum ( some don't like the looks compared to the ARB bar ) but on D4 it does not require body cuts. It may be an easier ( if you can call what you are contemplating easy ) fit. I am not even going to comment on the ADR compliance, but it would pay to discuss or at least explore the attitude your insurance company may have to the proposed action.

[LeaRoy]

Do people not have a problem with there nice new vehicle having the body panels and flares trimmed?

[Graeme]

Do people not have a problem with there nice new vehicle having the body panels and flares trimmed?
Yes, but not enough to get the ECB bar instead. I think the sides of the bar could allow the flares to stay intact but ARB told me they wont do that as it then doesn't fit their standard appearance. I'll be fitting my bar so will have a look at the possibilities at the time.

[Lobster]

As the ARB bar requires trimming of body panels and flares, it may be a difficult fit, or an awkward looking one, if panels don't line up. The ECB bar has been well debated on this forum ( some don't like the looks compared to the ARB bar ) but on D4 it does not require body cuts. It may be an easier ( if you can call what you are contemplating easy ) fit. I am not even going to comment on the ADR compliance, but it would pay to discuss or at least explore the attitude your insurance company may have to the proposed action.

It would be great to be able to buy & fit a bar for the RRS from the manufacturer, but this is unlikely.

I agree and have no desire to fit an ECB bar to my car, to me it looks odd (ugly) & hangs too low, but easy fitment must have been their objective. The ARB is not as low also includes a sump plate.

I am hoping the ARB D4 bar has the same chassis mounts as the D3/RRS, as the D4 has only had cosmetic changes to the front.

The grille profiles of the D4 & my 09 RRS now look to be very similar, I am seeking comments on this.

As can be seen from from the photo below & in my link for the D3, the chassis mounts were identical. The back of the two uprights wont require modification now & there should be only very limited trimming of the bar ends as the RRS doesn't have flares below the bumper.

Re ADRs the D3/4 & RRS are near identical under the skin forward of the B pillar.

I would be comparing both the ARB D3 & D4 bars and measurements of grille & headlight dimensions before considering this project.

[trobbo]

You may have better luck having a look around DISCO3.CO.UK - Index (http://disco3.co.uk/forum/) for details of differences between D3/D4/RRS as there are a few blokes on there talking about mocking up D3's to look like the 4.

It wasn't a straigt forward project and had something to do with the lights not fitting IIRC but not sure if it was predominantly a physical or electrical issue.

That bar looks good btw.

[LeaRoy]

Anyone had any updates on availability of the ARB bars yet?

[Jesse B]

I asked my local ARB dealer to inquire again, on the basis that the last message he got was "early August delivery" - and it's early August. Well, guess what?? The latest information from ARB is "Disco 4 bar is still in engineering phase and could be three months away..." :wallbash:

I don't think I've ever been given so many mixed messages about one item! Makes one think the ECB option mightn't look that bad after all! :(

[ADMIRAL]

I asked my local ARB dealer to inquire again, on the basis that the last message he got was "early August delivery" - and it's early August. Well, guess what?? The latest information from ARB is "Disco 4 bar is still in engineering phase and could be three months away..." :wallbash:

I don't think I've ever been given so many mixed messages about one item! Makes one think the ECB option mightn't look that bad after all! :(

My post from June. I have heard this somewhere before !!

I had similar advice about a month ago. Todays advice is that they have numbers for two bars, a deluxe and a winch bar. No dates other than " it is at least 3 months away " and advice to my local dealer to not even take deposits. Does not sound hopeful.

[Duck's Guts]

Just spoke to ARB HQ:

They now have a price on their "System" for a D4 winch bar of $1839 supply only.
Their "System" does not yet show when the "Pilot Run" is scheduled. This is when the first 10 to 15 bars are manufactured. I was told to expect then that this would likely mean that the pilot run would be after 1st September, and to check back after this date.

As many have said before....don't hold your breath!

[Disco4SE]

I was driving along this morning in Sorrento Vic when I noticed the D4 coming towards me had an ARB winchbar. I quickly did a u turn and followed him until he pulled up. His Disco was used by ARB Kilsyth to try & test the bar. I then rang ARB Dandenong and they claim that it will be a couple of months yet. They are still playing around with the front camera set up on the HSE.
Hopefully not too much longer.
BTW: The bar looked great.
Cheers, Craig

[Duck's Guts]

Pilot run completed.
HQ is waiting on ARB Moorebank to conduct a trial fitment to a HSE D4 before going public and advertising that they have a solution for ALL D4's.

They expect the first customer notification to make an install appointement in the last week Sept, if you have ordered a bar in the standard black. If it's colour coded you will wait longer (at least 1 week) depending on how busy the spraypainter is that the ARB branch uses.

