Thread: New and Looking at TD5

Best incarnation of D2 was the '03 upwards (Pocket headlamp model) that has CDL from factory and less issues that can plague earlier models. Try to avoid ACE and rear self levelling suspension, as they are complex systems that a commuter and outback tourer can do without IMHO.
Either that or a nice 1998 Tdi...

JC

specifically

the td5 was developed by landrover and was nearly finished when landrover was bought by BMW. BMW didnt have a lot of input into the mechanicals of the td5 but contributed towards the electronic side of the house. Its marketed as a bmw motor because production started under BMW's ownership.

other things to watch for that havent already been mentioned (and should now be sorted)

delaminating hoses on the intercooler
cooling system hose changes (watch the one under pot 4 exhaust port particulalry)

I'd like to get the a later model, 01 and upwards, but I have to keep an eye on the dollars at the moment so I will be restricted to some degree. What I'm seeing is 1999 and 2000 automatic diesels going for $11k to $15k and a few 2001 at the $15k mark. I've been limiting my searches to $15k.

I drove one for the first time today and I it felt good. It's a big change from a 2 door sportscar. The first thing I noticed was the bigger turning circle. I wasn't used to that, I have been spoilt with what I have at the moment.

The ACE thing is interesting. I believe the one I drove today had it. The guy didn't know but there was something that fitted the description inside the right front mudguard. It cornered very nicely. Justinc, you've thrown a spanner in the works, I've seen so many people raving about it.

Originally Posted by Disco Brian

Justinc, you've thrown a spanner in the works, I've seen so many people raving about it.

Brian,

I think Justin's comments about Ace and SLS are most applicable if you are planning on remote trips.
As you have found Ace makes them handle pretty well on the black stuff.

They also go well off road.

The issue when going remote is more about punctured airbags - and simply more complicated stuff to go wrong.

Mine has SLS but not ACE, I am about to do a decent outback trip - and I've thrown LRA springs into the back primarily for the trip.( disabling the air suspension) I will probably swap back to air on my return ( it's a pretty easy DIY job).

So while Justin is far more knowledgeable than me on Land Rovers... I would still suggest you think about how you will use it - before you throw away the ACE idea.

Good luck with it.

Mark

Originally Posted by Bytemrk

Brian,

I think Justin's comments about Ace and SLS are most applicable if you are planning on remote trips.
As you have found Ace makes them handle pretty well on the black stuff.

They also go well off road.

The issue when going remote is more about punctured airbags - and simply more complicated stuff to go wrong.

Mine has SLS but not ACE, I am about to do a decent outback trip - and I've thrown LRA springs into the back primarily for the trip.( disabling the air suspension) I will probably swap back to air on my return ( it's a pretty easy DIY job).

So while Justin is far more knowledgeable than me on Land Rovers... I would still suggest you think about how you will use it - before you throw away the ACE idea.

Good luck with it.

Mark

Most of my driving will be old womanish with a little bit of dirt tracks and hopefully getting up to Birdsville again one day for the races. In general use I will be near civilisation and be able to get to the mechanic if I need to.

Is the ACE one of those things that if it packs up you can just take it off and throw it in the bin if you don't want it any more?

Very little, if anything, goes wrong with ACE. Mine's done over 200K without any problems. However because I can, I carry a shorter serpentine belt to bypass the ACE pump in case the pump fails or the system somehow looses its fluid thereby preventing a failed ACE system from stranding the vehicle. Any other possible ACE failure wont strand the vehicle.

Originally Posted by Disco Brian

Is the ACE one of those things that if it packs up you can just take it off and throw it in the bin if you don't want it any more?

Yes, by replacing the bars with non-ACE ones.

Well we have a 03 Td5 Disco with ace and did have air bags under the bum. Its a great car to drive especially on the hwy, very smooth and actually quiet for road noise on the hwy, around town the engine is a bit noisey but can be put up with. As for towing we tow a 2.5t caravan and do it very comfortably especially now we have coils under the rear.
Now the good parts, be prepared to spend spend spend,
- The fuel block on ours is ready to be replaced again (second time) at $400 a pop
- Engine mounts - ours done once so far but iam sure they will be done again as they have not redesigned them
- Oil in the injector harnes - ours done once and the new one has silicone or something else in them to try and stop the problem ??? wait and see on how long the fix will last
- Rocker cover oil leak, done twice just over $100 a gasket
- ABS moduel, ours to be done $1300 and have not heard if this fixes for good

From everything i have heard about the MY07 & on D3's i would have one in a flash plus they seem to be holding value a lot better than the D2's