Double Disco - D3 V8 Petrol HSE 2005

[LRD414]

Now we are a double disco household; 2005 D3 HSE V8 4.4L petrol to go with the 2014 D4 TDV6.
Next best thing to a D4 V8, which are very hard to find and cost a fair bit more anyway.
Selling the Alfa and hoping the D3 will be a good back up for the D4 for a few years.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50655252528_7be7038bc7_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2kbepLU)

It’s had one owner since 2006. Needs a new coolant bottle and the fuel tank gauge seems a bit sketchy but otherwise in great condition.
Except the roof, which is UV damaged through the clear coat. Rest of the paint is actually very good but some of the plastics need some attention.
Already had the transmission flushed and pan changed to steel. Plus an AMK suspension compressor and new alternator over the last couple of years.

It drives really well for a 15yo vehicle with 220,000 on the clock.
I was surprised at the composure of the drivetrain and had assumed the 6 speed would be “rougher” but it seems the engine is fantastic.

The driving experience and cabin ambience is actually really good for an old vehicle.
Just a tech update needed, so it’ll be getting Apple CarPlay very soon via a double din replacement stereo.
Already has a Tow Pro and GME UHF fitted.
I will probably put a basic Traxide isolator in so that I can run dual battery if the fridge ever gets put in.

Oh and maybe I’ll have to look into exhausts to release a bit more of that V8 rumble.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50655985506_25e3ab97a4_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2kbiaEs)

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50655252433_253381a464_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2kbepKg)

Cheers,
Scott

[josh.huber]

I like what you've done there Scott, I reckon the D3 will remind the D4 to behave itself with any luck.

[DiscoDB]

You now have the duty unit and standby unit - just need a spare unit and you are all set.

[LRD414]

I like what you've done there Scott, I reckon the D3 will remind the D4 to behave itself with any luck.
That's exactly my thinking. Plus it'll be a great vehicle for normal daily life with the D4 remaining in full trip mode.

[josh.huber]

Do you want a long range tank for the petrol D3, I know where one is hiding. Pm me and I'll connect you to it

[jon3950]

Nice. I’ll be interested to hear what you think of the 3 compared to the 4.

Although I think the 4 was a nicer vehicle, I actually preferred the 3 as a tourer. Then again, as you well know I prefer my Defender over both of them, so I guess you won’t value my opinion. 😁

Cheers,
Jon

[josh.huber]

New build thread Scott? I have been thinking about adding a rrs for the wife to our driveway. I shouldn't. But you have me thinking

[DiscoJeffster]

New build thread Scott? I have been thinking about adding a rrs for the wife to our driveway. I shouldn't. But you have me thinking

The idea of a V8 is interesting

[LRD414]

Nice. I’ll be interested to hear what you think of the 3 compared to the 4.

Although I think the 4 was a nicer vehicle, I actually preferred the 3 as a tourer. Then again, as you well know I prefer my Defender over both of them, so I guess you won’t value my opinion. 😁

Cheers,
Jon
Jon, I always value your opinion.

I just don't agree with it in relation to the D4/Defender preference, which is not something to get into in my new D3 thread thanks very much **

Cheers,
Scott

** Jon and I are mates and you'll see him making a cameo in the latter stages of this trip:
Simpson Desert by D4 (https://www.aulro.com/afvb/multi-state-reports/264486-simpson-desert-d4.html)

[jon3950]

OK, I promise not to mention ********* again in your thread. [biggrin]

Seriously though, you know I think the D4 was the best vehicle I’ve ever owned (and probably ever will). However, somehow I preferred the D3 as a tourer/off-roader.

It’s probably a little superficial, but to me it just felt a little more rugged. The interior was a bit more practical and I particularly liked the unpainted wheel arches.

A V8 HSE looks like a good spec now they are all getting a little older. I’ll be interested to hear your thoughts over time, owning both at once - hopefully when we finally catch up again next year.

Cheers,
Jon

[LRD414]

New build thread Scott?
I will but it’ll be a more minimal build, unless the worst should happen to the D4

[josh.huber]

I will but it’ll be a more minimal build, unless the worst should happen to the D4

Yeah yeah. Then comes the stero, wheels, little tweaks, taking it so you don't scratch the 4

[jon3950]

it’ll be a more minimal build,

I'm sure I've heard that somewhere before...

