Rover 75 CDTi Tourer
Discussion
A summary of interior upgrades. Remember the original brief? A matching wooden gearknob was her birthday present that year (I know, I care too much) and this was swapped with brute force. Never position your eye socket directly over the thing you're trying to yank off - I had a courageous tale of besting a rogue leather gearknob to accompany my black eye.
The wooden handbrake is as rare as rocking unicorn teeth for the 75, but the Freelander item fits with a bit of careful fettling. This goes some way to explain the gangs of Rover beards that can be found sniffing early Freelanders in junkyards and eBay, and hence prices have similarly shot up. I ended up getting lucky at a local breaker, but unfortunately it was the incorrect wood grain. An easy fit once adjusted.
The green leather armrest just popped up one day for a few pounds. The ideal item, one day, would be the signature green leather interior, a very rare option, but I'm still not sure any were produced for the Tourer.
I also replaced the gaitors with some cheap items. Many infuriated minutes with the correct glues and scissors were spent, coincidentally disqualifying my Blue Peter presenter application.
2018-01-13_12-30-24 by Clifton Tausberger, on Flickr
Next up, delving into the clutch system...
The wooden handbrake is as rare as rocking unicorn teeth for the 75, but the Freelander item fits with a bit of careful fettling. This goes some way to explain the gangs of Rover beards that can be found sniffing early Freelanders in junkyards and eBay, and hence prices have similarly shot up. I ended up getting lucky at a local breaker, but unfortunately it was the incorrect wood grain. An easy fit once adjusted.
The green leather armrest just popped up one day for a few pounds. The ideal item, one day, would be the signature green leather interior, a very rare option, but I'm still not sure any were produced for the Tourer.
I also replaced the gaitors with some cheap items. Many infuriated minutes with the correct glues and scissors were spent, coincidentally disqualifying my Blue Peter presenter application.
2018-01-13_12-30-24 by Clifton Tausberger, on FlickrNext up, delving into the clutch system...
surveyor said:
I tried one of these once. It broke me..
I sold it for half of what I paid for it in the end (which was not a huge loss), mainly to keep my relationship...
Sorry to hear that, they definitely need a set list of 'expensive item' checks at purchase, plus the 'preventative maintenance' list before piling on the miles. Plus there are plenty of rotters out there.I sold it for half of what I paid for it in the end (which was not a huge loss), mainly to keep my relationship...
I did forget to mention that at purchase we had the strange combination of two very worn Michelin Primacy 215/55/R16s on the front and two ditchfinders on the rear, brand new. I can't abide by budget tyres, especially as my girlfriend was spending more time on the M3 than with me, so on went four matching Michelins at my favourite tyre repository, Micheldever. No issues with alignment or tracking but the rear springs were looking shoddy.
2017-12-26_10-23-11 by Clifton Tausberger, on Flickr The Expensive Journey To Colwyn Bay
Coming up the anniversary of purchase the 75 was doing sterling service - workhorse during the week, often laden with furniture and art supplies, then our long distance chariot for the weekends around the UK. About 15,000 miles in, the clutch started to give classic symptoms associated with the model - requiring pumping, floppy at start up in the morning, and general behavour befitting the 130k total mileage.
We made the decision to invest in the car, as the jobs all seemed to be a known quantity and the old girl was ingratiating itself into our lives as a indispensable asset.
I arranged to see a Rover 75 specialist in Colwyn Bay, set up some AirBnb room goodness for two nights and headed off with a list.
First up - the dreaded clutch. All sorts of reports of failure are common with the 75. Parts quality and installer skill plays a big part in the results, so I entrusted the legendary Jules to apportion the work to local experts. When you turn up to an idyllic Welsh hilside to this view, you know you are in the right place:
2017-12-26_10-19-12 by Clifton Tausberger, on Flickr
Subframe removal allows better access:
2017-12-26_10-18-10 by Clifton Tausberger, on Flickr
Clutch miserable, dual mass flywheel knackered:
2017-12-26_10-17-32 by Clifton Tausberger, on Flickr
2017-12-26_10-17-42 by Clifton Tausberger, on Flickr
I left this to the experts - the slave cylinder had also gone, a common issue with the original plastic unit, so a Borg & Beck metal replacement was installed. I aspire to this level of knowledge (and workshop space), but the job was done so efficiently it was wonderful to watch:
2017-12-26_10-17-52 by Clifton Tausberger, on Flickr
Love the text 'GEARBOX SIDE':
2017-12-26_10-18-00 by Clifton Tausberger, on Flickr
When you have such 75 experts on hand, the car up on a life, a good mug of tea and an expert's store of parts, you do of course end up getting some other bits and pieces.
