Thread: Bought a 2012 D4 HSE - help with the 'must do' list

Welcome Daniel. First point of call. Click on the "Shop" link on this site (menu item at top of screen) and purchase a workshop manual. If you're DIY then it's a handy resource. Cheers Matti

Probably not an upgrade, but do you have service history? Timing belt, whilst not due yet is worth looking at, as is the oil pump.
I'm not a diesel owner, so others will chime in here, but it is worth looking at.

Originally Posted by dan00h2

Hi All

I'm Daniel, Discovery 4 owner here (I've been after a discovery since the series 2 - but as a family recently got our first ) I've sandbagged the site over the years, but felt like an interloper without a LR!

So - the story, it's 2012 - 3.0 HSE 6 speed 100,000km and FSH, 1 prior owner. Black was not originally on my colour choice, but it does look stunning. Given I've only driven it 100km in the first two months I'm not finding it difficult to keep clean (ha, ha!). In time it will get more use, but we have other cars.

I'm trying to determine the 'must do' list and would appreciate any feedback. I've checked the sticky - but am hoping to package it all up. not looking to off road, but will occasionally tow up to 2 ton.

I'd appreciate comments and additions - good to see plenty of people here are willing to work on their own vehicles and try things I liked that about SAU back in the day...

Trans - change to metal pan and refill with lifeguard 6
Engine - change oil to Full synthetic non DPF
Tune - steering towards Roo systems - towing (as I'd like better response, mpg & grunt - sorry, but our XC90 (TT petrol) would leave the Disco for dead)...
EGR - include remediation work within tune and clean intake
TV tuner retrofit? I've got the rear entertainment pack and wanted to know if it is possible?
Anything else recommended that is good to upgrade for reliable, comfortable family hack duties?

I'm someone who doesn't mind DIY.

thanks

Daniel

My C series Merc leaves my 2014 D4 for dead ..... what are you actually looking for in a 3 ton 4WD performance wise? The older 6 speed, 3 litre twin turbo disco can still punt a large, heavy, non-aerodynamic car to close to 200kmph and get to 100kph in just over 10 seconds. You won't even feel a 2 ton trailer on the back.

What's the specs on your Volvo? I can't find anything on the internet that screams blistering performance for an XC90. The range topping and tad expensive hybrid seems to be the only one out of the whole range that would come close. I've driven several XC90s over the years, all diesels admittedly, and the turbo lag was as awesome as was the lack of fuel economy ;-). They liked eating brakes for breakfast too. :-P

I'd recommend you do the basic mechanical checks/maintenance (ensure OEM recommended fluids are used) for a D4 of that age (100K isn't really a lot) and leave it at that. It's a whole lot of capable car. There isn't another genuine 4WD that comes close to it's on road performance other than a Range Rover....and they are better on road. If you want that car, a car with better on road handling and performance than a D4, then a RR would suit or buy a top end SUV .... that's the role they play. BMW Xs, Porsche, Merc, etc all have versions that are very well handling and powerful .... that come at a massive cost.