Compared to its predecessor, the third generation of the Land Rover Discovery SUV has become more focused on providing maximum comfort when driving on any road. This is expressed in the abundance of modern electronic assistants, improved suspension, new interior layout and other upgrades. Land Rover Discovery 3 was very popular in many countries of the world, but the car was produced for only five years.
In the showrooms of Land Rover dealers, the Discovery 3 SUV appeared in 2004, immediately demonstrating a decent level of sales. The abundance of innovations, invented specifically for the third generation of Discovery, attracted the attention of not only specialists who handed out all sorts of awards to the novelty, but also ordinary fans of serious off-road vehicles that could not give in to off-road. However, some innovations caused conflicting opinions and sometimes even fears, but over time everything fell into place and Land Rover Discovery III confirmed the high status laid down by its predecessors.
Unlike the previous generation, Land Rover Discovery 3 received a more massive appearance, emphasized by huge optics and a large radiator grille. In terms of dimensions, Discovery 3 can be safely called a full-size SUV - the body length was 4835 mm, the width was 2190 mm, and the height was limited to 1837 mm. The Land Rover Discovery 3 has a wheelbase length of 2885 mm and a ride height of 180 mm for versions with basic suspension or from 180 to 285 mm for variable ground clearance versions with air suspension. By the way, in the second case, Discovery 3 was able to overcome fords up to 700 mm deep.
The minimum curb weight of the SUV is 2494 kg.
Salon Discovery 3 had two layout options: a standard five-seater and a seven-seater with two folding side seats in the trunk. The interior received a rather rich finish from high-quality materials, but it was decorated quite simply, in a sense, in a masculine way, without frills and “beauties”, i.e. exactly as the interior of a real SUV, and not an urban SUV, should look like.
However, this did not prevent the manufacturer from offering a fairly high level of interior equipment, as well as providing proper driving comfort in all conditions.
Specifications. In Russia, Land Rover Discovery III was offered to customers with only two power plant options: a base diesel engine and a top-end gasoline unit.
In some other markets, there was another gasoline unit in the engine line - a 4.0-liter V6 with a capacity of 219 hp, but since it was not officially in our country, we will not dwell on its detailed characteristics.
Let's talk about the base "diesel". In its development, the British were actively assisted by specialists from Ford and Peugeot, which made it possible to create a fairly reliable engine, perfectly adapted to the harsh Russian natural conditions. The only weakness of the engine was initially the high-pressure fuel pump and the EGR valve, but during the very first service companies in our country, all problems were eliminated, so the Discovery 3 diesel engine can be considered very reliable.
Now about the characteristics. The diesel unit had six V-shaped cylinders with a displacement of 2.7 liters (2720 cm³) and a turbocharging system, which allowed it to develop up to 195 hp. maximum power, as well as to give out 440 Nm of torque. As a gearbox for the base engine, the British offered a 6-speed “mechanics” or a 6-band “automatic” Steptronic, which was in special demand because of its reliability and endurance.
The diesel Discovery 3 was distinguished by a fairly acceptable "gluttony": With a manual transmission, the average consumption was about 9.4 liters per 100 km, and with an "automatic" - 10.4 liters.
For those who were not going to often plow off-road, but preferred to drive fast on asphalt, dealers offered a top-end gasoline V-shaped engine with 8 cylinders with a total displacement of 4.4 liters (4394 cm³). The flagship motor was capable of producing up to 295 hp. power and about 425 Nm of torque, but at the same time its fuel appetite was as much as 15.0 liters in the combined cycle, which significantly increased the cost of maintaining an SUV. The gasoline unit was aggregated only with a 6-band "automatic".
Land Rover Discovery 3 departed from the tradition of its predecessors and received a monocoque body with an integrated frame, as well as a fully independent multi-link suspension front and rear, which increased the level of comfort when driving on public roads. Many Discovery fans feared that this would adversely affect the SUV's off-road ability, but their fears were quickly dispelled, and the Terrain ResponseTM electronic transmission control system, which was frightening at first, eventually gained popularity and respect among Discovery 3 owners.
