Suzuki Jimny SZ5
Discussion
Got a new Jimny accessory for Christmas. So have got it fitted. Very quick and easy to fit too.
One of my few complaints with the Jimny is the lack of USB and 12v power points. Thankfully this can be solved with this addition (from JimnyStyle).
It plugs into the existing 12v socket and in return gives you 2 x 12v sockets and 2 x USB ports. Plus retaining the factory USB port that you need to connect to the stereo.
Now I have somewhere to plug a radio in (CB/PMR446) I'll be sorting something out.
Before:
After:
One of my few complaints with the Jimny is the lack of USB and 12v power points. Thankfully this can be solved with this addition (from JimnyStyle).
It plugs into the existing 12v socket and in return gives you 2 x 12v sockets and 2 x USB ports. Plus retaining the factory USB port that you need to connect to the stereo.
Now I have somewhere to plug a radio in (CB/PMR446) I'll be sorting something out.
Before:
After:
Red9zero said:
Have you seen the Late Brake Show on YouTube ? Jonny Smith has got a Jimny and has done some nice mods to it. Very cool little cars !
Jonny got the very first customer car, delivered in December 2018. His wife makes good use of it as her daily. The latest to get involved is Mat Watson from Carwow, who seems to be buying lots of personal cars of late - looks like he has just got a Yaris GR.SL22 said:
Red9zero said:
Have you seen the Late Brake Show on YouTube ? Jonny Smith has got a Jimny and has done some nice mods to it. Very cool little cars !
Jonny got the very first customer car, delivered in December 2018. His wife makes good use of it as her daily. The latest to get involved is Mat Watson from Carwow, who seems to be buying lots of personal cars of late - looks like he has just got a Yaris GR.Jonny seems to be a bit more considered with his and the mods he's made I generally think improve it. That said he goes for top spec kit, over £1k just on the roof rack and a couple of accessories for it.
ChocolateFrog said:
Matt bolted a lot of tat on his. Didn't he spend something like £5k on accessories? Which IMO made it look worse.
Given the way things have worked with sales of ‘new’ Jimnys from dealers, it’s almost certain that in order to buy the car (ahead of lots of other people who still wanted to buy a new one) then all of those options were ‘required’ to be included in the deal. In the video Mat even says he doesn’t like some of them...As with many Youtubers there is a lot of smoke and mirrors about the buying of cars!SL22 said:
ChocolateFrog said:
Matt bolted a lot of tat on his. Didn't he spend something like £5k on accessories? Which IMO made it look worse.
Given the way things have worked with sales of ‘new’ Jimnys from dealers, it’s almost certain that in order to buy the car (ahead of lots of other people who still wanted to buy a new one) then all of those options were ‘required’ to be included in the deal. In the video Mat even says he doesn’t like some of them...As with many Youtubers there is a lot of smoke and mirrors about the buying of cars!So we eventually got some snow, first lot in 2 winters for the area. 
I actually had a job to do and was out in the Matbro delivering water when it came down.
By the time I left the road was nicely covered. Sadly lots of complete and utter idiots about, but made it back safely enough.
But I'd gone out in the Range Rover, not the Jimny. But I can't complain, the Range Rover went really well in the snow. Despite having owned it for quite a few years. This was the first time I'd got to drive it in the snow. Super impressed with the Kuhmo MT51's, they worked very very well in the somewhat wet snow.
It really felt like it would go anywhere with ease. And did so.
But I was keen to try the Jimny out in the snow too and the Maxxis Wormdrive tyres. But I had to wait until the next day.
Despite the snow being quite wet and great for snowballs and snowmen, the overnight low temps meant it had frosted by this morning and gone much more brittle. And a lot more icy. Sadly, most of the snow on the roads had also gone. Bar some side roads. But there were icy patches and slush about.
As a long time Land Rover owner I've always been used to permanent 4 wheel drive. Where you can run between tarmac and slippery sections without needing to do anything. The Part-time 4 wheel drive in the Jimny does require a bit more driver intervention in switching back and forth between 2-Hi and 4-Hi. And if left in 2-Hi you do feel somewhat less confident in it.