The original exhaust flexi had some gaps, so a new item was welded in:
2017-12-26_10-18-32 by Clifton Tausberger, on Flickr
Rear section was also looking decidedly past its best. Many biscuits were consumed debating if it was the original factory item. I was just glad to see the back of it:
2017-12-26_10-18-41 by Clifton Tausberger, on Flickr
Standard exhaust transit option:
2017-12-26_10-18-23 by Clifton Tausberger, on Flickr
All back together:
2017-12-26_10-18-50 by Clifton Tausberger, on Flickr
Next up: rear springs. A combination of heavy loads and dreadful surfacing of the M3 had finally snapped the old springs, another common 75 problem. I don't have a before picture, but trust me when I say it looked fully loaded with nothing in it.
2017-12-26_10-19-01 by Clifton Tausberger, on
Finally, the only advisory on the MOT, another part of Rover 75 folklore - an inefficient handbrake. This is often down to a mild steel/cheesium compensator which stretches and obstinately obstructs further adjustment. The 75 community have a stainless steel modification that was installed after an elongated (and not photographed) interior part removal. Success, an effective brake!
This was a large bill, but given the parts installed and the sheer amount of effort over two days I was exceedingly happy. The Rover was renewed and left Wales without rear clonks or driver-side exhaust gas, and most importantly with the smoothest gear change of any Rover I have owned.
No more bills for a while right?
Er...something like that...
Coming up the anniversary of purchase the 75 was doing sterling service - workhorse during the week, often laden with furniture and art supplies, then our long distance chariot for the weekends around the UK. About 15,000 miles in, the clutch started to give classic symptoms associated with the model - requiring pumping, floppy at start up in the morning, and general behavour befitting the 130k total mileage.
We made the decision to invest in the car, as the jobs all seemed to be a known quantity and the old girl was ingratiating itself into our lives as a indispensable asset.
I arranged to see a Rover 75 specialist in Colwyn Bay, set up some AirBnb room goodness for two nights and headed off with a list.
First up - the dreaded clutch. All sorts of reports of failure are common with the 75. Parts quality and installer skill plays a big part in the results, so I entrusted the legendary Jules to apportion the work to local experts. When you turn up to an idyllic Welsh hilside to this view, you know you are in the right place:
2017-12-26_10-19-12 by Clifton Tausberger, on FlickrSubframe removal allows better access:
2017-12-26_10-18-10 by Clifton Tausberger, on FlickrClutch miserable, dual mass flywheel knackered:
2017-12-26_10-17-32 by Clifton Tausberger, on Flickr2017-12-26_10-17-42 by Clifton Tausberger, on FlickrI left this to the experts - the slave cylinder had also gone, a common issue with the original plastic unit, so a Borg & Beck metal replacement was installed. I aspire to this level of knowledge (and workshop space), but the job was done so efficiently it was wonderful to watch:
2017-12-26_10-17-52 by Clifton Tausberger, on FlickrLove the text 'GEARBOX SIDE':
2017-12-26_10-18-00 by Clifton Tausberger, on FlickrWhen you have such 75 experts on hand, the car up on a life, a good mug of tea and an expert's store of parts, you do of course end up getting some other bits and pieces.
The original exhaust flexi had some gaps, so a new item was welded in:
2017-12-26_10-18-32 by Clifton Tausberger, on FlickrRear section was also looking decidedly past its best. Many biscuits were consumed debating if it was the original factory item. I was just glad to see the back of it:
2017-12-26_10-18-41 by Clifton Tausberger, on FlickrStandard exhaust transit option:
2017-12-26_10-18-23 by Clifton Tausberger, on FlickrAll back together:
2017-12-26_10-18-50 by Clifton Tausberger, on FlickrNext up: rear springs. A combination of heavy loads and dreadful surfacing of the M3 had finally snapped the old springs, another common 75 problem. I don't have a before picture, but trust me when I say it looked fully loaded with nothing in it.
2017-12-26_10-19-01 by Clifton Tausberger, on Finally, the only advisory on the MOT, another part of Rover 75 folklore - an inefficient handbrake. This is often down to a mild steel/cheesium compensator which stretches and obstinately obstructs further adjustment. The 75 community have a stainless steel modification that was installed after an elongated (and not photographed) interior part removal. Success, an effective brake!
This was a large bill, but given the parts installed and the sheer amount of effort over two days I was exceedingly happy. The Rover was renewed and left Wales without rear clonks or driver-side exhaust gas, and most importantly with the smoothest gear change of any Rover I have owned.