Note that in Russia, cars manufactured before 2008 quite often had problems with ball joints, steering tips and silent blocks of the front suspension, but later the British replaced them with reinforced versions, which immediately removed all problems.
The Land Rover Discovery 3 received a spring suspension in the base, and in more expensive trim levels it was equipped with an air suspension, which made it possible to adjust the ride height.
All SUVs sold in Russia were equipped with an all-wheel drive system with a 2-speed transfer case and a central center differential lock. In addition, the car received ABS, EBD, ETC and HDC systems.
Disc brakes (front ventilated) were used on all wheels, and the rack and pinion steering mechanism was supplemented by a hydraulic booster.
In Russia, the third generation of Land Rover Discovery was offered in three equipment options: "S", "SE" and "HSE". Already in the database, the car received 17-inch alloy wheels, front and side airbags, full power accessories, air conditioning, an audio system, a set of electronic assistants, a car tilt angle sensor and an additional engine heating system. The Land Rover Discovery 3 was discontinued in 2009 when it was replaced by the fourth generation Discovery.
Discovery is an off-road vehicle of the British company Land Rover. It was introduced to the world in 1989 as an intermediate link between the top Range Rover model and the highly passable utility Defender. Discovery very quickly became the most popular model of Land Rover. There are currently four generations of this car.
First generation discovery was produced in the period 1989-1998 and were both in three-door and five-door versions. Initially, there were only three-door cars, but a year later they began to produce five-door cars. There were two more seats in the luggage compartment, that is, the total capacity of the car was 7 seats.
First, two types of engines were installed - a 2.5-liter diesel (4 cylinders, in-line, 113 hp) and a 3.5-liter gasoline (8 cylinders, V-shaped, 166 hp). After 1994, the engine line was replenished with two gasoline engines - 2.0 liters (4 cylinders, in-line, 134 hp) and 3.9 liters (8 cylinders, V-shaped, 182 hp).
An automatic transmission was installed only on Discovery with a 3.9-liter gasoline engine, the rest of the modifications had mechanics. On all modifications, all-wheel drive with the ability to manually block the center differential using a transfer case.
Two upgrades were carried out at the first Discovery. First in 1992, then in 1994. Changed the interior design, replaced the front optics. It is also interesting that during the period 1992-1995, Discovery was delivered to Japan under the name Honda Crossroad.
The most important change is that the electronics began to control the all-wheel drive. Many people didn't like it. Some models were equipped with a hydraulic anti-roll bar control system, which reduced roll in corners at speed.
The engines have also been updated. Now Discovery 2 was equipped with only two engines - a 4.0-liter gasoline (8-cylinder, V-shaped, 185 hp) and a 2.5-liter diesel (5-cylinder, in-line, 138 hp). Both engines were equipped with both an automatic transmission and a manual one. This generation was produced until 2004.
In 2004, the generation of this popular SUV changed and, to the delight of fans, appeared. This is a completely new car, having little in common with its predecessor. They wanted to replace the second generation for a long time, but in 2001 the Range Rover generation changed and this delayed the Discovery change.
One of the biggest changes is the fully independent air suspension. It allows you to change the clearance of the car on the go. For example, on the track, it decreases for better control, on the road, on the contrary, it increases to increase the geometric cross-country ability.
Three types of engines were installed on the Disco 3 - a 4.0-liter gasoline (6-cylinder, V-shaped, 219 hp), a 4.4-liter gasoline (8-cylinder, V-shaped, 295 hp) and a 2.7-liter diesel (6 cylinders , V-shaped, 200 hp). All cars were with automatic transmission, mechanical was only with a diesel engine.
Now the electronics completely controlled the traction control system. Anti-skid system, descent assistance, traction control - all this allows you to confidently drive off-road and not be afraid of slopes or wet roads.
