Member Since: 11 Jan 2010
Location: London
Posts: 40
Here she is at long last - MY09 D3 HSE (Galway green/Almond)
After huge pressure from the missus and the kids I've finally given in and swapped my beloved and super-rare BMW Alpina B10 (very fast and luxurious 5-series to most people) for a Disco. I've loved the car for the last 5 years but it's finally time to move on - and up (literally).
I've had the perfect spec for the D3 in my mind but never found it - until now. Casually looking on the web after waking early after a few glasses too many the night before I chanced up the perfect one. It just jumped out of the laptop. Spec, year, colour all aligned. A couple of phone calls later (and a skive off from a quiet day at work) and I travelled half way up the country to the dealer and the deal was done. It's mint and the best screwed together one I've seen, not a rattle or squeek anywhere. Very tight.
It's actually a birthday present for my wife so it's a big secret and I can't tell anyone. I'm literally bursting. So I'm putting it out here as I know she'll never look at this site in a million years.
The plan is she goes to work with my car in the drive. She comes back and low-and-behold, the car of her dreams is in it's place together with card containing details of luxury weekend away (no kids) to the Coniston Hotel in the Yorkshire Dales complete with Land Rover experience day (in someone else's Disco!).
Something tells me major brownie points are on the way!
Mods to come:
* BAS upgrade - the more power the better!
* iPod connection (considering Alpine EZi-DAB)
* Bike racks for roof (still figuring this out) - tow bar coming off as it's a wife-parking-disaster waiting to happen!
* Reversing camera
As much as I'm going to miss my BMW Alpina I'm really looking forward to the new arrival. Completely different driving experience and so much more practical. And of course the peace and quiet
19th May 2012 8:26 am
haroosh
Member Since: 16 Nov 2010
Location: Perth & Kinross
Posts: 624
Looks great.
In terms of bikes I would highly recommend a rear rack fitting onto your existing tow bar as the roof id a long way up to put bikes.
Understand the parking issue but I've always looked on the tow bar as added protection if any drives into the back of me....
Good luck with the new car.
19th May 2012 8:30 am
TinkerMan
Member Since: 11 Jan 2010
Location: London
Posts: 40
That's interesting haroosh. One of the reasons for switching to the Disco is so we can do more outdoor stuff like bike riding. My immediate thought when I saw the tow bar was to have it removed by the dealer due to the parking issues. We live in London and getting into tight spots is the norm and my wife is doesn't exactly have an unblemished record, and the D3 is a bigger car.
My thinking was that roof bars make more sense. They can be taken off when not needed. However I can see your point about it being high up, even with the side steps.
So now I'm in a dilemma as to whether to keep the tow bar or not. Hmmm
That is a fine present and you bought it in the best colour 8)
19th May 2012 10:25 am
dadof7kids
Member Since: 23 Aug 2011
Location: sunny Doncaster
Posts: 1303
yep ..tow bar less damage to you. java Black D3 gone : (
Club Lux : ) GONE : (
19th May 2012 10:25 am
haroosh
Member Since: 16 Nov 2010
Location: Perth & Kinross
Posts: 624
The tow bar rack is very easy to use and after a run it's so easy to just chuck them on the back. And you never know you may want to tow something in the future????
Roof rack bike storage is a pain in the neck in my opinion.
19th May 2012 10:26 am
InnuendoMaster
Member Since: 09 Oct 2011
Location: Whitstable
Posts: 384
Why not swap the fixed tow-bar for a detachable? I use one with a 4-bike tow-ball carrier and it's perfect. Removes in seconds when you don't want it and who knows, you might even find someone willing to swap their removable one for your fixed one, so it's nearly free...____
Gone: 10MY L320 RR Sport HSE, Ipanema Sand
Gone: 20MY Jaguar iPace HSE, Silicon Silver
Gone: 17MY RR Evoque SE Tech, Loire Blue
Gone: 08MY Discovery 3 XS, Stornoway Grey
Gone: 07MY FFRR TDV8 Vogue, Stornoway Grey
19th May 2012 11:04 am
Andy Foster
Member Since: 27 Dec 2009
Location: Liverpool
Posts: 6551
What ^^^^^ said. Detachable the way to go. Use a roof box when on camping trips and the roof is a long way to go even in access mode.
Member Since: 11 Jan 2010
Location: London
Posts: 40
Sounds like detachable tow bar is the way to go. Any idea what I should get the dealer to do before delivery?
Shall I ask them to remove the fixed one then fit a detachable myself (assuming its easy) or shall I just ask them to fit detachable then I can sell the fixed separately?
I'd ask them to remove the fixed one and give it to you. You can then sell it (? about 150-200 quid probably)
The detachable simply clicks in. You'll need the actual towball, plenty on eBay or as I say you might try a swap on here.
It's the same item for D3, D4 and RR Sport, they do come up for sale quite frequently. Expect to pay about £150 for a used one or £300 for anew one.____
Gone: 10MY L320 RR Sport HSE, Ipanema Sand
Gone: 20MY Jaguar iPace HSE, Silicon Silver
Gone: 17MY RR Evoque SE Tech, Loire Blue
Gone: 08MY Discovery 3 XS, Stornoway Grey
Gone: 07MY FFRR TDV8 Vogue, Stornoway Grey
IID Pro MV License - D3, D4 & RRS - Enabling, Updates, D4 & RRS Timed / Remote Climate, D4 Bluetooth fitting
PM me for details
Owner of the original "Beanie" grille
D4 & RRS style D3 grilles made to order
19th May 2012 12:16 pm
TinkerMan
Member Since: 11 Jan 2010
Location: London
Posts: 40
Great, thanks for the advice guys. This forum is a fantastic place.
19th May 2012 3:49 pm
BCP
Member Since: 25 May 2005
Location: East Scotland
Posts: 1464
TinkerMan wrote:
Sounds like detachable tow bar is the way to go. Any idea what I should get the dealer to do before delivery?
Shall I ask them to remove the fixed one then fit a detachable myself (assuming its easy) or shall I just ask them to fit detachable then I can sell the fixed separately?
Get them to swap your tow bar with another D3's detachable, should be a "no cost option"
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