D4 major model year differences

[Ashes]

I’m starting my search for a D4. I’m after a SDV6 as i’ll be doing some occasional heavy towing and would like the extra power when needed.

I’m not settled on a year yet so would like to understand what major updates occurred over the years that are more desirable to have and whether there were any mechanical updates that might have improved reliability.

[scarry]

Introduction of the 8 speed auto MY13 was the biggest improvement.
Other changes were minor.

Service history is extremely important,the last of any model run is the best.

[justinc]

The 8spd is a beauty. However so far there is no metal pan replacement kit to suit that i have found. ZF advise that there may be one in the pipeline... maybe😑.
Also issues are still apparent with splitting inlet manifolds according to some that have cpmpared new ones with the split one and there appears to be no material thickness or reinforcing improvement.
A cracking torque monster too😎

[DieselLSE]

One thing to consider is whether you want a vehicle with a Diesel Particulate Filter or not. The DPF is an expensive bit of kit to replace (and illegal to remove or modify) and requires AdBlue (refined cow's urine) to operate. As far as I know, apart from a look under the car at the passenger side exhaust, the only other way to tell is by the VIN.
From an environmental point of view, the DPF is far preferable and a vehicle without it pongs a bit in enclosed spaces.

[Turtle60]

The 8spd is a beauty. However so far there is no metal pan replacement kit to suit that i have found. ZF advise that there may be one in the pipeline... maybe😑.
Also issues are still apparent with splitting inlet manifolds according to some that have cpmpared new ones with the split one and there appears to be no material thickness or reinforcing improvement.
A cracking torque monster too😎

Had my14 ZF8 tranny done with steel plate last september. The update front grill and headlight makes for a really good look. Don’t discount the tdv6. Same motor, same bits just just de tuned slightly but heaps of poke still. Sounds like you are just touring on blacktop so the 19” rims should be ok. It seems no two landrovers are optioned the same so work out the deal breaking things you need and wait. Best thing you’ll ever drive. IMHO

[scarry]

One thing to consider is whether you want a vehicle with a Diesel Particulate Filter or not. The DPF is an expensive bit of kit to replace (and illegal to remove or modify) and requires AdBlue (refined cow's urine) to operate. As far as I know, apart from a look under the car at the passenger side exhaust, the only other way to tell is by the VIN.
From an environmental point of view, the DPF is far preferable and a vehicle without it pongs a bit in enclosed spaces.

AdBlue is only in D5,not D3/4.

Did any model D4 come with DPF,apart from a few earlier vehicles?
i didn't think so.

[Tombie]

One thing to consider is whether you want a vehicle with a Diesel Particulate Filter or not. The DPF is an expensive bit of kit to replace (and illegal to remove or modify) and requires AdBlue (refined cow's urine) to operate. As far as I know, apart from a look under the car at the passenger side exhaust, the only other way to tell is by the VIN.
From an environmental point of view, the DPF is far preferable and a vehicle without it pongs a bit in enclosed spaces.

DPF do not use Adblue
Adblue vehicles do not have a DPF, they have an SCR

Adblue is now fully synthetic not refined Urine

Only the D5 and it’s little siblings have SCR

[Ashes]

Majority of use of the car will be daily driver around town and occasional towing of a 3.5t ATM van.
I need a car biased for daily comfort and towing. Not so much for off road capability.
Off road tyre size isn't a big consideration so 19's or even 20's are not deal breaker as it won't be track bashing very often.


I would need some pretty solid convincing to consider the TDV6 over the SDV6 as my van when fully loaded for a extended trip is pushing 3 to 3.2t. I would love to be swayed this way as the TDV6's are cheaper.


As it will primarily be a daily driver and carries 3 kids it needs to have
- leather seats - prefer dark rather and almond
- rear air
- 7 seats
- reverse camera and rear park sensors
- enough power to tow comfortably up and down hills (my 4.0L Petrol D3 can struggle here)
- phone integration
- full service history
- under 120k


Nice to have but mods I will make regardless
- 2nd battery, live rear socket for fridge and rear anderson for van (I'll fit a traxide kit if it doesnt have this)
- Elec brake controller (would probably prefer a car that didn't have it so I know it hasn't had a hard towing life already)
- roof racks but could consider a platform.
- Mitch hitch - I'll transfer the one on my D3 to the car if needed


Nice but not a deal breaker
- front park sensors
- Nav (if it doesn't have one, i'll use my iphone)
- Red with black interior but exterior colour is least important to me




Looks like I'll concentrate on cars with the 8 speed.

