Disco 4 versus X5

[jmb]

Gidday all,

I'm new to this forum and I understand there will some bias here in my question but I wanted to get some feedback.

Have been driving an x5 for almost 8 years and am about to trade in. The x5 has performed well especially on road but off road has struggled at times.

I don't do a huge amount of off road, just some regular trips to the country, dirt tracks and in the near future more towing and some heavier farm type activity. That's the reason I'm considering the Disco 4. I haven't test driven the car yet but will when I'm ready to trade. I know the off road performance is superior to the x5, how about the on-road?

I'd appreciate any other feedback.

Thanks JMB

[AnD3rew]

Haven't driven a D4, I have a D3, but I have driven an x5, and moved to the d3 from a BMW sedan, and I don't think you will be disappointed on road and you will be delighted off road. The D3 is definitely the best car I have owned and I have owned quite a few.

[jmb]

Thanks for your response,

I've just been reading all the negative press on the internet of people with LR problems. How real are all of these complaints and do you think the Disco 4 has fixed any problems?

JMB

[ADMIRAL]

Gidday all,

I'm new to this forum and I understand there will some bias here in my question but I wanted to get some feedback.

Have been driving an x5 for almost 8 years and am about to trade in. The x5 has performed well especially on road but off road has struggled at times.

I don't do a huge amount of off road, just some regular trips to the country, dirt tracks and in the near future more towing and some heavier farm type activity. That's the reason I'm considering the Disco 4. I haven't test driven the car yet but will when I'm ready to trade. I know the off road performance is superior to the x5, how about the on-road?

I'd appreciate any other feedback.

Thanks JMB

Depends what you are after. Any road test will tell you the X5 is an outstanding on road handler, and pretty hopeless in a true off road situation. The D3/D4 is good for a 4WD on road, and outstanding for any vehicle off road. Try and set up an extended test drive.

[CSBrisie]

If it helps, I own a 2006 TDV6 SE and only problem in 87,000km's has been cruise control stopped working (common warranty fix on D3's) and occasional "fault" warning coming up on dash which seems to be battery related - only ever happens when car has been idle for a while or only used on short trips. Otherwise car has been perfect - and that includes 3 Oodnadatta track / Uluru trips towing a Kimberley Kamper - so yes it has been offroad (see my gallery if in doubt! )

[camel_landy]

An auto Disco3 or 4 is now my weapon of choice off-road - They are brilliant. Then, stick a set of mud tyres on and they're almost unstoppable!

Disco 4 is significantly better on-road than the D3. In fact, it's now more like the old RRS.

IMHO - The X5 is a 4x4 but it is not an off-roader.

HTH

M

[Disco4SE]

Gidday all,

I'm new to this forum and I understand there will some bias here in my question but I wanted to get some feedback.

Have been driving an x5 for almost 8 years and am about to trade in. The x5 has performed well especially on road but off road has struggled at times.

I don't do a huge amount of off road, just some regular trips to the country, dirt tracks and in the near future more towing and some heavier farm type activity. That's the reason I'm considering the Disco 4. I haven't test driven the car yet but will when I'm ready to trade. I know the off road performance is superior to the x5, how about the on-road?

I'd appreciate any other feedback.

Thanks JMB
Hi JMB,
I have driven both, and have mates with X5's.
Your query can be better answered if you let us know what engine you have in your X5. If you go from the 3.0 Diesel in the X5 to the 3.0 Diesel in the D4, you wont notice alot of difference.
Road handling would be slightly better in the X5, but marginal.
Off road.........well thats another scenario all together. The D4 is far superior and flexible.
On conclusion, mates that have driven my D4 3.0 prefer mine to their X5's.
Cheers, Craig

[scarry]

Thanks for your response,

I've just been reading all the negative press on the internet of people with LR problems. How real are all of these complaints and do you think the Disco 4 has fixed any problems?

JMB

My mates X5 was out of oil before it's first service:eek:I don't know the full story,but it has had major repairs.He also couldn't get the oil anywhere,had to be from the dealer.It is a diesel.

The D3/4 are very complex vehicles,& a credit to the manufacture that there are so few problems.

A search on this site will show many owners of the D3/4 are extremely happy with their vehicles

As said,test drive a D4,& you won't be dissapointed.

[mowog]

At 5:10 in the video below pretty well sums it up. It is an X6 to be fair.

YouTube- Top Gear - 14x06 - BMW X6

[rmp]

From what you describe either vehicle will do the job.

If you are an enthusiast onroad drive get the X5, although the D4 is pretty good onroad it's not at the same very high level of the Bimmer.

If you may venture further offroad or do heavy towing or need a load-shifter get the D4.

