Freelander improvements?

What if any improvements did the FL 1 get over its initial production run [1997 to 2003?] I know about the face lift model of 2004 to 2006?

I've read somewhere about the rear sub frame cracking / becoming detached in the early ones...

When did the bring in the wasted spark ignition system?

Lift kits. I also read that these can be problematic with earlier examples, noise issues? I wasn't thinking of anything dramatic 40 to 50mm.

HTR

A lot of the horror stories come from poorly maintained cars which the owner then blames on a certain this or that being fitted...not aware of any increased noise from fitting a lift kit, as it changes nothing but the angle of the driveshafts. 50mm is the biggest you can go without causing major problems and needing surgery.

A subframe can crack in any car, but yes its common in the Freelander.

Later 1.8's ( I don't know about the V6) got a better thermostat also it was put in a better position...You can add these upgraded parts to the older 1.8's to help prevent HG failure...If your looking for an older 1.8, lots of people on here will recommend this, me included.
Search for PRT thermostat for more info

buy a td4 or l series Diesel

search VCU IRD

Also, I would read the sticky at the top of this page - Freelander 1.8 k series hgf more data.

Brack said:

Later 1.8's ( I don't know about the V6) got a better thermostat also it was put in a better position...You can add these upgraded parts to the older 1.8's to help prevent HG failure...If your looking for an older 1.8, lots of people on here will recommend this, me included.
Search for PRT thermostat for more info

Click to expand...

The V6 has a PRT thermostat as standard. It's definitely worth fitting one to the 1.8 but it's probably worth doing the head gasket at the same time. The 4 pot K Series HG starts to fail long before the symptoms show.
I'm working out a PRT fitment for my wife's MGF as the HG has just failed!!

Some stuff:

• The coolant expansion tank changed 3 times, the one last had a stronger neck
• In the 1.8 Petrol in 2005(or is it 2006) an additional sensor for coolant level was added
• The automatic transmission in the V6/TD4 had its intermediate speed sensor removed in mid 2004 (post facelift)
• the 2004 V6 (maybe the 1.8 too?) fuel rail changed to plastic (not an improvement)
• The V6 fuel injector coilpacks in 2004 changed to pencil type.
• in 2004 A slight change in a coolant T piece to send more warm coolant to the heater core for faster heat prior to the engine getting to temperature (not sure if this is V6 only)

zefrench said:

Some stuff:

• The coolant expansion tank changed 3 times, the one last had a stronger neck
• In the 1.8 Petrol in 2005(or is it 2006) an additional sensor for coolant level was added
• The automatic transmission in the V6/TD4 had its intermediate speed sensor removed in mid 2004 (post facelift)
• the 2004 V6 (maybe the 1.8 too?) fuel rail changed to plastic (not an improvement)
• The V6 fuel injector coilpacks in 2004 changed to pencil type.
• in 2004 A slight change in a coolant T piece to send more warm coolant to the heater core for faster heat prior to the engine getting to temperature (not sure if this is V6 only)

Click to expand...

There was some delay in the roll out of "improvements"
The pencil coils were in use on the KV6 fitted to MG Rover models mid 2002.
All K series engines in the UK had plastic fuel rails from early on (pre 97)
Heater T piece mod was on the V6 only.