[Tombie]

TDV6 and a simple ECU flash can be as powerful as an SDV6 so keep that in mind, as the engine is the same. Cost may work in your favour.

You’ll need the enhanced screen to get full phone integration for Audio...

The rest should be easy to find...

[justinc]

Had my14 ZF8 tranny done with steel plate last september. The update front grill and headlight makes for a really good look. Don’t discount the tdv6. Same motor, same bits just just de tuned slightly but heaps of poke still. Sounds like you are just touring on blacktop so the 19” rims should be ok. It seems no two landrovers are optioned the same so work out the deal breaking things you need and wait. Best thing you’ll ever drive. IMHO

Who supplied the steel pan? Can you possibly let me know please? Jc ☺

[dirvine]

Although still not convinced my LR is the real deal in 4WDing, my Graphite D4 2016 (build date Late April 2016) has all that you require (and a bit more). It was one of the last imported into Aus so has all the bits on it other than what I mention below. At the time I was considering an SE with almond leather interior, which was about the same price, but the salesperson convinced me that the couple of $1000 saved could be spent on the mods to make it a better 4wd weapon. Also said the almond leather stains easily. I am unsure if the seats are better in the SE other than electric and with the side arms, and the motor with more grunt. Other than that I am happy with the towing performance. My Van is 2.6t loaded and I can easily get past 160Khph when overtaking road trains. The other thing is the economy. Sitting 100-110kph towing I get 16Lhp100k. Thats real not computer generated which is about 2ltr less. The hook up of the van is just magic. The screen tells you where to line up and the LLAMS allows you to just click into place. (DSO35 Hitch). In caravan parks people were amazed how I just used the car to level out the van (via LLAMS) and in the morning hitch up without the missus and me having yelling exercises. Some of the things on my car are I understand extras or they are thrown on the last few cars made as they have spare parts lying in the bins. So I agree the last of a model is certainly a good start. Given the cost of a D5 and its shape I am more than happy on that aspect with my purchase of the "brick"

[Turtle60]

Who supplied the steel pan? Can you possibly let me know please? Jc ☺

I got tranny service done at Russell automatic transmission right on 100k on the Gold Coast. Forked out about 700 for the whole service because the pan was a one off about $200. To be honest I haven’t even looked at it.

[Ashes]

I think I might have been confusing the 2.7 vs the 3.0 TDV6’s so that might open up some more options in the 2nd hand market if I can be convinced the extra grunt isn’t needed.
Encouraging to hear that you can get the van up to 160[bigsmile]. Not sure I’d be brave enough to do that with mine. 16L/100 at 100-110 sounds good. I actually got 19.5 with my 4.0 Petrol D3 on the weekend but recon I had a tail wind and it was a slower trip so probably averaged 80-90.

[Graeme]

I would need some pretty solid convincing to consider the TDV6 over the SDV6 If you're not already aware of it, the MY10 3.0 was badged "3.0 TDV6".

[scarry]

The D4 2.7 with a power upgrade isn't a bad beast.
When i have the 2.7T van on,at times i forget it is there.

With the van,it does around 16l/100 at 100km/hr.

They are getting on age wise though as MY12 was the last of them.

FWIW,probably a bit less problematic than the 3L,as they were pretty well sorted by the end of the run.

Might save you a few $ though in purchase price.

[justinc]

I got tranny service done at Russell automatic transmission right on 100k on the Gold Coast. Forked out about 700 for the whole service because the pan was a one off about $200. To be honest I haven’t even looked at it.
Thanks! Ill give them a call. ZF told me it wasn't a priority yet😮. That'll soon change after they get a few km up and demand increases. Luckily i can remove and refit the pan on an l322 without obstruction...

[Tombie]

PPE ZF 8HP70 Heavy-Duty Aluminum Transmission Pan (https://www.xtremediesel.com/ppe-zf-8hp70-heavy-duty-aluminum-transmission-pan)

[Ashes]

I conditionally committed to a 2014 SDV6 today with low K’s for a price I was happy with. Needs to pass a mechanical inspection but judging by what I could see on the underbody it has had a easy life so far.
Thanks for you advice. A couple of small additions and it will be fully setup for our needs.