As you say the X has struggled offroad I would go for the D4.

Also consider a VW Touraeg which beats the X offroad but isn't as good as the D4, and can tow 3500kg. That's do the job nicely too. TD V6 there is my choice. Small in the back tho.

[Johnno1969]

Gidday all,

I'm new to this forum and I understand there will some bias here in my question but I wanted to get some feedback.

Have been driving an x5 for almost 8 years and am about to trade in. The x5 has performed well especially on road but off road has struggled at times.

I don't do a huge amount of off road, just some regular trips to the country, dirt tracks and in the near future more towing and some heavier farm type activity. That's the reason I'm considering the Disco 4. I haven't test driven the car yet but will when I'm ready to trade. I know the off road performance is superior to the x5, how about the on-road?

I'd appreciate any other feedback.

Thanks JMB


The Discovery 4 is better in every conceivable way. I have never driven either vehicle, nor had anything to do with them (though I did see an X5 drive past near Caloundra one day) but somehow I just know. (Bias? Nah.....)

[CaverD3]

Also consider a VW Touraeg ..... Small in the back tho.

We looked at it and it failed the 'Dane' test.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2010/08/567.jpg

He could stand up and turn round in the D3. :BigThumb:

[big guy]

Test drive both and you soon be your own judge.

My money is on the Disco though, while at it, drive the Range sport too and you may never ever look back.

When we go away, my mates X5 diesel sports gets left at the gate and we head off road. It does not even cut the mustard up the track to the farm house, it has no traction and we all pile in back of the Disco.

Happy shopping.:p

[Dorko]

I drove both this year before picking the D4. Impressions on road where both the same and very good. I like the buttons in the BMW and all the gadgets.

However the D4 3L, was just way better overall because I wanted to go offroad. If all you did was city driving then the X5 would be my choice.

If you want to offroad, which you will if you buy a D4 because its so easy, then go the D4 3L.

Dorko

[jmb]

Hey thanks to all for your responses,

I currently drive the petrol 3 litre x5 and would be moving to the 3ltr diesel.

Whilst my x5 has been rather flawless in running it did have one major drama I discovered a day after purchase. It wouldn't reverse up hill, the diff. ( I presume) kept slipping and they had to replace the complete gear box. No problems since then, a few small ditties but nothing unusual.

I'll be trading in 2 months or so and will test drive then. I have considered the RR sport too but the Disco 4 seems to have more space and it's cheaper too. Let you know how I go.

Thanks,

JMB

[BigJon]

I find it interesting that people have said things like if you are an enthusiastic driver get the BMW. Or if you are doing all city driving get the BMW.

In my opinion, if you are an ethusiastic driver or doing all city driving them you would be much better off with a car, not a "truck".

[feraldisco]

I find it interesting that people have said things like if you are an enthusiastic driver get the BMW. Or if you are doing all city driving get the BMW.

In my opinion, if you are an ethusiastic driver or doing all city driving them you would be much better off with a car, not a "truck".

the problem is that a lot of us can't afford two cars...and I actually take great pleasure in cleaning up cars through roundabouts in the ACE-equipped Disco...:angel:

[jonesy63]

Two things:
1) D3s/D4s are not "trucks"
2) The diesels get better fuel economy than Commodores and Falcons - I reckon greenies should love them! :angel:

[Disco4SE]

Talking of cars & trucks. My wife has a new BMW 3 series.
My D4 is quieter, smoother & more relaxed to drive. Those who refer to the Disco as a "Truck" need to drive them first.

[cartm58]

comparing a x5 and D4 is like comparing a Kruger and Land Cruiser, both are wagons and both have off road abilities but are built for totally different markets and consumers no one buying a x5 is a serious off roader or buying it for towing anything and why anyone outside the Eastern ski fields and isn't a regular skier would want to buy one instead of BMW sedan is beyond my comprehension.

But then again l am poor person and don't have more money than sense

[feraldisco]

comparing a x5 and D4 is like comparing a Kruger and Land Cruiser, both are wagons and both have off road abilities but are built for totally different markets and consumers no one buying a x5 is a serious off roader or buying it for towing anything and why anyone outside the Eastern ski fields and isn't a regular skier would want to buy one instead of BMW sedan is beyond my comprehension.

But then again l am poor person and don't have more money than sense

There are good reasons for buying a soft-roader vs a sedan even if you have no interests in going offroad - practicality in terms of carrying bulky items (bikes etc), some are better at towing and you often have a better choice of economical TD motors. There's also the greater height which make them easier to get in/out of than a low slung sedan and provides greater visibility in traffic. I recommended a Forester to my folks purely for this reason as they were struggling to get in/out of a Camry and the visibility was terrible. The on-road dynamic capabilities of a X5 will exceed most people's capabilities and the TDs are more economic than many sedans - seems a perfectly legitimate choice, even if the tyres never saw dirt...