The most important feature of this car was the Terrain Response system developed by Land Rover. Prior to this, driving a car on difficult off-road conditions required the driver to have experience, skill and in-depth knowledge of the car. With the advent of this system, you select the options for the types of surface ("dirt and rut", "grass, gravel, snow", "sand") and the computer adjusts the suspension, gearbox, lock modes, which greatly simplifies the car for beginners.
The design of the car has changed a lot. The interior has become a full-fledged seven-seater. Now 7 adults can comfortably fit in the car. There was a navigation system and a DVD player. The car received a lot of good reviews, especially after the release of the Top Gear program, when it climbed the 307-meter-high Knock-en-Friesdane mountain, where no car has yet been.
The next generation of this SUV appeared in 2009. this is most likely an improvement and update of the previous generation. The design of the car has changed, the Terrain Response system has been improved, and many modern car "chips" invented at that time have been added.
These are technologies such as a system of all-round cameras, adaptive headlights, a TFT touch display, various interfaces for connecting other electronic devices, a modern multimedia system and a GPS navigator, etc.
Discovery 4 is produced with four different engines. Two petrol - 4.0 liters (6 cylinders, V-shaped, 216 hp) and 5.0 liters (8 cylinders, V-shaped, 375 hp) and two diesel 2.7 liters (6 cylinders, V-shaped, 190 hp) and 3.0 liters (6 cylinders, V-shaped, 245 hp). All cars are equipped with automatic transmissions. Only a car with a 2.7 liter diesel engine can be purchased with mechanics.
Vehicles with similar characteristics to Discovery are the Audi Q7, BMW X5, Chevrolet Tahoe, Infiniti QX56, Lexus GX, Mercedes G-Class, Mitsubishi Pajero, Nissan Patrol, Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, Porsche Cayenne.
Characteristics of Discovery
| Name | Release years | Engine | Power | Trans mission | doors |
| Discovery 1 | 1989-1998 | 3.5 / V8 / Petrol | 166 hp / 287 Nm | manual transmission | 3 |
| 3.5 / V8 / Petrol | 155 hp / 261 Nm | ||||
| 2.5 / L4 / Diesel | 113 hp / 265 Nm | ||||
| 2.5 / L4 / Diesel | 113 hp / 265 Nm | ||||
| 1995-1998 | 2.0 / L4 / Petrol | 134 hp / 312 Nm | |||
| 2.0 / L4 / Petrol | 111 hp / 265 Nm | 5 | |||
| 1990-1998 | 2.5 / L4 / Diesel | 113 hp / 265 Nm | |||
| 3.5 / V8 / Petrol | 155 hp / 261 Nm | ||||
| 3.5 / V8 / Petrol | 166 hp / 287 Nm | ||||
| 1994-1998 | 3.5 / V8 / Petrol | 182 hp / 312 Nm | |||
| 3.5 / V8 / Petrol | 182 hp / 312 Nm | automatic transmission | |||
| 1998-2004 | 2.5 / L4 / Diesel | 138 hp / 300 Nm | manual transmission | 5 | |
| 2.5 / L4 / Diesel | 138 hp / 300 Nm | automatic transmission | |||
| 3.9 / V8 / Petrol | 185 hp / 340 Nm | ||||
| 4.0 / V8 / Petrol | 185 hp / 340 Nm | manual transmission | |||
| 2004-2009 | 2.7 / V6 / Diesel | 200 hp / 440 Nm | manual transmission | 5 | |
| 2.7 / V6 / Diesel | 200 hp / 440 Nm | automatic transmission | |||
| 4.4 / V8 / Petrol | 295 hp / 425 Nm | ||||
| 2005-2008 | 4.0 / V6 / Petrol | 219 hp / 360 Nm | |||
| 2009-2014 | 2.7 / V6 / Diesel | 190 hp / 440 Nm | manual transmission | 5 | |
| 2.7 / V6 / Diesel | 190 hp / 440 Nm | automatic transmission | |||
| 4.0 / V6 / Petrol | 216 hp / 360 Nm | ||||
| 3.0 / V6 / Diesel | 211 hp / 520 Nm | ||||
| 3.0 / V6 / Diesel | 245 hp / 600 Nm | ||||
| 5.0 / V8 / Petrol | 375 hp / 510 Nm |
Land Rover Discovery III, 2006
Reliable and good car. I am very pleased that it is so dynamic, there are no problems with the suspension and soundproofing either. And clean up in the car is very convenient. In general, I am delighted with the Land Rover Discovery III and in terms of traveling long distances, because I drove a thousand kilometers, got out of the car, and there was no fatigue at all. From the visibility just delighted. I have had a Land Rover Discovery III for about a year now and have covered 36,000 kilometers on it. During this period, several levers were changed, but it was all done under warranty. In general, no complaints about the car. I drove Discovery III "to the south", wandered around Europe. I would not change for anything else, because the car is very good. I used to drive a Volvo, Volkswagen, Honda - but I can say with full confidence that this car is cooler.