No more bills for a while right?
Er...something like that...
Spinakerr said:
Never position your eye socket directly over the thing you're trying to yank off - I had a courageous tale of besting a rogue leather gearknob to accompany my black eye.
Glad to hear I'm not the only person who's punched themselves in the face removing a gear knob, except I ended up with a fat lip rather than a black eye. I have one of these that has sat forlornly for 4 years after our local garage buggered it up sufficiently for the engine to seize. I'm finally going to get round to having it taken away but if you want to trawl round it and take anything useful you're welcome to. It's an 04 facelift CDTi auto in blue with a light coloured interior. I'm based in West Sussex.
Thanks for the notes - Jules is definitely one of the best, he seems to have his pick of jobs and a proper idyll to work in.
Travs said:
I have one of these that has sat forlornly for 4 years after our local garage buggered it up sufficiently for the engine to seize. I'm finally going to get round to having it taken away but if you want to trawl round it and take anything useful you're welcome to. It's an 04 facelift CDTi auto in blue with a light coloured interior. I'm based in West Sussex.
PM sent - thanks!Almost bought a 2003 with 45k miles last year but the missus didn't like the sea of beige inside and everything was slightly crusty un the engine bay and underneath. Still regret it a wee bit as they seem to be a decent commuter. Thanks for the write up. I miss having a car that's easily tinkered with.
GIYess said:
Almost bought a 2003 with 45k miles last year but the missus didn't like the sea of beige inside and everything was slightly crusty un the engine bay and underneath. Still regret it a wee bit as they seem to be a decent commuter. Thanks for the write up. I miss having a car that's easily tinkered with.
Cream leather always seems attractive, but depending on the quality and the care expended previously they can look truly awful.We have the black set in this car and it has aged gracefully. There's still time to secure one for the price of a good bathtub...
The Surprisingly Easy Addition Of Cruise Control
As the 75 had become our long distance barge, delving into the forums had yielded the good news that a cruise control module could be retro-fitted with some DIY.
The booking of a European adventure galvanised me into action, booking a visit to Jules to replaced the dog-eared front springs, check any items I may have missed and hopefully assist with any issues that arose from the cruise control fitting.
For the 75, you will need: a cruise control ECU & bracket, the steering wheel controls and the button/module for the dash. There are two versions of the cruise ECU, so make sure you get the one for your engine (diesel M47 is SCB100211). Sets are readily available at present.
2017-12-26_10-28-09 by Clifton Tausberger, on Flickr
As with a lot of modern cars, the cabling is likely to be present in the loom but unless the original buyer checked the box the actual end bits weren't fitted. It seems the later the 75, the more likely the bits to be in place in the loom. A late facelift such as ours had everything in place ready to plug and play, which was fortunate.
The below-radio 'lozenge section' in 75s had many variants determining the number of button holes - ours had three in total - heated seats (that's another story) and an '{i}' button. This button was designed to be an early version of 'traffic assist' or some such. In our car, if pushed it would announce the start of the congestion charging zone, and on one occasion a repeat few presses actually called BMW's tech department. We can do without that.
Disconnect the battery. Leave for a while, and approach the steering wheel and the airbag area at the end!
First up, the mounting of the new ECU (no picture, apologies) required the removal of the glovebox and the screwing in of a bracket by the passenger fuses. The screw are already present, so simple to locate. The ECU plug was ready to go in, very simple, there's no options here!
Next, the button itself. Prise out the central trim, and ensure the new switch is seated with the cruise control connector (the black clip connected here is for cruise):
2017-12-26_10-28-18 by Clifton Tausberger, on Flickr
Next, take out the central steering wheel section by removing the Torx screws:
2017-12-26_10-28-28 by Clifton Tausberger, on Flickr
All the wiring was present, so the only task as to carefully cut the aperture for the switches in the plastic boss.
I did this with a hacksaw then trimmed with a stanley knife and sanded (for no reason):
2017-12-26_10-28-37 by Clifton Tausberger, on Flickr
There will be holes for new self-tappers to attached the unit, and only one possible connector.
The Jules booted up the plug-in T4 on the laptop and ensured it was fully enabled, and we has stumbled, blinking and twitching, into functionality expected by Americans since the seventies. Yay. It's been used pretty much every trip since, I have no idea how we lived without it.