[CaverD3]

Speaking of tyres.........just wait till you need to replace them on an X5. :o

[rmp]

There are good reasons for buying a soft-roader vs a sedan even if you have no interests in going offroad - practicality in terms of carrying bulky items (bikes etc), some are better at towing and you often have a better choice of economical TD motors. There's also the greater height which make them easier to get in/out of than a low slung sedan and provides greater visibility in traffic. I recommended a Forester to my folks purely for this reason as they were struggling to get in/out of a Camry and the visibility was terrible. The on-road dynamic capabilities of a X5 will exceed most people's capabilities and the TDs are more economic than many sedans - seems a perfectly legitimate choice, even if the tyres never saw dirt...

Excellent...now tell that to the raving environmentalist fringe dwellers.

[jmb]

Ha, X5 tyres!!!!! I reckon I've replaced at least 10 over the past 7 years. Cost a bloody arm and a leg. Have to say a major service ain't much better.

[Celtoid]

At 5:10 in the video below pretty well sums it up. It is an X6 to be fair.

YouTube- Top Gear - 14x06 - BMW X6 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NYm_fxjyAYs&p=FA1B3581DE5FE85C&playnext=1&index=36)

I read one of the Top Gear articles on the X5 some time ago...to sum it up, they weren't very complimenary regarding it's toughness or off road cred. They specifically stated that you are constantly aware that it's a 5 series sedan "trying" to have off road capability.

[Whilatron]

I currently have The Audi equivalent - Q7, however after an 'unplanned' night out under the stars in Murray Sunset SP last New Year and an SES rescue (some great pics, and beer stories though), I'm currently looking to replace it with a D4. I love the Q7 (The X5 was also good, but I just preferred the Audi), but certainly wouldn't consider it for anything remotely akin to serious 4wd conditions (I think the insurance company are still reeling from the shock!).
Still haven't decided on a final spec, but thinking of the 2.7 due to the whole tyre issue, and when I had a test drive of both the 2.7 and 3.0, I was surprised about the smaller engine - more grunt than I was expecting, and don't need any more speeding fines :).

[rmp]

Don't forget the 2.7 is a lot less $ than the 3.0.

Sounds you're like me....the 2.7 is adequate and I don't need to spend $10k to get to 100km/h 3 seconds quicker. They both cruise at 110 with a trailer.

Someone recently said to me the 3.0 is a lot better at overtaking but I said in return I can't think of too many overtaking chances I've missed through driving a 2.7 instead of a 3.0, or anywhere offroad the 3.0 could go the 2.7 could not follow.

[Disco4SE]

Don't forget the 2.7 is a lot less $ than the 3.0.

Sounds you're like me....the 2.7 is adequate and I don't need to spend $10k to get to 100km/h 3 seconds quicker. They both cruise at 110 with a trailer.

Someone recently said to me the 3.0 is a lot better at overtaking but I said in return I can't think of too many overtaking chances I've missed through driving a 2.7 instead of a 3.0, or anywhere offroad the 3.0 could go the 2.7 could not follow.
Robert, you are right, the 2.7Lt is adequate and does a great job.
I had the D3 2.7Lt and now the D4 3.0Lt. When it comes to towing or relaxed driving you can't compare 600Nm v 440Nm.
The 3.0Lt held top gear on every hill from Melbourne to Albury towing my 2 Ton boat, whereas the 2.7Lt used to change down on any reasonble incline. Best of all, I now have confidence overtaking with my boat, knowing that I have plenty of grunt.
Having said this, not everyone is towing and are happy to wait that bit longer for a gap in traffic or an extra gear change down here and there.
For me, I will be sticking with the 3.0Lt (or better) when I change to the D5.
Cheers, Craig

[rmp]

Agreed.

If I was towing and not offroading I'd buy a 3.0 and not really accessorise it.

As I'm offroading and not towing it's the 2.7, and the difference in $ goes into accessories.

I do love the 3.0 engine, just don't like the cost or the tyre options.

[CaverD3]

however after an 'unplanned' night out under the stars in Murray Sunset SP last New Year and an SES rescue (some great pics, and beer stories though),

You had better post some pics, or even better some more details in the stories thread?

[DiscoWeb]

Hey thanks to all for your responses,

I currently drive the petrol 3 litre x5 and would be moving to the 3ltr diesel.

Whilst my x5 has been rather flawless in running it did have one major drama I discovered a day after purchase. It wouldn't reverse up hill, the diff. ( I presume) kept slipping and they had to replace the complete gear box. No problems since then, a few small ditties but nothing unusual.