In the city, Land Rover Discovery III shows itself remarkably, dynamism is at the highest level, everything is just perfect with a review, although it has a diesel engine, but I am always the first to leave a traffic light. On average, a car consumes 13 liters, this is when the combined cycle and a distance of 15 thousand kilometers. In terms of spaciousness, it’s just “space” here, because here you can even sleep together and no one will shove anyone, it’s so spacious. The length of the beds is 190 centimeters.
Advantages : dynamics, suspension, noise isolation, capacity.
Flaws : maintenance cost.
Vladimir, St. Petersburg
Land Rover Discovery III, 2007
Bought the car from an authorized dealer in Yekaterinburg. Order, prepayment, receiving a car all without problems. But I only saw the Land Rover Discovery III and didn’t drive it, that is, I didn’t even take it for a test drive, but just bought what I liked outwardly. And for the first time I decided to drive, so to speak, a “tractor”. Bribed his economy. I got my first emotions when I went, to be more precise, I pressed the trigger. And to this day there is this feeling that you can’t stop, but you have to go and go. And let the road end, he doesn’t really need them, he really goes. Of course, I am not a hunter or a fisherman, but there were cases of off-road driving. I tested the Land Rover Discovery III in wet, loose sand in a swamp and in the summer on beach sand along dunes. But you still need to understand what kind of surface you are driving on, and look for a suitable way of transportation, since the Land Rover Discovery III allows you to think. Frost, of course, is not his "topic", but if you cover your "face" and start it in the garage, if it's below -25 outside, you can move.
The car is quite strong for our conditions, for the second time I drove it to the Black Sea. I have a family of five (my wife and I and three kids) and for our family this car is what we need. I watch Land Rover Discovery III clearly, I pass MOT on time, follow all the recommendations of the officials and the car works as it should.
Advantages : ride comfort, engine traction, heat and noise insulation.
Flaws : increased noise of the motor in the cold, vibration from the engine.
Ivan, Yekaterinburg
Land Rover Discovery III, 2008
I owned a Land Rover Discovery III for more than 4 years, traveled a little more than 180,000 km in different conditions, including quite serious off-road and frosts over 40, the car is always in the yard. I read a lot of "true" stories about the unreliability of Land Rover, and I'm allergic to bullshit. I have never had a feeling of “unpreparedness” of the car for a trip anywhere and at any moment, and I have never had a reason to doubt my confidence. From personal experience of operating different brands of cars, incl. BMW, Toyota, and made a conclusion for themselves: Land Rover Discovery III combines the best qualities of these cars, but not impersonally, like the "Japanese", but very individual and sometimes unique. I sold the car for purely pragmatic reasons - time passes, the mileage increases, but technically at the time of the sale the condition of the chassis and engine did not differ much from the new one. Fuel consumption on the highway - 9l, in the city: 11-12 when driving, not without dashing. Oil consumption in the engine is zero, from shift to shift. The first replacement of the pads for 80 thousand. The replacement of one hub for 160 thousand, one USR for 150 thousand. From the serious - everything, the rest of the small things on the suspension, quite a bit and not systemically. With a weight of almost 2.5 tons on our roads, I don’t even take this into account. The reliability and strength of the Land Rover Discovery III suspension is at a very high level.
Advantages : a very decent car.
Flaws : expensive service.
Vasily, Moscow
| Automobile | Land Rover Discovery | |
| Modification name | Si6 | TDV6 |
| body type | 5-door station wagon | |
| Number of places | 5 / 7 | |
| Length, mm | 4970 | |
| Width, mm | 2002 | |
| Height, mm | 1846 | |
| Wheel base, mm | 2922 | |
| Ground clearance (clearance), mm | 172-248 | |
| Curb weight, kg | 2217 | 2292 |
| engine's type | gasoline, direct injection and supercharger | diesel, turbocharged |
| Location | front, lengthwise | front, lengthwise |
| Number and arrangement of cylinders | 6, V-shape | 6, V-shape |
| Working volume, cu. cm. | 2995 | 2993 |
| Number of valves | 24 | 24 |
| Maximum power, l. With. (kW) / rpm | 340 (250) / 6500 | 249 (183) / 3750 |
| Maximum torque, Nm / rpm | 450 / 3500-5000 | 600 / 1750-2250 |
| Transmission | automatic, 8-speed | |
| Drive unit | permanent full | |
| Tires | 235/65 R19 | |
| Maximum speed, km/h | 215 | 209 |
| Acceleration time 0-100 km/h, s | 7,1 | 8,1 |
| Fuel consumption in the combined cycle, l / 100 km | 11,5 | 7,5 |
| Fuel tank capacity, l | 89 | 85 |
| Fuel type | gasoline AI-95-98 | diesel fuel |
The technical characteristics of the Land Rover Discovery are indicated according to the manufacturer. The table shows the main parameters: dimensions, engines, gearboxes, drive type, fuel consumption, dynamic characteristics, etc. Check with official dealers for additional technical information.
Ground clearance (clearance) of a Land Rover Discovery is the minimum distance between the ground and the lowest point of the vehicle, such as the engine guard. Ground clearance may vary depending on the modification and equipment of the vehicle.
See also Land Rover Discovery.
Land Rover Discovery III debuted in 2004. Although stylistically the SUV resembles its predecessor, the differences are visible to the naked eye. Elements such as an asymmetrical rear window and a protruding roof were used on the first generation Discovery. However, in the third incarnation, all this looks more serious.
At the heart of Discovery III is a load-bearing body with an integrated frame and fully independent suspension. This design was designated IBF (Integrated Body Frame - a frame integrated into the body). In 2008, the British decided to restyle. The changes were minimal. The orange direction indicators have been replaced with clear ones, while the black matte plastic on the outside has given way to body-colored elements. A Harman/Kardon audio system is standard equipment.
After the update, the SUV lasted on the market for only a year. Land Rover Discovery IV was introduced in 2009. But in fact, this is just an advanced restyling of the third generation.
Engines
Petrol:
4.0 V6 (218 HP);
4.4 V8 (295 hp).
Diesel:
TDV6 2.7 V6 (190 hp).
The range of offered motors is very narrow. The 2.7-liter turbodiesel was developed by Ford in conjunction with PSA and was used in the Jaguar S-Type and Peugeot 607. True, with a twin turbocharger and 220 hp. 190 "horses" is too little for a large SUV. The average consumption of 9-12 l / 100 km is a very good result for such a size and weight. However, the engine is very capricious.
Most of the problems are created by the injection system and the turbocharger (about $ 800 for a new one). Remarkably, the dual-mass flywheel does not give up as often as in other models with this engine. The disadvantages include the presence of a particulate FAP filter. If the SUV is operated mainly in the city, then problems with it can hardly be avoided. Sometimes there are cases of damage to the crankshaft. In addition, the valve of the exhaust gas recirculation system (EGR) is clogged with soot. The cost of a new one is about 150-250 dollars.
One of the major problems is the glow plugs, which are difficult to unscrew. The other is timing. One belt is located at the front of the engine, and the other for the injection pump from the rear - from the side of the box. Replacement will cost about $500-700.
