Simes
Member Since: 10 Apr 2014
Location: Leics
Posts: 150
  
|
| 2 weeks and 1000 miles in a D3 |
|
Hi All,
Was just pondering how I'm getting on with the D3 after a couple of weeks of ownership.
All my comparisons are coming from a long long history of Land Rover vehicles. Starting with a Series 11a SWB Petrol that I took my test in, back in 1979 - two weeks after my 17th birthday, then a Series 3 LWB diesel (the slug), then a 'classic' (before they were called that) Range Rover - first one I had was a 2 door 3.5 manual, then 2 door auto, then a 4 door 3.9, then my first discovery in 1996 - a D1, 300TDI manual. That was replaced with a P38 4.6 V8, then another P38 4.6 V8 (it always feels odd getting in an identical car that you've paid good money for!), then a 322 4.4 V8, and now the 57 plate 08 MY D3.
Also had other cars either alongside or (occasionally instead of) the LR's - mostly Jags.
Well - the D3 is very different to the FullFat it's replaced. First and most noticable is the change from 300bhp to 188! The D3 feels a bit of a slug in comparison, but actually, it's not that slow really and does pick up speed at a respectable rate. Miss the roar of a V8 mind. What I don't miss is being invited to BP's annual dinner and dance as their best customer.
Comparing the D3 to my old D1 (warning: mists of time may make any comparison meaningless) it feels smaller and lower than the D1 - almost like sitting in a 'normal' car. The engine is a lot quieter - and of course more powerful - although it might have a tad more turbo lag.
For some reason I think the sound from the radio in the D1 was better - but that could be result of another 20 years of ruining my hearing with loud music...
Ecconomy - well - it's probably the most ecconomical car I've ever driven.
Ride comfort - good - not as smooth as the FFRR, but it's not bad at all.
Build - seems to be good, but it also seems to be a bit 'flimsier' than the D1 - which was built like a tank - the D3 feels a bit less solid overall - and the panels all feel thinner - lighter and cheaper I guess. Lightness good, cheapness only good for JLR shareholders.
At the moment the D3 is feeling like a 'keeper' - but time will tell I guess. Want to get the Belts and Oil pump changed out this summer, and a couple of other little jobs, but overall there's not much wrong with her.
Fitted a remote for the FBH earlier in the week - the work of about 5 minutes.
Had a good under-bonnet clean last night - I hate getting dirty and oily when working on or near an engine - she wasn't oily - which is good, just very dirty and dusty - you can lick the engine now and not taste any dirt 
Next week fitting a Parrot 9200i - always have them fitted to my cars as they just work. That's it for the planned mods at the moment.
|
 17th Apr 2014 9:38 am |
|
|
grzesiul
Member Since: 11 May 2008
Location: UK
Posts: 6266
  
|
get the remap from Bell Auto or others which makes that brick move a bit smoother and more responsive
G
|
| 17th Apr 2014 1:26 pm |
|
|
Simes
Member Since: 10 Apr 2014
Location: Leics
Posts: 150
|
I've been tempted by the thought of a re-map - but the downside is that it would invalidate my warranty (and insurance unless I tell them and pay more)...
I am sure that modern remaps are very good - but when I last looked into them, maybe 10 or more years ago, they seemed to work by just pumping in more fuel until the flame went out, then backing it off a bit.
You could always tell a remapped diesel by the thick black soot coming out of the back!
I presume they are a bit more subtle these days?
|
| 17th Apr 2014 1:42 pm |
|
|
|
|
den2013
Member Since: 03 Jan 2013
Location: Alland
Posts: 622
 
|
Have a look through the vast number of threads and it should change your mind. A friend who had not been in mine and who had had a D3 for about 2 months went out up the road with me, i think its fair to say he was very impressed with the difference in the way the car went  , and to add to the enjoyment of having the remap you will also get better MPG, so its a +1 for a BAS remap from me.  2015 D4 HSE LUX Kaikoura Stone(sold)
2010 D4 S Commercial Santorini Black(SWMBO)(sold)
2014 Evoque Dynamic Kaikoura Stone (sold)
2013 Porsche Boxster S (Fun car)
2008 D3 HSE Java Black(sold)
|
| 17th Apr 2014 7:34 pm |
|
|
stchris
Member Since: 13 Oct 2013
Location: Warwick
Posts: 335
 
|
Had mine remapped by JE Engineering just down the road in Coventry, thay have a really good reputation and have remapped both my Td5 Discovery as well as my TDV6 now running at 235 BHP, really makes a difference EGR blanked and plumbing removed
De-cat
J E Engineering stage 1 remap
D4 rear Lights
LED bulbs all over the place!
Nanocom Evolution
|
| 17th Apr 2014 8:09 pm |
|
|