That said it still went brilliantly. And the tyres impressed too. It would have been nice to get a full back to back with the MT51's on the Range Rover. But I'd say they are close, with the edge to the MT51's on snowy roads.
I did however get chance for a bit of a play off road.
Some mud was showing by this time. But still quite a lot of frosted snow. Here the Maxxis Wormdirves simply surpassed expectations. I know the TCS on the Jimny helps and is brilliant in its own right too. But the entire combination was unstoppable... pretty much. Very very pleased with how it went and also pleased with my choice of tyres. I wouldn't not expect an AT to be able to perform so well in such conditions.
My brother had his Trail Hawk out too, he is running winters. Hugely capable too, although somewhat less sure footed on this terrain in these conditions. And the tyres while great on road could clearly be seen working less well than the All Terrains off of it.
That said, for the comfort and on road ability of the Trail Hawk with its all independent suspension, I find it in many ways more impressive than the new Defender as an all round capable vehicle.
Short vid to follow....
I actually had a job to do and was out in the Matbro delivering water when it came down.
By the time I left the road was nicely covered. Sadly lots of complete and utter idiots about, but made it back safely enough.
But I'd gone out in the Range Rover, not the Jimny. But I can't complain, the Range Rover went really well in the snow. Despite having owned it for quite a few years. This was the first time I'd got to drive it in the snow. Super impressed with the Kuhmo MT51's, they worked very very well in the somewhat wet snow.
It really felt like it would go anywhere with ease. And did so.
But I was keen to try the Jimny out in the snow too and the Maxxis Wormdrive tyres. But I had to wait until the next day.
Despite the snow being quite wet and great for snowballs and snowmen, the overnight low temps meant it had frosted by this morning and gone much more brittle. And a lot more icy. Sadly, most of the snow on the roads had also gone. Bar some side roads. But there were icy patches and slush about.
As a long time Land Rover owner I've always been used to permanent 4 wheel drive. Where you can run between tarmac and slippery sections without needing to do anything. The Part-time 4 wheel drive in the Jimny does require a bit more driver intervention in switching back and forth between 2-Hi and 4-Hi. And if left in 2-Hi you do feel somewhat less confident in it.
That said it still went brilliantly. And the tyres impressed too. It would have been nice to get a full back to back with the MT51's on the Range Rover. But I'd say they are close, with the edge to the MT51's on snowy roads.
I did however get chance for a bit of a play off road.
Some mud was showing by this time. But still quite a lot of frosted snow. Here the Maxxis Wormdirves simply surpassed expectations. I know the TCS on the Jimny helps and is brilliant in its own right too. But the entire combination was unstoppable... pretty much. Very very pleased with how it went and also pleased with my choice of tyres. I wouldn't not expect an AT to be able to perform so well in such conditions.
My brother had his Trail Hawk out too, he is running winters. Hugely capable too, although somewhat less sure footed on this terrain in these conditions. And the tyres while great on road could clearly be seen working less well than the All Terrains off of it.
That said, for the comfort and on road ability of the Trail Hawk with its all independent suspension, I find it in many ways more impressive than the new Defender as an all round capable vehicle.
Short vid to follow....
Towbar update:
Fitted a towbar yesterday. I opted for the the Tow Trust one in the end (thanks for the recommendation Lambert). As the Suzuki one seems hard to find in stock and pricey.
Thus far quite pleased, got it for a good price in the end. It came well boxed and packaged with adequate instructions.
Fitting is pretty simple, remove the rear bumper, which actually comes off super easy, although the electric plugs put up more of a fight to undo (rear lights).
Then you have two side brackets that bolt to each chassis rail and the bar bolts between them. Then the quick release bolts to the bar.
Very glad I decided to fit myself, it gave me chance to apply Dinitrol to some areas I couldn't reach previously.
And I found some rust!! On the near side chassis mounting point for the body.
I assume this was a paint defect or chip at manufacture with exposed metal that has started to rust. Not really very good on a vehicle that is only 18 months old or so.
I treated it with a rust neutraliser and then sprayed with Dinitrol.
The bar look like it hangs down really low, but it isn't actually any lower than the factory rear tow/recovery points. And needs to be this low to clear the rear bumper. I think off road there is the potential for it to impact the ground, but suspect it won't be a major problem.