I'll be trading in 2 months or so and will test drive then. I have considered the RR sport too but the Disco 4 seems to have more space and it's cheaper too. Let you know how I go.

Thanks,

JMB


JMB,

I tested all three prior to purchasing my D3 in early 2009.

My assessment of each was;

1. X5 - Great car, awesome drive for a big car, beautiful diesel engine, my wife loved it. But if I wanted a real "driving car" I would go a sedan not a SUV. To option it up to get close to the kit I got in the D3 SE the price difference was significant. Finally I wanted a real 4wd. Scrub the X5;

2. RRS - I loved the look of these from the first time I saw one and this is what I thought I would get. But I could not justify the cost premium for a vehicle with 2 less seats and smaller cargo area and not that much better a drive (IMHO) than the D3. Scrub the RRS

3. D3 - Perfectly fitted the bill, enough luxury to keep the wife happy, more than enough 4wd ability to keep me happy, plenty of space for the family for travelling and an amazingly good on road for a large 4wd.

As the D4 by all accounts is even better than the D3 in both the 2.7 and 3.0 diesel I think the decision should be easy.

Sorry for my late entry to this discussion but i hope it helps.

Enjoy either way.

Regards,

George

[Duck's Guts]

Agreed.

If I was towing and not offroading I'd buy a 3.0 and not really accessorise it.

As I'm offroading and not towing it's the 2.7, and the difference in $ goes into accessories.

I do love the 3.0 engine, just don't like the cost or the tyre options.

What Rob said...
...but I still find the 2.7TD a near perfect tow vehicle. No doubt that 600Nm would be nicer though!

[ozscott]

The above is interesting. Can anyone give some feedback on a well chipped/flashed 2.7 versus a stock 3l? Just as a matter of interest cause I suppose you could chip a 3.0 as well, but if the 2.7 chipped is getting close to the 3.0 in real world driving and towing that might be a very good option for a D4 purchase.

Cheers

[rmp]

Chipped 2.7 would probably go as well as a 3.0 D4.

For at least fifteen minutes.

[ozscott]

Chipped 2.7 would probably go as well as a 3.0 D4.

For at least fifteen minutes.

Is it too much for the 2.7 RMP? Are they close to what the engine's build was designed to handle already?

Cheers

PS. I am not wanting NOS:D

[Disco4SE]

The above is interesting. Can anyone give some feedback on a well chipped/flashed 2.7 versus a stock 3l? Just as a matter of interest cause I suppose you could chip a 3.0 as well, but if the 2.7 chipped is getting close to the 3.0 in real world driving and towing that might be a very good option for a D4 purchase.

Cheers
Hi Ozscott, I mentioned about the comparison between my D3 2.7 and now D4 3.0. What I forgot to mentioned is that the D3 2.7 was re-mapped by Ritter Melbourne, to give it extra power & torque.
Still no match for the 3.0.
Cheers, Craig

[Dorko]

I'm getting my D4 3L chipped next week! can't wait they reckon upto 720nm!!! :o

Dorko

[ozscott]

Thanks Fellas.

Sounds like a chipped 2.7 is a very nice bit of kit and easily enough of a grunter to pull 2 tonns around all day without sweat.

Chipped 3.0 TTD 700+ NM - Christ!:D

Cheers

[gghaggis]

A chipped/remapped D3 2.7 still won't match a 3.0 ltr. A chipped 3.0 ltr will outrun a TDV8. Regardless, even a std 2.7 ltr will out-tow most rigs on the road.

Cheers,

Gordon

[Disco4SE]

I'm getting my D4 3L chipped next week! can't wait they reckon upto 720nm!!! :o

Dorko
Hey Dorko, is it an add on chip or a re-map?
Let us know what you think once you have it done.
Cheers, Craig

[ozscott]

A chipped/remapped D3 2.7 still won't match a 3.0 ltr. A chipped 3.0 ltr will outrun a TDV8. Regardless, even a std 2.7 ltr will out-tow most rigs on the road.

Cheers,

Gordon

Thanks mate. Yep the Overlander Mag tow test with an 1900kg odd (from memory van) had it rated better to tow than anything else including the TD's and big petrols when it came out - so that included the 100 series petrol V8 and GU patrols etc.

Cheers

[mowog]

I now have something to add to this debate.

I dropped my Mini of for some work and the ride back to work was in a new X5.

My opinion as a passenger.

Ride...: Very much like my old Territory
Space...: The front seat felt narrow and cramped. (I am a big boy).
Noise...: I was surprised at the level of cabin noise.
Interior...: Busy and angular, Hard plastic surfaces where the D4 has leather. To me it felt down market from the D4 interior.