Thread: Design of D3/D4

I was told by an apprentice at my dealer who was giving me a lift that a body can come off, turbo replaced, and be ready for pick up the same day. When I needed mine done they asked me if I needed it that day, I said no. They called me before lunch following day. All done and car washed. When the body is designed to come off, it's designed to come off.

....and how cool is it that the body can be removed.

I just have to convince the better half that we need a place with a large shed so I can get a 2 post hoist!

Very cool indeed. Oh bugger, I'm running out of ideas why I shouldn't start looking for a D4. :-O

I cannot show the video on my iPad but it looks like 2blokes doing the job.
This means 216 minutes or lets round at4 hours labour x$125 plus extras so $500 cost before the r&r of the turbo and price of turbo.
This is not what I would call an acceptable cost and it is pretty impossible to DIY.

It really rules a D3/D4 out for me.
Regards Philip A

Originally Posted by PhilipA

I cannot show the video on my iPad but it looks like 2blokes doing the job.
This means 216 minutes or lets round at4 hours labour x$125 plus extras so $500 cost before the r&r of the turbo and price of turbo.
This is not what I would call an acceptable cost and it is pretty impossible to DIY.

It really rules a D3/D4 out for me.
Regards Philip A

I think it is safe to say that the D3/D4 design was not targeting the DIY owners who like to keep and run their vehicles for long periods of time. I also suspect that if you look at the market demographics, the DIY repairer is more likely to buy second hand, and replace their car less often, or if buying new will go for the practicality of the Defender.

I also have a BMW 320d and there is a lot less I can do myself on this compared to the D2 which if you have the parts could fix almost anywhere.

Luxury sedans and luxury 4wds are targeting buyers who have others repair for them. We may curse the designers, but never assume they did not know what they were doing to maximise profits. It is the first 100,000 kms they are now designing for.

Let's hope the new Defender stays true to the long term / DIY ownership.

I am in the boat with the DIY D4 owners,hopefully preventive maintenance will keep the beast going...if this means at some stage the body has to come off...
fairly confident it's achievable with help from our local DIY www.autodiy.com.au
At such a time other work that is foreseeable and more accessable will be undertaken.
If it is like the other Land Rovers I have owned,they have all required a certain amount of awareness of their state of health.....warning lights , Nanocom and this forum will keep the D4 running for many years........everything crossed!

Hi all, I'm new to this great forum. Please forgive my ignorance of D3/D4 issues. I own a D2 MY03.
What is a "hydroformed chassis"?
Thanks

Originally Posted by simonmelb

Drop the trans to get to the crank angle sensor?

The D4 workshop manual's procedure for R&R'ing the crankshaft position sensor does not involve removing the gearbox, with access from behind the left front wheel instead.