All fitted and back together. Very impressed with the 'quick release' mechanism. It really is very quick and easy to fit and remove the hitch.
I haven't towed with it yet. I still need to get the electrics fitted. But I did try the old sheep trailer on the back for size.
The tow bar comes with a small bag and it happily fits perfectly into the rear storage tray in the back of the Jimny. So easy to keep with the vehicle should I need it.
Fitted a towbar yesterday. I opted for the the Tow Trust one in the end (thanks for the recommendation Lambert). As the Suzuki one seems hard to find in stock and pricey.
Thus far quite pleased, got it for a good price in the end. It came well boxed and packaged with adequate instructions.
Fitting is pretty simple, remove the rear bumper, which actually comes off super easy, although the electric plugs put up more of a fight to undo (rear lights).
Then you have two side brackets that bolt to each chassis rail and the bar bolts between them. Then the quick release bolts to the bar.
Very glad I decided to fit myself, it gave me chance to apply Dinitrol to some areas I couldn't reach previously.
And I found some rust!! On the near side chassis mounting point for the body.
I assume this was a paint defect or chip at manufacture with exposed metal that has started to rust. Not really very good on a vehicle that is only 18 months old or so.
I treated it with a rust neutraliser and then sprayed with Dinitrol.
The bar look like it hangs down really low, but it isn't actually any lower than the factory rear tow/recovery points. And needs to be this low to clear the rear bumper. I think off road there is the potential for it to impact the ground, but suspect it won't be a major problem.
All fitted and back together. Very impressed with the 'quick release' mechanism. It really is very quick and easy to fit and remove the hitch.
I haven't towed with it yet. I still need to get the electrics fitted. But I did try the old sheep trailer on the back for size.
The tow bar comes with a small bag and it happily fits perfectly into the rear storage tray in the back of the Jimny. So easy to keep with the vehicle should I need it.
Time for another update.
2nd year service done and dusted. About bang on the 12,000 mile prediction, which was nice.
Got the dealer to fit the trailer electrics (I'd previously already fitted the towbar). Ultimately the cost of fitting the electrics was low enough that I didn't bother doing it myself when you factor the cost of the genuine wiring harness.
No other changes to the Jimny as of yet. I have noticed a couple more stone chips, which is disappointing. I will raise with Suzuki and the dealer, but doubt I'll get anywhere with it.
As a bit of fun I've done a comparison video also. Which I hope I can post here, as PH seems sensitive of late when I've posted YT links....
2nd year service done and dusted. About bang on the 12,000 mile prediction, which was nice.
Got the dealer to fit the trailer electrics (I'd previously already fitted the towbar). Ultimately the cost of fitting the electrics was low enough that I didn't bother doing it myself when you factor the cost of the genuine wiring harness.
No other changes to the Jimny as of yet. I have noticed a couple more stone chips, which is disappointing. I will raise with Suzuki and the dealer, but doubt I'll get anywhere with it.
As a bit of fun I've done a comparison video also. Which I hope I can post here, as PH seems sensitive of late when I've posted YT links....
300bhp/ton said:
No other changes to the Jimny as of yet. I have noticed a couple more stone chips, which is disappointing. I will raise with Suzuki and the dealer, but doubt I'll get anywhere with it.
I’ve got a 2021 Jimny LCV with 4k miles and I’ve noticed a few paint chips on the front; I think the paint isn’t great on them as my 2019 was the same.Wireless Apple CarPlay Upgrade
Stumbled across this on a YouTube video, but did some reading and looked promising. So ordered up a device.
Very simple, plug it in, turn on the car. Wait for the factor infotainment to say Apple Carplay and select it on the in car screen, search for the device on your iPhone (Bluetooth) and connect. And hey presto! Wireless CarPlay
When you get back in the vehicle it should reconnect automatically. Mine seemed to take 30 secs or so, similar to what the bluetooth used to take previously.
Will have to see how reliable it is, but hoping it will.
I got mine from Amazon on next day delivery for £85.99, but I can't comment on if this is a good price or not or if it will change.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B08CZ65SV4/ref...
Stumbled across this on a YouTube video, but did some reading and looked promising. So ordered up a device.
