Land Rover Discovery 4 HSE

[anomaly]

I can't seem to get the pictures in the right orientation however you get the idea!

[anomaly]

Storer said:

I don’t know anything about Apple Car Play. Does it require a data card and if so what happens when you take the car abroad? Do you end up with data roaming charges?

It essentially mirrors your iPhone. Apps on your phone that are compatible will appear on the car's screen. Content can be downloaded in advance such as maps so no need for roaming if you don't want to. Any data use will be via your phone so no need for an additional sim card.

[anomaly]

Storer said:

Presumably if you want the mapping software to work as a satnav it will need data roaming just like your phone.

I think (but may be wrong) the phone can use GPS for location without using data. Even if it does my phone contract includes data roaming across Europe as in the UK (as I believe most do - for now at least!).

[anomaly]

Mac. said:

I'm really interested to know more about this, do you have a write up anywhere that lists the parts you need, costs and fitment details? Is it a reversible modification?
Thanks!
Iain

It's basically plug and play. Everything you need is in this kit that I ordered from Australia:

https://www.naviplus.com.au/online-store/Land-Rove...

It is expensive (AU$1000) but works well and customer service is good. Installation is a bit of a pain as the centre console and part of the dashboard needs to be removed. It is totally reversible though and no wires are cut. When installed, you lose the factor nav (not a great loss as I use google maps) but keep the other functions such as 4x4info and FBH controls. Pressing the Nav button on the original system takes you into CarPlay.

[anomaly]

Well 2020 should be an interesting year for the Discovery. I've just signed up for this:

https://www.putfootrally.com

Start in Cape Town and drive through South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Malawi and Tanzania before finishing in Zanzibar. I'm having it shipped to Cape Town then home again from Tanzania (if we make it!).

I'm seriously excited and can't think of a better car to do it in than a seven year old Land Rover.... I'll do some prep work on the car beforehand (service, new battery, two spare tyres, roof rack and roof tent). If anyone has any further suggestions I'd be interested. I'm slightly apprehensive of something obscure breaking in the middle of nowhere but you only live once, right? The car has never let me down in the past so I'm hoping all will be ok.

[anomaly]

Thanks all. I stumbled on the rally by chance and thought it such an awesome opportunity that I couldn't resist.

I'm thinking of getting Nene Overland to give it the once over nearer the time as they seem quite experienced in this type of thing. Steel wheels are almost impossible to get for the D4 due to the size of the brakes as is anything less than 19" wheels so I'll stick with the stock wheels. I'm currently running Goodyear Duratracs which I really like so I'll stick with these too.

I've bought an iid tool which I'm learning how to use! So far I'm experimenting with suspension height: currently running a 3cm lift and have installed 30mm hub-centric spacers. This gives improved clearance and more stability too. May return it to stock before the trip though.

[anomaly]

It hasn't been a good week for the Disco. It went into the dealer today as it has gone into "restricted performance" mode. Apparently one of the inlet manifolds is cracked - a known issue with these engines it seems. They are approaching Land Rover for a good will gesture but don't hold out much hope given the age of the car.

To top it off they asked if I knew that my spare wheel was missing! I didn't. Some thieving scrote has nicked it. Again, apparently another known issue as they're very easy to remove from under the car by cutting the cable that it's suspended from. It was a brand new Pirelli too...

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miniman said:

I’ve just collected your Disco’s twin brother

Looks good. Enjoying it so far?

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miniman said:

Absolutely! Doing a few bits and bobs like mats, boot protector, wipers, new Start / Stop button, key shell, just because I’m a bit OCD about new (to me) cars.

Ha! I did all of these too. Replacements make it feel much more like a new car.

[anomaly]

Inlet manifold replaced now and Land Rover contributed £500 to the cost so I'm happy enough with that. It's nice to have it back after the Evoque loan car.

[anomaly]

In other news, I've just bought a Front Runner roof rack like this for our African adventure:

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miniman said:

Sadly engine failed on Monday. Awaiting diagnosis but suspect crank again which points to a shoddy repair. Aiming to hand back for refund.

No way, so sorry. Has the crank gone on it before?

[anomaly]

miniman said:

Yep, dealer had it done after it failed on previous customer.

My understanding is that a failed crank means it needs a new engine, no?

[anomaly]

Well there's no going back now. The car is booked in a container from Felixtowe to Cape Town on 30th May!

[anomaly]

alfabeat said:

Excellent. Any updates on the modifications done in prep for the trip?

My D4 is an early one (59 plate). Tows every other day, school run, work trips, family camping holidays, trips to the continent etc

We love it. Such a superb all round vehicle.

They really are great, aren't they.

Re. modifications: not a lot done yet and to be honest I don't plan on doing too much to it. I've bought (though not yet fitted) a Frontrunner full length roof rack. To this I intend adding a Frontrunner rooftop tent, an additional spare wheel and two jerry cans with diesel. I already have a Prospeed rear ladder. Following on from having my spare stolen I've bought two spare wheels and had all six wheels shod in Goodyear Wrangler Duratech all-terrain tyres. The all-terrain tyre options in the stock 19" tyre size are limited and these were used on the Birmingham to Beijing trip LR cars. I'm impressed with them so far. I'm not planning on any tough off-roading so no real mods in that direction though I'm getting some MaxTrax just incase. Navigation wise, tracks4africa has been recommended and I'm going to run this on an iPad.

[anomaly]

Regrettably though unsurprisingly the Put Foot rally has been cancelled. A real shame as I was really looking forward to it and there had been a fair bit of planning. It's possibly happening next year instead so watch this space!

The Disco keeps plodding on. Absolutely no problems recently and it's running great. Now up to 110,000 miles and due a service and MOT, currently deferred to post-lockdown. I've fitted the FrontRunner rack that I bought in preparation for the Africa trip and I'm really pleased with it, the quality is great. I haven't yet fitted the roof top tent though it'd be nice to get some use out of it this summer in the UK if rules allow.

Here's recent photos with the rack and showing how it's sitting with a 2cm lift via the iid tool and 30mm spacers.

[anomaly]

Thanks. No rubbing at all. It feels more planted on the road with a wider track. They are hub-centric and have bolts attached to them.

[anomaly]

Hitch said:

Not sure it needed the spacers though. Is there offroad benefit?

The only benefit is increased stability when driving with a suspension lift. The main reason I did it was I like the way it looks!

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miniman said:

My second one hasn't broken yet! Yay!

Yay!

[anomaly]

I put the new rack to good use at the weekend: