hello discovery friends!

well the search is narrowing down - SE or HSE but not 7. anyway - I really like the look of the 03's and have heard anecdotal stories of how suspension is better, or the engine is quieter, or how you don't need the ACE because of the better suspension, etc.

however, I'm having a devil of a time actually tracking down specific differences that showed up in the 03's as opposed to earlier series II models.

can someone chime in here with their knowledge? you might save me thousands as I've been seeing some real steals from time to time with the 02's, not so much the 03's and 04's.

so what makes a 2003 better?

thanks so much!

 

Bigger engine, newer headlights.

My '03 SE with 18" wheels corners very well.

 

2003 was the facelift model. with the revised headlights and tail lights. in america the 03 disco gets a more powerful engine.
suspension and braking are improved but most of the improvements are detials such as improved audio, heated seats and such. im not sure but i think the 2003 also saw the ACE system being fitted to help the air suspension for better cornering.

google it, see what you get

 

well - shucks - I shoulda done a general google first! so I'll share: even at risk of TMI (too much information). i like the idea of the metro limited edition... but it sounds like a 'brit only' option.

Proven Power Units
For North America only, the latest Discovery gets a 162 kW (217 bhp) 4.6-litre V8 power unit in place of the 4.0 V8.

New Styling
twin pocket headlamps provide more light as well as a distinctive look.
new grille
new front bumper with round
improved rear lights
turn indicators relocated to the upper vertical light cluster

New Interior Themes
three new trim colours: ‘Tundra’ green, ‘Alpaca’ beige and ‘Land Rover Black’. changes to noise insulation and body mountings

Practicality and Style
harman/kardonâ„¢CD multichanger/11 speaker/320 watt amp
in-dash satellite navigation system option

revised instrument pack with revised graphics for a clearer display
re-located fuel flap release switch.
Park Distance Control (PDC) available

newly-designed alloy wheels is available
luggage carrier
driving lamps and mats

Off-Road Capability
front bumper revised profile improves step height.
locking centre differential
four-wheel Electronic Traction Control (ETC)
Hill Descent Control (HDC) system

Response and Handling Improvements
front and rear disc brakes have been fitted with revised pads and callipers to improve response and feel
suspension has revised locations to improve refinement
Active Cornering Enhancement (ACE)
Self Levelling Suspension (SLS)
Revisions to the steering system increase feel and precision
Wide track axles
revised suspension set-up
Four-channel ABS braking with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) is fitted as standard

Metropolis Limited Edition
Java Black paintwork
chrome side protection tubes
additional driving lamps
full colour satellite navigation system with Traffic Master
Darkened privacy
Active Cornering Enhancement (ACE) as standard

 

What are you going to be using this truck for? Are you planning on alot of off roading, iff so this isn't the truck for you. There was no CDL, locking transfer case, on this truck hence you don't have the ability to install lockers for greater off road traction.
My biggest concer on the 03's is that they had oil pump issues, a number of people lost their engine because of this.
If you want to play hard, find a 04 and have the best of the best. that being said, I have a 99 D2 that I would never part with.
Mike

 

mike - thanks for chiming in. I'm not gonna play too hard or rough with the truck - some beach sand, some dirt roads, but mostly my steep driveway in the winter. I would love an '04 but they are generally priced too high (I could kick myself for missing a '04 no reserve that sold on ebay recently for $14.3!!).

I have tools... what is the failure mode of the 2003 oil pump? catastrophic and immediate? or slow and gentle? is replacement within the abilities of a fairly good DIY wrencher?

 

Many have heard the engines internal noises prior to the pump failing, some though were just out driving and their engines just locked up.
I would suggest you just keep an ear open to any unusual noises and the oil pressure light.
By the way, it was a small percentage of 03's that had a problem, but it is something to just to remember incase anything does start acting up.
As for your wheeling the traction control will do a gret job for you, are you running 16 or 18 inch tires?
Mike

 

Those that lost an engine from oil pump failure ignored their oil light and drove through it. The oil pressure will drop steadily as the pump fails and the oil light will come on intermittently. If you ignore this, you will kill your engine. It is an easy replacement for anyone with the tools and patience.

Ps. If you're on the west coast my '03 will be on the market shortly.

 

I hear a noise in my '03 SE - dull knocking until it warms up.

Going in first thing tomorrow for my last free service (45k) and having them check out the noise.

 

I would make sure you have them write up your complaint on the engine noise. plan on leaving it over night so they can try and duplicate the noise.
If they don't find it, take it in one more time before the warranty runs out, have them write up another work order for the engine noise.
You want a paper trail in case it fails out of warranty so you still have some coverage.
Mike