Information on the D3 Facelift 2008/9 changes

[twr7cx]

I've been searching for details on the update changes from the Discovery 3 facelift for the 2008/9 models, particularly in the HSE spec trim. All I've found so far seem to be front fender indicators changed from orange to clear, wheel arch trims went from black plastic to painted and an update to the stereo. Anyone aware of a thread or webpage with further details/information on or is that it? We are wondering if we should continue searching and waiting for an updated model or if a prefacelift model, which is much more common, would suffice.

[PerthDisco]

I bought my MY08 around the time these last D3s were hitting the street. I personally like and wanted the unpainted wheel arch and wish it was still an option instead of the Rangerovication of the Disco brand.

The last of the D3s purely had the arches and bumpers and tail gate handle painted IIRC. The shape of the arches, bumpers, grill and front side panels did not change till D4. This also included an extra (fake) air intake on the passenger side.

I think they had an updated tail light design and clear indicator also.

HSE options are stereo and other internal trim items standard at the time.

[Ean Austral]

Didn't the rear lights get changed to LED. ? I think the headlights got an upgrade as well.
upgraded oil pump housing = altho this may not have been the update model it may be more Vin specific



Cheers Ean

[Tinman]

My D3 09 HSE built in June 09 has the D4 rear bumper and painted, All the wheel arche mouldings are painted, the front blinkers are still orange all lights are still globe's no leds. The front passenger window operates the same as the drivers side. This was not the case with my05 D3. The headlights are the same as my old 05 D3. The centre rib of the front grill is painted silver my 09 D3 is black. I have a silver foot steep on rear bumper with black rubber rectangles coming through it there is a chrome strip across the rear section of the lower tail gate plus chrome strips along all doors on top edge of plastic moulding. The front door indicators are clear as the 05 D3 was orange. My door handles are also silver. So they started to use D4 bits on the 09 D3's proberly to see how they would look. Hope this info is useful
Cheers

[twr7cx]

Thanks for that, it seems the changes were much more minor than the Discovery 2 / 2a changeover which brought about drastic different front headlights, ECU, centre diff lock, introduced a new top of the range HSE spec vehicle, etc. etc. So on that note we'll just follow the normal judging criteria of year, kms, service history and condition rather than looking only at the post facelift (D3a?) models.

[PerthDisco]

Thanks for that, it seems the changes were much more minor than the Discovery 2 / 2a changeover which brought about drastic different front headlights, ECU, centre diff lock, introduced a new top of the range HSE spec vehicle, etc. etc. So on that note we'll just follow the normal judging criteria of year, kms, service history and condition rather than looking only at the post facelift (D3a?) models.

I consider the unpainted wheel arch D3 as “the last of the interceptors”

[NavyDiver]

Didn't the rear lights get changed to LED. ? I think the headlights got an upgrade as well.
upgraded oil pump housing = altho this may not have been the update model it may be more Vin specific



Cheers Ean

Interesting post. My change from 2005 to 2009 has painted wheel arch tims not the grey plastic on the 2005. The rear light were not LED on either untill I got to them myself. The Digital TV ( what a joke) and some other minor changes. Headlights are no better but did not need to be in my thoughts, Honestly not that many changes for which I am glad.

[Ean Austral]

Interesting post. My change from 2005 to 2009 has painted wheel arch tims not the grey plastic on the 2005. The rear light were not LED on either untill I got to them myself. The Digital TV ( what a joke) and some other minor changes. Headlights are no better but did not need to be in my thoughts, Honestly not that many changes for which I am glad.

I have heard people complain about the lights and I have thought that a bit odd as I find them more than adequate for the job. In al honesty I never thought they did a D3a upgrade or facelift, this is really the first I have read of it. I just remember being next to an 09 model D3 and taking a look at it and I am sure it had LED lights in the rear, but as you say the owner could have installed them himself ,such as you did.

They did change the fuel filter but same, I don't think it was part of some major facelift , the dash gauges on an 06 model are different to my 08 , but still the same shape and layout .

Cheers Ean

[NavyDiver]

There is a bit of Extras on my 2009 compared to the 2005. Wheel radio and bluetooth phone controls are welcome. Oddly I think the car smells difernet. Exhust fumes seem a lot more noticalble on the 2009.

The same silly sissor lift jack was removed before I had the need to get myself stuck

On the lights again the D3s both seem to light up my hill to almost or exaclty the same very good range. It was and is notciably better than the 2005 Lexus RX other family drive high beam. I wonder if Any of the very last D3s did get LED treatment? mine is 05/09. Not sure how mach later they went?

[Dagilmo]

I consider the unpainted wheel arch D3 as “the last of the interceptors”

Too bad they don't "suck nitro"....