[gghaggis]

Note that Land Rover will have their own D4 bull bar available in Oz apparently in Dec/Jan. I saw a photo of it - very nice.

Cheers,

Gordon

[Duck's Guts]

Note that Land Rover will have their own D4 bull bar available in Oz apparently in Dec/Jan. I saw a photo of it - very nice.

!!! I take it that you were not able to swipe the photo, otherwise you would have posted it!

[Lobster]

Note that Land Rover will have their own D4 bull bar available in Oz apparently in Dec/Jan. I saw a photo of it - very nice.

Please share a description of the design or a photo....

Any hint of a LR bull bar bar for my RRS?

[gghaggis]

I will need permission before I can post the photo - but it has much better approach lines than say, the ECB bar, and probably the ARB one too. It is alloy and winch compatible. And of course, it will be warranteed by LR.

No news of one for the RRS though :(

Cheers,

Gordon

[ADMIRAL]

I have decided to wait on more detail and pics for the LR bar. It would seem the ARB bar is still at least a month away. I have waited 9 months now, what's a another 3.
Hopefully being an LR bar, the headlight can be changed without removing the bar.

[Duck's Guts]

Thanks for the info Gordon.

The LR bar sounds great, and interesting to hear that they may have even greater approach angles / clearance than an ARB bar, love to see how that is achieved.
But for me I prefer steel to alloy.
Too much work maintaining a polished alloy bar, and I've never had any success keeping that shiny look. They have always ended up completely covered in swirls/scratches.

[gghaggis]

Thanks for the info Gordon.

The LR bar sounds great, and interesting to hear that they may have even greater approach angles / clearance than an ARB bar, love to see how that is achieved.
But for me I prefer steel to alloy.
Too much work maintaining a polished alloy bar, and I've never had any success keeping that shiny look. They have always ended up completely covered in swirls/scratches.

On just about any vehicle, if you fit a steel bull-bar, you are advised to upgrade your suspension. Despite the 'magic' of air suspension, I'd much prefer to keep the overhanging weight as low as possible, so an alloy bar for me! The question is whether I can modify it to fit the RRS:BigThumb:

Cheers,

Gordon

[ADMIRAL]

Thanks for the info Gordon.

The LR bar sounds great, and interesting to hear that they may have even greater approach angles / clearance than an ARB bar, love to see how that is achieved.
But for me I prefer steel to alloy.
Too much work maintaining a polished alloy bar, and I've never had any success keeping that shiny look. They have always ended up completely covered in swirls/scratches.

Over 70 % of alloy bullbars are powder coated. ( manufacturers figures ) End of issue.

[Duck's Guts]

Over 70 % of alloy bullbars are powder coated. ( manufacturers figures ) End of issue.

That's news to me.
Who makes powder coated alloy bars?

[ADMIRAL]

Just about all of the bars. ECB alloy use powder coat. Barjo, Barja ...can't think of the name use the same ( division of ECB ) TJM & ARB steel are also powder coated, unless the purchaser specifies otherwise. The p/coated hammertone type finish on the alloy bars is great. Hide's the marks, and has a slippery silicone like finish which helps repel the bugs.

The crunch issue on the LR bar will I suspect be the price ! It really doesn't matter what it looks like ( good I mean ) if it is twice as much as the ARB steel.

[Graeme]

I will need permission before I can post the photo - but it has much better approach lines than say, the ECB bar, and probably the ARB one too. It is alloy and winch compatible. And of course, it will be warranteed by LR.

No news of one for the RRS though :(

Cheers,

Gordon
Gordon,
Do you any more information on LR's bar that you can share?

[gghaggis]

Hi Graeme,

Other than seeing a photo of it, I think I've posted everything I know so far:

* alloy
* winch compatible (with the LR winch kit?)
* colour coded
* locally produced to LR specs
* _seems_ to have better approach angles than ECB/ARB (my personal opinion)
* available end Dec or Jan 2011

Cheers,

Gordon

[Graeme]

Thanks Gordon.
I'm not keen to wait longer than I have to, especially over summer months when roos feed at dawn and dusk so will restrict my options to ECB & ARB. Decisions, decisions...

[ADMIRAL]

Hi Graeme,

Other than seeing a photo of it, I think I've posted everything I know so far:

* alloy
* winch compatible (with the LR winch kit?)
* colour coded
* locally produced to LR specs
* _seems_ to have better approach angles than ECB/ARB (my personal opinion)
* available end Dec or Jan 2011

Cheers,


Gordon

Hi Gordon.

Is that really the eta, end of 2011!!? I might have to revise my plans.


Neil

[gghaggis]

Er no, I think maybe my wording was a little ambiguous - it's end of Dec 2010 or Jan 2011!

Cheers,

Gordon

[Disco4SE]

Hi Gordon,
Any chance of some pics soon?
Cheers, Craig