D3 V8 Questions...

[95_ES]

I've been thinking about getting (leasing) a "2nd" car, with the primary purposes being a 120-odd km highway commute during the week, and occasional heavy towing with a 2000-kg ATM trailer.

My preference is probably one of the 5.4lt Ford utes, but the Discos appeal as they have quite high tow specs. Having owned (briefly) an S2 Disco, I'd prefer not to go there again, so I got thinking about an S3.

As far as the V8s go, I believe that these are the same (or almost so) V8 which graced the engine bays of BMW 540is from the early-mid 90s on...?

If so, surely they are well sorted by now (even in LR's "capable" care)?

I guess I'd like to know if there are any of the more serious "gotchas" like the earlier Rover-powered Discos had? (Or any of the electronic gremlins introduced by the P38As etc).

Thanks in advance.

Michael

[stevo68]

Hey Mate,

I had a V8 D3.....it is a Jag 4.4 litre V8......no probs at all with the engine...did over 100,000kms before I sold it. Only real prob is it didnt sound like a V8 at idle....so bloody quiet ;). Not bad on fuel...average for me with hwy and burbs driving was under 14l/100kms.....on sand/ off road into the 16's,

Regards

Stevo

[AnD3rew]

why not a TDV6? it is a fantastic cruiser, it easily handles a 2000kg tow and it will save you a heap in fuel for that kind of use.

[CaverD3]

The D3 V8 is the same engine as the Jags not the BMW one. Engine source changed when Ford took over from BMW.
D3 will tow effortlessly up to 3.5 T The diesel has more torque for towing. Try both engined models and see what you think.
Ford F series is a truck and as such does not handle well nor is as comfortable.

[95_ES]

The D3 V8 is the same engine as the Jags not the BMW one. Engine source changed when Ford took over from BMW.
D3 will tow effortlessly up to 3.5 T The diesel has more torque for towing. Try both engined models and see what you think.
Ford F series is a truck and as such does not handle well nor is as comfortable.

I didn't mean buying an F-series Ford...My Mrs wouldn't be keen to try and park something like that! I was referring to the BA/BF style utes, which have - at least in XR8 trim - most of the mod cons, whilst having a reasonably powerful and torquey V8 engine (260KW/500Nm). They also have a half-chassis at the back so may be better (structurally) for towing than a unitary construction Holden ute (for example).

Thanks to all for your replies; More research is needed...Not just on the "Disco versus others" question, but also the "TDV6 versus V8 question."

[CaverD3]

Gotcha. :D
D3 would definately be more versatile than a ute.
Later builds have had the gremlins removed and have re-designed parts end builds have been very reliable. Air suspension really makes a difference towing. It is true... make sure you remember you have something attached to the back. :lol2:

[sniegy]

Michael,
Ditto to what Caver;) has said, It really makes you think you have nothing behind you.
I had one this Easter for 3 weeks as my company vehicle, D3 05MY V8 SE & travelled the Great Ocean road to Warnambool, Its surrounds & beyond.
I drove the vehicle back to work with the fuel consumption saying 12.7L/100K's. In the end it was a mix of country & highway, the last week was in & around the city.
I did very much enjoy this vehicle. The power on tap is very good for a largish vehicle.
Drive one, you wont be dissapointed:)

[pop058]

I didn't mean buying an F-series Ford...My Mrs wouldn't be keen to try and park something like that! I was referring to the BA/BF style utes, which have - at least in XR8 trim - most of the mod cons, whilst having a reasonably powerful and torquey V8 engine (260KW/500Nm). They also have a half-chassis at the back so may be better (structurally) for towing than a unitary construction Holden ute (for example).

Thanks to all for your replies; More research is needed...Not just on the "Disco versus others" question, but also the "TDV6 versus V8 question."

I dont believe you can get an XR8 with the 2300kg tow pack. The limit there is 1600 IIRC with a payload of something silly like 560KG. The base model 6cyl and the V8 XLS are available with the big towbar. The V8 in the XLS is only a 3 valve jobby with about 220 KWs.

I am a blue oval fan, but think the TDV6 D3 is your best option. TIMJ on this forum could add a bit to this as he has one and recently dragged a S3 Game back from up north. I also trailered a series 2A back from Cairns behind a 6 cyl Falcon 1 tonne ute and it was comfy but thirsty.

Paul

[mac_man_luke]

I own a BF XR8 and it definitely can tow 2300kgs (says so in the manual)

Just need a heavy duty tow bar.

Only falcons which cant tow 2300kgs is the turbo models and manuals.

a XR ute would definitely be a nicer highway curser IMO and handle better but disco definitely has its place (would be slightly nicer with the heavy tows simply because its a heavier car)

[CaverD3]

a XR ute would definitely be a nicer highway curser IMO and handle better but disco definitely has its place (would be slightly nicer with the heavy tows simply because its a heavier car)

:confused:
D3 is a more comfortable better appointed and IMHO a much better highway cruiser.
Drive both and make up your own mind.:D