I bought a 2004 td5 about 3 weeks ago,i carefully jet washed the wheelarches then noticed the n/s/r sinking to its bumpstop ,I started it up,up it came and stayed up. Did not use it for 3 days,turned ignition on to check sunroof drains,then switched off a couple of minutes later,and noticed the rear sinking both sides,started it up,it rose up,seems ok. I have about a weeks warranty left and need some advice if this is normal or not.

 

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I have no idea of what you are describing is normal or not, but the Rover
owners I know in this part of the country, who had air suspension converted it to regular suspension, fearing problems with it, that would be expensive to maintain. When I bought my 2004, with V8 (no air suspension, only regular suspension), getting if from a professional mechanic, who has worked on Rovers for years, told me that he would never own one with air suspension, due to high cost to do most serious repairs on air suspension. The normal "old fashioned" coil sprung suspension is all one needs, it is as reliable as rocks, bulletproof, unless one has money to burn, and they don' t mind maintaining air suspension over time----not for me. Air suspension, like so many other fancy crap on our automobiles these days, especially the electronic type, are nice when they are working , but when they aren't, you better have deep pockets filled with cash. As a guy who has been involved deeply in electronics since high school, my opinion is that auto makers have gone way overboard with electronics on automobiles, and getting worse year by year.

 

Certainly it's not normal. The suspension may level slightly to the ground it's on but only slightly. If it is dropping onto the rear bump stops there is an issue either with the rear air suspension bags leaking or the NRV in the pump equipment or both. Good Dunlop air bag suspension costs around £100 a pair plus installation. Does the rear elevate OK on the switch? is the pump running continuously?

Checkout the RAVE Manual, air suspension should be changed every 10 years max.

 

Everyone has their own ideas about the SLS on the Discoveries, but I like mine. I really like it when I tow a trailer and I don't get the squat in in the rear. It also rides pretty well when compared to coil springs.

 

Amen BJS, I agree wholeheartedly.