Gasoline engines are much more stable. Both were developed by Ford. Engines are very greedy. The 4.4-liter V8 will consume at least 20 l/100 km in the city.
Technical features
As befits a true Land Rover, Discovery is equipped with a proprietary all-wheel drive system with a center differential. A rear differential lock is also installed, and in difficult conditions, electronic assistants - ETC, ESP and HDC - will come to the rescue. The Terrain Response system allows you to choose one of the modes that will allow you to overcome sand, snow, slippery grass and stones without any problems. The only problem is the low ground clearance and large wheels (17-20 inches) with low profile tires.
Discovery III was equipped with one of two gearboxes: 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic. Both front and rear are equipped with independent suspension. For the more demanding, air suspension was offered. It allows you to increase ground clearance up to 24 cm. In EuroNCAP crash tests, the British SUV performed so-so, but earned 4 stars.
Faults
Land Rover vehicles have never been reliable. Fortunately, Discovery 3 is better than its predecessor in this regard. But it is still far from perfection. Quite quickly, the suspension elements of silent blocks and ball levers wear out. A comprehensive replacement will require an investment of around $1,000. In rich trim levels, air bags wear out by 150-200 thousand km. Replacement costs a lot. In addition, the air compressor may fail, and leaks appear in the system. There are also problems with wiring - a cascade of errors appears on the display.
Air bellows don't usually have a good reputation, but in this model they are pretty reliable. Replacement is not very difficult. The cost is about $300 each. The compressor will fail much faster - about $ 800.
Before buying a Land Rover Discovery III, it is imperative to check the steering rack. It is prone to leaks and backlash. Tie rods are another weak point of this car. Over time, the brake activator may “grunt” loudly.
The owners of the British off-road vehicle complain about leaks from the gearbox. Quite rarely, but there are cases of damage to the driveshaft, its support and the front differential.
Rough maintenance (wrong type of oil or over tightening with an oil change) can wear out the transfer case bearings. The cost of a used handout is about $ 300, a replacement is the same amount.
Another unpleasant problem is a cracked sunroof. Buying a used version is almost impossible.
Discovery 3 car is not only very complex, but also full of unusual solutions, forcing you to contact only specialized service centers. A simple example. In versions with air suspension, after replacing the steering rods, it is impossible to adjust the wheel alignment angles without a specialized computer.
Sometimes corrosion is found on the frame, which does not happen on the body. Before buying, carefully check the condition of the frame.
Spring suspension is much more durable.
Conclusion
Land Rover Discovery III is an SUV with a reliable all-wheel drive system. The car is relatively durable, practical and very spacious. Without a doubt, one of its main advantages is the original design. This car cannot be confused with any other.
Listing the advantages, we should not forget about the rich equipment and high level of comfort. Unfortunately, not everyone can afford to maintain a Land Rover Discovery. The prices for some spare parts are very high, and repairs are difficult and expensive. In addition, you need to try hard to find a competent specialist who understands Land Rover.
If you change the oil in an automatic transmission more than once every 240,000 km (as recommended by the manufacturer), then there is a chance for a long and proper operation of the machine. The cost of the procedure with oil and an oil filter is about $ 500.
Specifications Land Rover DiscoveryIII (2004-2009)
|
Version |
4.0 V6 |
4.4 V8 |
2.7TDV6 |
|
Engine |
petrol |
petrol |
turbodiesel |
|
Working volume |
4015 cm3 |
4394 cm3 |
2720 cm3 |
|
Number of cyl. / valves |
v6/12 |
V8/32 |
V6/24 |
|
Max power |
219 HP |
300 HP |
190 HP |
|
Max. torque. |
360 Nm |
425 Nm |
440 Nm |
|
Dynamics (manufacturer data) |
|||
|
Max Speed |
180 km/h |
195 km/h |
180 km/h |
|
Acceleration 0-100 km/h |
11.0 sec |
9.3 sec |
11.6 sec |
|
Average fuel consumption, l / 100 km |
15,0 |
15,8 |
|
