Thread: D2 & D3 differences

hi all,

After peoples input about the differences between d2 and d3. I am a current D2 owner and hope to move to a d3 soonish. from my research the following are the differences and preferences for each for me. these are my opinions, happy to hear others

D2 timing belt is a chain - no need to change but d3 which has one front belt and one rear belt needs changing 160kms though some d3 have lower kms but now 7yrs (2007-08) old so prob still need changing

oil changes - used to on Td5 not to hard to do, Tdv6 requires removal of bottom skid plate to access ? i saw pics the oil filter is in the centre of the block on top but whats the access from below another filter ?

d2 has second row seats 60/40 whereas the d3 above s spec has 30/30/30 split. prefer d3

td5 has coils no need to replace d3 has air susp future costs to change or repair, like the simplicity of coils, d3 prob rides better

td5 has a very loudish engine when running, not as quiet or refined as tdv6. also prefer gas struts on bonnet of d3. BTW where is the d3 bonnet opening latch d/s or pass/side like d2

td5 with a chip is still sluggish in my opinion, maybe i have too much weight in the vehicle, tdv6 more power and torque + 6 speed, prefer d3. d3 weighs more then d2

fuel capacity approx same

costs for repairs prob (guessing) cheaper for td5 compared to tdv6.

td5 handbrake old school and simple, d3 more complicated and do get stuck as per reports. prefer older style

spare tyre easier access on d2, d3 some relocate to swing away carrier others reported lever getting stuck & difficulty accessing when having a full load in the back.

rear door obvious door differences, like the d3.

shape and styling - again personal choice but do like the d3, d2 older style prob outdated now.

are there any other differences people have experienced going from td5 to tdv6. cheers

D3/4 is more powerful, economy is better on the D3 TDV6, more rear load space, more rear seat space, handles better, quieter by a smig, tows better, is more expensive to service though, parts are more expensive also, but cheaper if you get them from OS.

I do miss my old D2, but I must say the D4 is a far superior vehicle on and offroad, oh and the 2011 D4 TDV6 2.7L with the Bosch ECU, is not as fuel efficiant as the earlier D4 and D3 with the Siemans ECU for some strange reason, it is also harder to re-map for more power, although our fuel economy has improved after getting the latest 3.0l TDV6 gearbox updates.

Baz.