Thread: Which Discovery 4 / LR4 - 3.0 TDV6 or 5.0 V8?

From what I’ve read diesel cars are getting more and more regulated in the EU & UK, and will be excluded from more and more cities.

The 3.0 tdv6 failure seems to be rare, but I have read about such a failure even on a late facelift D4 before it was due for its 1st or 2nd service (can’t recall which one). A failure seems to be completely unpredictable. Failures have also occurred on the tdv6s fitted to the L405s.

The 5.0 V8 na seems to be a very reliable motor, which was also fitted to the L322.

Originally Posted by A RO 95

Hello all, I am based in Germany and I am looking to buy a Discovery 4 / LR4.

I have done a bit of research and I am still not sure whether to go for a locally sourced 3.0 Turbo Diesel or import a 5.0 Normally Aspirated Petrol from the UAE. Including transport and import of a 5.0 from the UAE, the cost of both alternatives should be very similar.

Here my Pros / Cons list

5.0 Petrol
Pros
Currently no foreseeable restrictions entering German cities
Less vulnerable to variable fuel quality
More relaxed cruising on the German Autobahn

Cons
Appalling fuel economy
Less torque
No heated seats

3.0 Diesel
Pros
Better fuel economy
More torque

Cons
Potential ban from entering cities here in Germany
Fuel quality and possible problems with DPF and ECU
Availability of Diesel fuel for private vehicles in some East European / Asian countries


As you can see, I currently have found more pros for the Petrol than the diesel, but the 2 Pros that I have for the diesel are very important points and more immediate as I am not sure when and how often we will be travelling more further a field!

A point on which I am unsure at the moment is reliability:
I have read quite a bit about engine and crankshaft failures with the 3.0 Diesel.
How wide spread are the problems, how seriously should I take this point?
How reliable are the supposed improved post 2012 diesel engines, and from which VIN?

I have not found much information on the reliability of the 5.0 normally aspirated petrol engine, I take that this is due to one of two reasons:
1) There are no known major problems – people are more likely to write their opinions if they have something to complain about!
2) Fewer vehicles on the road with this engine, and those on the road generally have lower mileage / are not used as hard as the diesel engine versions.
What are the known weak points of this engine?

If it was for me I’d get the V8 but I’m biased I bought a D3 V8 last year and love it. Biggest problem is fuel economy, which would be a concern in outback Australia. I’m fitting a long range fuel tank to at least minimise the problem. Objectively for me I was buying a car that’s over 10 years old and thought a simpler engine setup would provide less risk. No DPF, EGR or twin turbos. Having said that I’ve had 2 issues I didn’t anticipate, a bad injector and rusted radiator connector that needed a full replacement.

Cheers,
Randy

in a small country like germany, fuel economy is a non existent issue. haha

petrol engines also easier to fix

Definitely pick the v8 5.0.
In fact, for a petrol engined big vehicle they are very economical. Remove the potential dpf, egr and turbo costs from the equation and you may very well be ahead in total outlay after some years

Originally Posted by justinc

Definitely pick the v8 5.0.
In fact, for a petrol engined big vehicle they are very economical. Remove the potential dpf, egr and turbo costs from the equation and you may very well be ahead in total outlay after some years

Plus you have that SOUND! That's a big pro for the V8

Originally Posted by Disco-tastic

Plus you have that SOUND! That's a big pro for the V8

.... my 4.4 diesel makes ALL the right sounds though 😁

Mmmmm🤗😍

YouTube

According to the L322 MY11 brochure, the na 5.0 gets to 100 kph in 7.2 secs compared to the 4.4 in 7.8 secs. The 4.4's higher ratio diffs probably don't help get it off the line quickly.