2017-12-26_10-28-48 by Clifton Tausberger, on Flickr
Of course, it wouldn't be a trip to Jules with some other maintenance. Front springs before:
2017-12-26_10-22-29 by Clifton Tausberger, on Flickr
And after:
2017-12-26_10-26-59 by Clifton Tausberger, on Flickr
2017-12-26_10-27-33 by Clifton Tausberger, on Flickr
He also replaced the AC belt, which was attempting to resemble a difficult level of Frogger:
2017-12-26_10-27-23 by Clifton Tausberger, on Flickr
Suitable revitalised, and with fresh AC gas, the 75 of course dispatched over 1500 miles of French noodling:
2017-12-26_10-30-21 by Clifton Tausberger, on Flickr
I thought the rear spring change had made a difference as they had actually broken, but the fronts really moved the handling into better-than-expected. Less like a barge, though it couldn't match our travel companion in the windy bits of the Alps:
2017-12-26_10-29-54 by Clifton Tausberger, on Flickr
As the 75 had become our long distance barge, delving into the forums had yielded the good news that a cruise control module could be retro-fitted with some DIY.
The booking of a European adventure galvanised me into action, booking a visit to Jules to replaced the dog-eared front springs, check any items I may have missed and hopefully assist with any issues that arose from the cruise control fitting.
For the 75, you will need: a cruise control ECU & bracket, the steering wheel controls and the button/module for the dash. There are two versions of the cruise ECU, so make sure you get the one for your engine (diesel M47 is SCB100211). Sets are readily available at present.
2017-12-26_10-28-09 by Clifton Tausberger, on FlickrAs with a lot of modern cars, the cabling is likely to be present in the loom but unless the original buyer checked the box the actual end bits weren't fitted. It seems the later the 75, the more likely the bits to be in place in the loom. A late facelift such as ours had everything in place ready to plug and play, which was fortunate.
The below-radio 'lozenge section' in 75s had many variants determining the number of button holes - ours had three in total - heated seats (that's another story) and an '{i}' button. This button was designed to be an early version of 'traffic assist' or some such. In our car, if pushed it would announce the start of the congestion charging zone, and on one occasion a repeat few presses actually called BMW's tech department. We can do without that.
Disconnect the battery. Leave for a while, and approach the steering wheel and the airbag area at the end!
First up, the mounting of the new ECU (no picture, apologies) required the removal of the glovebox and the screwing in of a bracket by the passenger fuses. The screw are already present, so simple to locate. The ECU plug was ready to go in, very simple, there's no options here!
Next, the button itself. Prise out the central trim, and ensure the new switch is seated with the cruise control connector (the black clip connected here is for cruise):
2017-12-26_10-28-18 by Clifton Tausberger, on FlickrNext, take out the central steering wheel section by removing the Torx screws:
2017-12-26_10-28-28 by Clifton Tausberger, on FlickrAll the wiring was present, so the only task as to carefully cut the aperture for the switches in the plastic boss.
I did this with a hacksaw then trimmed with a stanley knife and sanded (for no reason):
2017-12-26_10-28-37 by Clifton Tausberger, on FlickrThere will be holes for new self-tappers to attached the unit, and only one possible connector.
The Jules booted up the plug-in T4 on the laptop and ensured it was fully enabled, and we has stumbled, blinking and twitching, into functionality expected by Americans since the seventies. Yay. It's been used pretty much every trip since, I have no idea how we lived without it.
2017-12-26_10-28-48 by Clifton Tausberger, on FlickrOf course, it wouldn't be a trip to Jules with some other maintenance. Front springs before:
2017-12-26_10-22-29 by Clifton Tausberger, on FlickrAnd after:
2017-12-26_10-26-59 by Clifton Tausberger, on Flickr2017-12-26_10-27-33 by Clifton Tausberger, on FlickrHe also replaced the AC belt, which was attempting to resemble a difficult level of Frogger:
2017-12-26_10-27-23 by Clifton Tausberger, on FlickrSuitable revitalised, and with fresh AC gas, the 75 of course dispatched over 1500 miles of French noodling:
2017-12-26_10-30-21 by Clifton Tausberger, on FlickrI thought the rear spring change had made a difference as they had actually broken, but the fronts really moved the handling into better-than-expected. Less like a barge, though it couldn't match our travel companion in the windy bits of the Alps:
2017-12-26_10-29-54 by Clifton Tausberger, on Flickr[b] Opaque Reckoning [b]
Another common ailment of all Rover 75s, and indeed a lot of cars with plastic headlight lenses, is the external fogging of headlights. On our example they were particularly opaque:
IMAG3966 by Clifton Tausberger, on Flickr
IMAG3965 by Clifton Tausberger, on Flickr
I purchased the 3M kit following some examination of examples in the 75 community, and dug out a proper corded drill from the 80s (none of this plastic chuck malarkey):
IMAG3977 by Clifton Tausberger, on Flickr
The kit has several grades of sandpaper and polish, and clear instructions. I would advise any future uses to get extra masking tape/protection for the bodywork around the lights, and to make sure you move over the entire light relatively quickly. It's easy to focus on a place with a blemish and before you know it, the sandpaper has expired. I'll spare you all a court deposition of each stage, here's some pictures:
IMAG3975 by Clifton Tausberger, on Flickr
IMAG3978 by Clifton Tausberger, on Flickr
IMAG3979 by Clifton Tausberger, on Flickr
IMAG3980 by Clifton Tausberger, on Flickr
IMAG3983 by Clifton Tausberger, on Flickr
Et voila! Clarity. I was extremely happy with the results, and treated the lights to some Rain-X with UV protection afterwards. Much better.
