5 Years with the D4

[mowog]

This week is 5 years of ownership. Time for some reflection on my time with the D4.

The first thing to say is this car is staying in the family for the forseeable future.

The D4 has travelled just over 82000klm 60% of that with a caravan attached it hasn't been problem free but any issues were fixed quickly

In no particular order.

Turbo's replaced due smoke that issue never came back
Front end vibration Fixed with a whole host of new front end parts and steering wheel
GPS Antenna replaced
Rear Shocks and airbags replaced at 50k (lots of towing with a big van) warranty.
Oil consumpstion monitored settled down ok uses very little now

Mods:

GOE 18's I was part of the first group buy.
Kaymar rear Bar
Long Range Fuel Tank
Mitch Hitch
Alloy FRont bar

I have just brought a new BMW 328i Sport I can tell you the D4 is a much better car to be in for a trip compared to the 328i and I am surprised that a 5 year old 4WD is so much better in many ways. The 328 is faster it corners better and steers better but If I was going spend all day in one of them it would be the D4.

This D4 is so well set up for towing now I would struggle to replace it because its still so bloody good. It tows our 3.5t Lotus van with such ease it has towed on dirt on open highways over the snowy mountains and along crap back roads and it has done it all without ever letting me down. The trailer stability systems have saved us twice in 2009 trailer satbility control wasn't very common in big 4WD's and it was one of my key wants when looking around.

I would buy another D4 if I needed to but I am hoping for a lot more travels in this one.

Edit:

The Auto had the steel pan mod as well. The auto has been serviced 2 times because I do work it hard.

[l00kin4]

Thanks for that mowog. Given your experience wondering if you (or for that matter others on the forum) did purchase / would have purchased extended warranty? I have read quite a few threads on this on the forum but most are a couple of years old now.

I just bought my D4 (MY14 but used) and I did read in my pre-purchase research that many ''in the industry" believe that overall reliability has improved since 2012. Interested what others opinions are of this... ?

[mowog]

Thanks for that mowog. Given your experience wondering if you (or for that matter others on the forum) did purchase / would have purchased extended warranty? I have read quite a few threads on this on the forum but most are a couple of years old now.

I just bought my D4 (MY14 but used) and I did read in my pre-purchase research that many ''in the industry" believe that overall reliability has improved since 2012. Interested what others opinions are of this... ?

I did buy the extended warranty.

Value? I did have a few things fixed in that extended period I can't say if it would have been cheaper not have it.

[rar110]

How have you found the GOE wheels? I assume you have the 3.0 tdv6.

[mowog]

How have you found the GOE wheels? I assume you have the 3.0 tdv6.

The GOE wheels are a good wheel. They look great in fact my D4 is on the GOE wheel site. The red D4... In the early days lots of people told me 18's dont fit... I would just look at the D4 really!

[Graeme]

this car is staying in the family for the forseable future.

Mine too! Mine's a couple of weeks older and done all but 150K although not used anywhere near its abilities to date, neither in towing nor 4WD capabilities, but is a great all-purpose vehicle.

[nat_89]

Thats so good to hear January last year i purchased my first D4 brand new and its just the best car I've only i love it my wife loves it and i can see me definitely having a long relationship with them i cant speak highly enough of it!! So far after a year never had an issues at all!!

[disco4now]

Our 2010 D4 3.0L is 5 years on 27th January.

112000klm with about 40000klm with 3.5ton van in tow.
Cape York, Savanah Way, Gibb River etc.

My first new vehicle as part of retirement setup.

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/d3-d4-rrs/...ml#post1558772

Battery replaced under warranty at 2.5 years
No extended warranty taken.
Replaced dryer on compressor after 3 years and the valve in compressor myself, but still on original compressor. (If extended warranty may have gotten a new one?)
Replaced front control arms at 84000. (Extended warranty might have covered)
Steel pan and transmission oil at 84000
So probably ahead by not taking extended warranty.
I have used both General Grabbers and Cooper Zeons on 19" with no issues.

No thoughts of getting rid of it, I still love to drive it, best car I ever had.
I have a faultmate code reader and follow this forum so not really worried taking it remote. (Well not now anyway, was a bit nervous taking it to cape york with van in tow as its first trip). The longer it doesn't break down the less you worry.

Regards
Gerry

[RickO]

Great update, thanks Gerry. Just one question - are you running the OEM tow hitch?

Thanks again,
RickO

[disco4now]

Hi RickO
I use the OEM hitch. Previous discussions on this here.


http://www.aulro.com/afvb/d3-d4-rrs/...ml#post1973217


Regards
Gerry