Discovery 3 S (coils) - are they good off road?

[greengumby2]

Hi everyone
I'm looking at buying a Discovery 3 S, but I've been hearing some stories that they are crap off road - is this correct? Is that true even if you put the 2" lift on them? I would really only be doing beach work and nothing too extreme in the 4wd department and I have the chance to buy a really good low kilometre one, but I'm hesitating because of what I've been told. Can owners of these please give me their thoughts.
Ps - I'm looking at the V6 Petrol model if that makes any difference?

Cheers and thanks for any help you can give

[discotwinturbo]

The coil version I guess is like a Pajero off-road, or any other coil sprung all independent 4wd.

For sand you will be fine. A lift never hurts to keep above the sand. I guess it came with 17's which has to be a big advantage for airing down and lengthening the foot print.

Now if you could find an airbag version (probably most would be airbag sprung) then it will show up all other Marques off road.

Brett...

[rar110]

I have no experience with either, other than test driving an SE with air suspension and looking at classifieds.

The S is not much cheaper than the SE in the 6-7 year range. The air suspension is more expensive as a long term consumable but gives a great ride and is amazing off road. Check out the YouTube sticky.

[Redback]

The Coil D3 S is just as good as the air sprung SE offroad, I have a mate with one and I cant see any difference at all offroad, he has 265/70/17s and a 2" lift, it actually has more clearence than my D4 has in offroad height, the TC in the Coil D3, works just as well as the air supension model.

My advice is go for the TDV6, much better engine, the petrol lacks torque and is really thirsty, the diesel is better for towing also.

Baz.

[grumpa]

Hi all
I have a D3 S petrol V6 and it is a great car! I had a 2" lift done for sand etc. No problems - ever! Reliable, super comfortable and great for towing (but get rid of the 'plough'). If I could afford a TDV6 I would buy one, but this does all I need, including off-road work on our farm (steep hills, mud etc). I have also been to Flinders Ranges, Lake Eyre etc without any problems. Best car I ever bought.

[SuperMono]

D3S with coils will work fine on sand other than limited ground clearance.
50mm suspension upgrade improves that.
Turn of the stability control at low speed in the soft stuff.

In other off-road conditions again the ground clearance is the limiting factor.
Mine (with 50mm Dobinsons suspension) goes everywhere I have ever asked it to with less drama than most.

If the price is right having steel instead of air wouldn't worry me.
But allow for the suspension upgrade in the price.

[ozscott]

The Coil D3 S is just as good as the air sprung SE offroad, I have a mate with one and I cant see any difference at all offroad, he has 265/70/17s and a 2" lift, it actually has more clearence than my D4 has in offroad height, the TC in the Coil D3, works just as well as the air supension model.

My advice is go for the TDV6, much better engine, the petrol lacks torque and is really thirsty, the diesel is better for towing also.

Baz.

There is still a technical difference though of air suspension simulating live axle I suppose

Good to see the coiler working well. Their standard factory height must start life higher than the air suspended standard height if he gets more clearance from a 40mm lift.

Cheers

[Redback]

There is still a technical difference though of air suspension simulating live axle I suppose

Good to see the coiler working well. Their standard factory height must start life higher than the air suspended standard height if he gets more clearance from a 40mm lift.

Cheers

That's because the factory height setting for the air suspension is + or -10%

Also, the lift is around 60mm and his tyres are larger than mine also, mine are basically standard at 30.5", 30" being standard, his are 31.6".

Baz.

[ozscott]

Gotcha mete. Cheers

[Celtoid]

There is still a technical difference though of air suspension simulating live axle I suppose

Good to see the coiler working well. Their standard factory height must start life higher than the air suspended standard height if he gets more clearance from a 40mm lift.

Cheers

What do you mean by 'Standard Height'? All Air Slung Discos ride lower than most Coil Slung 4WDs on the road.....handles better, safer! Off-road they are as good if not better than all, once they raise.


D3's and 4s are an evolution of the world beating D1s and 2s ..... so even with coils (a D3), why would they be compromised? They lack the advantages of air slung Disco's but are far from limited, I'd wager.