Disco 4 V8 5.0

[bedonde]

Anyone had a D4 with the 5.0 V8? I know it wasn’t an official UK car. I’m importing a 2013 example from Japan early next year and aside from hearing a bunch of horror stories about engine chain guides likely to grenade on 2010 -12 cars, can’t see that much out there about the gas guzzler D4. Just wondering if anyone on here has any real world experience of owning one and anything I need to watch out for, aside from buying shares in Royal Dutch Shell.

[camel_landy]

Did you search the internet for information??

Tisk... Tisk... Tisk...

You know the only real world experiences you'll find anyone writing about are going to be negative ones.

It's a cracking engine and if you're worried about it, just get the guides replaced and crack on.

M

[bedonde]

Well I probably should stop catastrophising about cars post purchase.

There’s loads of stuff out there from US forums including class action law suit stuff, mainly confined to the earlier cars. I reckon finding someone who’s done these chains could be tricky but will see.

I also like the thought of putting a switchable exhaust bypass valve on it to annoy the neighbours when the mood take me.

[A.J.M]

You can find the D4 V8 on eBay from Japan.
That supplier seems to have a garage that does the chains etc as preventative maintenance.

It’s not a million miles away from a 5.0 supercharged and they get the chains done at garages.

Otherwise.
Usual D4 stuff applies.
Front lower and rear upper arms wear out.
Check the compressor on the air suspension works fine. Cycle it from access to off road and back a few times to make sure it lifts and lowers correctly.

The 6 speed box needs an oil change every 50-75k according to ZF. If it’s not been done. Get it done.
Same with diff and transfer box oils.

Personally. I’d change the brake and power steering fluids.
Then buy a Gap iid tool, second hand are usually £300 for the best diagnostic tool you can get. £25 to get a new vin so it can be paired with your new D4.
Lastly, I’d change the headlight bulbs as xenon ones don’t fail, but they go dim. 7-8 years max before getting new ones is my way of doing it.

[username_checksout]

I nearly bought a 2010 reg one month or so ago. I was disappointed by the lack of V8 grumble so I couldn't even hear my money going up in fumes. To add to the general 'Why am I doing this again?' thoughts were the electrics - or problems therein. Even the radio would need bits soldered to it in order to work (they use different frequencies in Japan). Sat Nav was clearly out of the running from the word go and the Bluetooth was hit and miss. The USB socket in the glovebox had been removed to fit an automatic toll sensor so I couldn't even connect my USB or phone that way.

I had a look locally and found a newer (2014) HSE Luxury at a second-hand but slightly prestige dealers with full LR service history, all the toys, 2 x headphones, remote for the TV/DVD, 2 keys, tons of history, immaculate condition for £3000 less. I'd sworn never to have a diesel but I realised I was cutting off my nose to spite my face. It's brilliant. Averages 30mpg at the very least over a mix of 80/20 short/long journeys. That's what my previous car could only dream of doing on a good day.

[bedonde]

username_checksout said:

I nearly bought a 2010 reg one month or so ago. I was disappointed by the lack of V8 grumble so I couldn't even hear my money going up in fumes. To add to the general 'Why am I doing this again?' thoughts were the electrics - or problems therein. Even the radio would need bits soldered to it in order to work (they use different frequencies in Japan). Sat Nav was clearly out of the running from the word go and the Bluetooth was hit and miss. The USB socket in the glovebox had been removed to fit an automatic toll sensor so I couldn't even connect my USB or phone that way.

I had a look locally and found a newer (2014) HSE Luxury at a second-hand but slightly prestige dealers with full LR service history, all the toys, 2 x headphones, remote for the TV/DVD, 2 keys, tons of history, immaculate condition for £3000 less. I'd sworn never to have a diesel but I realised I was cutting off my nose to spite my face. It's brilliant. Averages 30mpg at the very least over a mix of 80/20 short/long journeys. That's what my previous car could only dream of doing on a good day.

I get the downsides of an imported V8. But for me, I’d long had an itch for the D4, yet wasn t keen on a diesel - firstly because I don’t like diesel - but also because of what seems like a lottery with snapped cranks - some say it’s overblown scaremongering but I keep seeing D4s being broken for spares because of blown engines. Yes, the V8 has its weak points too.

I ve imported several cars from Japan and enjoy the process and generally get a lot of satisfaction from getting something rust free, low mileage and well cared for, which makes other hassles worthwhile.

My 2013 V8 has now landed and I m awaiting DVLA registration, but it passed its MOT with no advisories and is very clean. Road tax should be a bit cheaper at £380 PA too: Eyes wide open that I’ll need a fighting fund to keep it running well, but I can’t wait to get it on the road and use it. I may even sell my beloved s/c A6 Allroad as I now have too many cars.
My Bluetooth audio works fine - the lack of antiquated OEM satnav I can live with, as I may upgrade to CarPlay in time but more often than not just use my phone.

[bakerstreet]

bedonde said:

I get the downsides of an imported V8. But for me, I d long had an itch for the D4, yet wasn t keen on a diesel - firstly because I don t like diesel - but also because of what seems like a lottery with snapped cranks - some say it s overblown scaremongering but I keep seeing D4s being broken for spares because of blown engines. Yes, the V8 has its weak points too.

I ve imported several cars from Japan and enjoy the process and generally get a lot of satisfaction from getting something rust free, low mileage and well cared for, which makes other hassles worthwhile.

My 2013 V8 has now landed and I m awaiting DVLA registration, but it passed its MOT with no advisories and is very clean. Road tax should be a bit cheaper at £380 PA too: Eyes wide open that I ll need a fighting fund to keep it running well, but I can t wait to get it on the road and use it. I may even sell my beloved s/c A6 Allroad as I now have too many cars.
My Bluetooth audio works fine - the lack of antiquated OEM satnav I can live with, as I may upgrade to CarPlay in time but more often than not just use my phone.

Are cars in the UK 'not well cared for'? Your concerns are valid on the crank. Its certainly not scaremongering. Many engine specialists live off replacing SDV6 engines in all manor of Land Rover products and most of the decent engine builds do over 10 a month and have a waiting list of two to three months.

However, the chains and guides on the 5.0 engines is not far off a SDV6 rebuild (£2-4k) Its still a simpler engine (No EGRs, glow plugs, cross over pipes or other diesel trickery) and based on that I can see the appeal.

[bedonde]

‘Well cared for’. Of course it’s a sweeping generalisation, but of the five or so cars I’ve imported from Japan, condition has been night and day better than a similar aged UK car. Just my experience and there are downsides to JDM stuff too. Recent example is an X308 XJR with no rust anywhere and extremely clean underneath.

[bedonde]

bakerstreet said:

Are cars in the UK 'not well cared for'? Your concerns are valid on the crank. Its certainly not scaremongering. Many engine specialists live off replacing SDV6 engines in all manor of Land Rover products and most of the decent engine builds do over 10 a month and have a waiting list of two to three months.

However, the chains and guides on the 5.0 engines is not far off a SDV6 rebuild (£2-4k) Its still a simpler engine (No EGRs, glow plugs, cross over pipes or other diesel trickery) and based on that I can see the appeal.

Must admit I didn’t realise a SDV6 rebuild was doable for that money unless I’ve misunderstood your post.

[A.J.M]

QP online quoted me £9600 for a sdv6 rebuild last year.
Manifolds, turbos etc were extra.

I’d be very wary of any rebuild for £2-4k.
That seems suspiciously cheap.