Another common ailment of all Rover 75s, and indeed a lot of cars with plastic headlight lenses, is the external fogging of headlights. On our example they were particularly opaque:
IMAG3966 by Clifton Tausberger, on FlickrIMAG3965 by Clifton Tausberger, on FlickrI purchased the 3M kit following some examination of examples in the 75 community, and dug out a proper corded drill from the 80s (none of this plastic chuck malarkey):
IMAG3977 by Clifton Tausberger, on FlickrThe kit has several grades of sandpaper and polish, and clear instructions. I would advise any future uses to get extra masking tape/protection for the bodywork around the lights, and to make sure you move over the entire light relatively quickly. It's easy to focus on a place with a blemish and before you know it, the sandpaper has expired. I'll spare you all a court deposition of each stage, here's some pictures:
IMAG3975 by Clifton Tausberger, on FlickrIMAG3978 by Clifton Tausberger, on FlickrIMAG3979 by Clifton Tausberger, on FlickrIMAG3980 by Clifton Tausberger, on FlickrIMAG3983 by Clifton Tausberger, on FlickrEt voila! Clarity. I was extremely happy with the results, and treated the lights to some Rain-X with UV protection afterwards. Much better.
A thoroughly enjoyable read.
I too have a 75 shaped soft spot. My Uncle bought a High Miler (140k) and had it for 100k. He then passed it on to me and my brother when it got a bit dog eared. Unplugging the MAF and constant topping up of hydraulic fluid to ensure a working clutch and it was a great cruiser. I would happily go out and buy a Tourer tomorrow, unfortunately my wife thinks they're an old mans car!
I too have a 75 shaped soft spot. My Uncle bought a High Miler (140k) and had it for 100k. He then passed it on to me and my brother when it got a bit dog eared. Unplugging the MAF and constant topping up of hydraulic fluid to ensure a working clutch and it was a great cruiser. I would happily go out and buy a Tourer tomorrow, unfortunately my wife thinks they're an old mans car!
Great thread and great car. BTW, the Americans had cruise control in the 50's. And electric memory seats, air suspension, automatic headlights, electric windows, air conditioning, central locking, tinted glass etc. etc. If they'd not got all fat and lazy in the 60's and 70's we'd be driving round in hover cars by now.
Great thread.
I’ve had two V6 75’s for high mileage barge duties. I’ve done over 160,000 miles in total in the two cars.
First one, ended up being on Fifth Gear road tested by Tiff Needel!
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=WMAzi6MKxzA
I’ve had two V6 75’s for high mileage barge duties. I’ve done over 160,000 miles in total in the two cars.
First one, ended up being on Fifth Gear road tested by Tiff Needel!
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=WMAzi6MKxzA
Thank you all - it seems the affection for 75s is far-reaching and growing...if only Rover had this amount of faithful in 2005 it may have survived! Love the video with old Tiff, the V6 is a hoot.
2018-03-18_11-43-43 by Clifton Tausberger, on Flickr
Time to hunt down a good one!
I have ordered some new bonnet struts as I received a wake-up knock on my soft cranium earlier - the gas is finally on the wane.
Also there seems to be a slight exhaust leak somewhere in the system, audible at low revs, so that'll need some investigation on a ramp. Stainless Longlife for £350 you say? Hmm....
qwertina said:
I would happily go out and buy a Tourer tomorrow, unfortunately my wife thinks they're an old mans car!
Evidence to the contrary this morning with a proud owner about to tackle the snow:2018-03-18_11-43-43 by Clifton Tausberger, on FlickrTime to hunt down a good one!
I have ordered some new bonnet struts as I received a wake-up knock on my soft cranium earlier - the gas is finally on the wane.
Also there seems to be a slight exhaust leak somewhere in the system, audible at low revs, so that'll need some investigation on a ramp. Stainless Longlife for £350 you say? Hmm....
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