[LRD414]

I have no idea what you guys are talking about.

In completely unrelated news ....
166568
I may have called in, asking for a friend.

[RANDLOVER]

OK, I promise not to mention ********* again in your thread. [biggrin]

Seriously though, you know I think the D4 was the best vehicle I’ve ever owned (and probably ever will). However, somehow I preferred the D3 as a tourer/off-roader.

It’s probably a little superficial, but to me it just felt a little more rugged. The interior was a bit more practical and I particularly liked the unpainted wheel arches.

A V8 HSE looks like a good spec now they are all getting a little older. I’ll be interested to hear your thoughts over time, owning both at once - hopefully when we finally catch up again next year.

Cheers,
Jon

I agree the D3 seems a bit more rugged which is why I've hung on to mine, I like the black wheel arch trims, I had them on my D2 as well and I like that they are available on the new Defender too. I think I would even prefer black bumpers like the D2's. Mine doesn't have the LR inbuilt satnav in the top centre of the dash so I put my Hema in there, looks almost built in, and I've found it very handy when driving dirt roads as there are no warning signs to reduce speed for curves/corners nor chevrons. I have a combined GPS/Radio/CD player in the std LR spot lower in the centre but it is not as easy to keep an eye on.

[MUMSRIG]

Nice score, looks exactly like mine when I bought it... black as well..

you won’t regret doing the exhaust, they sound SOO good!

Mitch

[LRD414]

A few improvements done so far and still generally very happy with the V8 D3 decision ....

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50872756538_33eb93ae4c_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2kvsb93)

Treated the faded plastics to a Bowdens Mr Black (https://www.bowdensown.com.au/the-black-box) kit and it looks almost as good as new!
Time will tell how long the effect lasts but I'd be happy with a yearly (or longer) re-application frequency if it keeps it looking this good.
Changed the very faded washer jets for new ones from PowerfulUK and a set of their silver bonnet letters.
Also replaced the number plate with a slimline version in black and removed the big plastic bracket.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50873564692_4ba9da92bf_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2kvwjnJ)

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50872755558_b4282f9d75_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2kvsaR9)

Tech update is a Kenwood Apple CarPlay head unit and an aftermarket reverse camera.
This is a massive improvement. The only slight negative is the angle of the screen which is too vertical to be ideal.
You can also see where I shifted the UHF input port into the ash tray.
It's the same GME system I have in the D4 with all controls on the mic so it just gets plugged in when required.
Also put a slimline double usb charger thing into the cig socket.
I've got a set of LED bulbs to go in to all the internal light fittings.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50873463446_69bd2886cc_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2kvvNh7)

At the back we have changed the taillights out for D4 facelift ones with resistors fitted for the indicators, again from PowerfulUK
Looks so much better, especially with the dark blue colour and treated plastics.
Rear letters to be changed soon.
Before and after side-by-side in photo below.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50873463451_ccce79aac2_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2kvvNhc)

And finally the exhaust ...... wow.
Very much worth the $165 spent, sounds brilliant.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50873463826_857eaa35b6_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2kvvNoE)

Need to drop the fuel tank to see what's up with the intermittent fault of the fuel gauge dropping to empty.
There's also a slight leak from the top of the tank only if it's filled to brimming.
Also need to work out fault with rear parking sensors.

Cheers,
Scott

[Fozzie]

A few improvements done so far and still generally very happy with the V8 D3 decision ....

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50872756538_33eb93ae4c_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2kvsb93)



Hey Scott
What brand model are those round spots?
And are they on the prospeed brackets?

Cheers
Foz

[LRD414]

What brand model are those round spots?
And are they on the prospeed brackets?
Prospeed bracket combined with custom bracket. Details at post #509 here:
Scott's Discovery 4 (https://www.aulro.com/afvb/members-rides/225222-scotts-discovery-4-a-51.html)

[Timhodgson]

Need to drop the fuel tank to see what's up with the intermittent fault of the fuel gauge dropping to empty.
There's also a slight leak from the top of the tank only if it's filled to brimming.
Also need to work out fault with rear parking sensors.
Scott, my fuel gauge (D3 08 2.6) was playing silly buggers right before the alternator crapped itself... fuel light was on and only took 45l to brimming full and 2 days later was on the flatbed. Shared experience and not wishing it on you buddy. [emoji120]