Very simple, plug it in, turn on the car. Wait for the factor infotainment to say Apple Carplay and select it on the in car screen, search for the device on your iPhone (Bluetooth) and connect. And hey presto! Wireless CarPlay
When you get back in the vehicle it should reconnect automatically. Mine seemed to take 30 secs or so, similar to what the bluetooth used to take previously.
Will have to see how reliable it is, but hoping it will.
I got mine from Amazon on next day delivery for £85.99, but I can't comment on if this is a good price or not or if it will change.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B08CZ65SV4/ref...
Bought some underbody skid plates from a user over on BigJimny. I really wanted the transfer skid plate, as it clearly impacts the ground in certain conditions.
The listing was actually for 3 ASFIR aluminium skid plates:
- Transfer case
- Fuel tank
- Fuel System
The price was too good to miss the opportunity.
I'm also pleased with going for aluminium. These items really shouldn't be taking big impacts, gentle knocks and sliding is far more likely. The weight saving of aluminium over steel is fairly significant. Not just in carrying about on the vehicle, but also when fitting.
To aid access I drove the Jimny up on some ramps.
I didn't have full fitting instructions. There were some technical drawings showing how the brackets fit, but not how they attach to the vehicle. Not too hard to figure out. A little fiddle, there is a factory tank guard and shield that runs above the propshaft. Many of the brackets bolt on to these fixings.
Overall it was a bit fiddly, because then you remove the factory bolts, the shield and tank drop and are a bit of a PITA to realign. I ended up substituting some of the bolts that came out with slightly longer ones, as it made it a lot easier to get them to engage and screw in.
I had previously applied Dinitrol to the underside, I touched this up where I had missed a couple of bits before fitting the skid plates.
As you can see, the bare aluminium of the skids had been subject to some surface corrosion with the previous owner. So I decided to apply Dinitrol to them as well.
The main fuel tank guard was the most difficult to fit, the tank dropped quite a bit and required the use of a trolley jack (a 2nd person would have worked too) to help re-align the bolt holes.
The transfer case skid fitted on quite easily, although access to the right (drivers) rear mounting bolt top is hugely difficult. Still not 100% happy with it. But it'll have to do for now.
The listing was actually for 3 ASFIR aluminium skid plates:
- Transfer case
- Fuel tank
- Fuel System
The price was too good to miss the opportunity.
I'm also pleased with going for aluminium. These items really shouldn't be taking big impacts, gentle knocks and sliding is far more likely. The weight saving of aluminium over steel is fairly significant. Not just in carrying about on the vehicle, but also when fitting.
To aid access I drove the Jimny up on some ramps.
I didn't have full fitting instructions. There were some technical drawings showing how the brackets fit, but not how they attach to the vehicle. Not too hard to figure out. A little fiddle, there is a factory tank guard and shield that runs above the propshaft. Many of the brackets bolt on to these fixings.
Overall it was a bit fiddly, because then you remove the factory bolts, the shield and tank drop and are a bit of a PITA to realign. I ended up substituting some of the bolts that came out with slightly longer ones, as it made it a lot easier to get them to engage and screw in.
I had previously applied Dinitrol to the underside, I touched this up where I had missed a couple of bits before fitting the skid plates.
As you can see, the bare aluminium of the skids had been subject to some surface corrosion with the previous owner. So I decided to apply Dinitrol to them as well.
The main fuel tank guard was the most difficult to fit, the tank dropped quite a bit and required the use of a trolley jack (a 2nd person would have worked too) to help re-align the bolt holes.
The transfer case skid fitted on quite easily, although access to the right (drivers) rear mounting bolt top is hugely difficult. Still not 100% happy with it. But it'll have to do for now.
The exhaust looks very corroded for what is a relatively new car. Is rust proofing still not a priority on Japanese cars as I saw your early rusty mounting point you discovered. Due to you getting all over the underside you would likely spot most starting but the average owner not so much.
Would you suggest any prospective used purchaser gets under and has a good look?
Seems like an issue that could be remedied with £100 worth of dynatrol or similar.
Would you suggest any prospective used purchaser gets under and has a good look?
Seems like an issue that could be remedied with £100 worth of dynatrol or similar.
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