I'm considering upgrading to a newer model 3 or 4 from my 2005 LR3. Anyone know if they have worked the bugs out of the newer ones? I'm looking around the 2008 and up models and love this truck but don't want some of the headaches that come with the first model. Mainly the EAS, HDC, moon-roof drainage tubes, and other pesky problems.

 

Why not just fix the issues with your '05 and save some money? There is a new compressor; I don't know what HDC problems you are referring to, mine has been pretty darn good. The sunroof drains have not changed so you either address it on your '05 or on your '08 when you buy it.

Seems to me, and others here....that whether it's an '05 or an '08, these vehicles seem to get better as you go along and fix/upgrade things. There has been a learning curve (like knowing to change diff fluid more frequently) and there have been items that don't last as long as desired (like control arm bushings) but by and large they are good rigs and sinking more money into a newer one just to have to address the same issues anyway seems like folly to me.

 

Actually I was just wanting to upgrade. I like the styling of the LR4 and wanted to know if there was much of a difference in problems. I love my 3 to death but shes lacking in tech that I would want.

 

I actually much prefer the styling of the LR3 over the LR4. Well, exterior styling that is... the interior styling of the LR4 is gorgeous and definitely wins me over. However, I think the exterior of the LR4 looks more like an urban mom/grocery-mobile, whereas the LR3 looks more rugged and less flashy.

 

I think the 2015? LR4 is going backward. There seems to be a transition back to the V6 engine. The hint is that the V8 emblem is not on the rear any longer and the advertising literature makes no mention of the engine.

There are fewer *****/buttons on the dash - if that makes you happy; also no separate radio display any longer. You have to choose now - NAV or Radio etc.; also the shifter stick is missing - provides space for milady's purse so I am told.

The upholstery is softer; the door panels more fancy and the exterior mono tone, but I do not like that at all.

Overall, I prefer my 2005. I now have the D4 Bluetooth installed as well as Clock on the Dash and the 3 Blink flasher; the backup camera is under the rear latch handle per the LR4.

I have fixed / upgraded elsewhere over the years to where it is now more reliable than when new. I also wonder if it may be more reliable than a 2014/15 particularly since that new engine is new - it is not the Ford V6 but something else with no history.

If you want to upgrade, get a 2008 LR3; they were about a good as they got; 2009 was an experimental year where LR installed proposed LR4 systems in the LR3 to see how they would work out.

 

bbyer - You caught my interest when you said you have the D4 Bluetooth installed. I've always had a problem with the AUX cable plug on the back of the center console. Did you have the dealer install it or did you do it yourself? Any detail on parts and cost is greatly appreciated.

 

Do you have Bluetooth in your 3 right now? If so, what is the pairing code?

If it is 0000, you have the Land Rover dealer installed Bluetooth which is what I had in my 2005 and I think most everyone else.

If the pairing code is 2121, then that is the LR factory installed Bluetooth and installing the Wiggs kit is easier.

If you have no LR Bluetooth, but have the NAV and fancy 6 CD radio head, then in theory, the D4 Bluetooth can be installed as well.
It is easier if you already have the phone flippers on the right side of the steering wheel but they can be installed as required.

Link to some files I have on the Bluetooth and more in the link below.

DISCO3.CO.UK Photo Gallery - NAV Radio BlueTooth phone and Rosen DVD

This is a link to a 60 plus page thread how to:
DISCO3.CO.UK - View topic - D4 Bluetooth module in D3

I had the 0000 dealer install from new in 2005 and you will see some posts below from me asking for help re the install. For me, the install was not a piece of cake.

Once I got it working, it was well worth the effort. The D4 Bluetooth is as good as anything in any 2014 vehicle that I have been in. I have a BlackBerry 9900.

If you have an Apple product, it may not work as well as it seems lots of people have trouble with Bluetooth and Apple in any vehicle; others not.

 

Just so we're clear, the D4 bluetooth module does not provide any type of music streaming capability. It's solely for phone use. I did the upgrade as well, and while it is not exactly plug and play, I simply went to Microcenter and purchased a spare two wire connector that you would use on a computer case fan. I took the plugs out of the connector housing, then spliced the wires into the existing harness and it worked perfectly.

 

Sorry about that, I should have been clearer. I have the LR Bluetooth (code 2121) for the phone use, although I seldom use it. I was interested in Bluetooth for audio streaming to replace using a cable in the AUX port. I've seen some after market devices that plug into the AUX port, but I haven't tried one. Why in the world did LR install the AUX port in the back of the center console where it's so inconvenient for the driver?!?!?!?!

 

The link in my post above re AUX shows you how to find the conductors and install a front located AUX as that is now the fashion.

It seems some find the audio level not high enough thru the AUX depending upon the source device.