Advice Please

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S

Stuart Adair

Guest
I am thinking about buying a Discovery 300 TDI ES but cant decide whether to
go for manual or auto.

Most of my driving is around town, but I do occasionally pull a 25ft
caravan.


What do you think ?

Stu


 
On or around Mon, 22 Nov 2004 17:31:43 +0000 (UTC), "Stuart Adair"
<[email protected]> enlightened us thusly:

>I am thinking about buying a Discovery 300 TDI ES but cant decide whether to
>go for manual or auto.
>
>Most of my driving is around town, but I do occasionally pull a 25ft
>caravan.

if you're looking at one new enough to have the infamous gearbox output
shaft thing solved at the factory (the keywords are "cross-drilled gear" in
the transfer box) then it's really a matter of personal choice. Probably a
manual will give you an mpg or two more.

The 4-speed auto though is a damn' good box, at makes a very good drive in a
LR - I've heard it said that the TDi+auto combo can be slow off the mark -
the TDi wants about 2000 revs on it for a fast take-off, so the turbo's
doing something useful. Really new TDi autos may have EDC (Electronic
diesel control) in place of the normal mechanical pump, I gather this was
remapped for the auto.

manual 'box discos before about erm, 97 maybe (someone will know) don't have
the 'box mod done at the factory - you need it to have been done really, or
sooner or later you're looking at biggish repair bills.

 

"Stuart Adair" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>I am thinking about buying a Discovery 300 TDI ES but cant decide whether
>to go for manual or auto.
>
> Most of my driving is around town, but I do occasionally pull a 25ft
> caravan.
>
>
> What do you think ?
>
> Stu
>
>

Go for the auto especialy if driving around town, no clutch pedal to keep
pressed. Also the auto box is less prone to going wrong. As to pulling a
caravan I wouldn't worry, it'll still pull houses down. It is thirstier
because of all the toys (air con, electric everything, auto etc).

Peter

300TDi Disco Auto ES


 
I bought my disco about a month ago and I went through the same motions
making up my mind auto or manual.

I nervously went for the auto because of the reliability issues with the
manual.

I must say that I am really pleased and I think it was the right choice. The
auto box in this big vehicle around town is the perfect combo.

I only have one reservation, auto box on the green lanes. I've never done
that before so I do not know how it will work out off road, but hey new
skills to be found (how do you make a controlled descent).

Regards Pete
Disco V8i ES auto (with lpg to save my pockets)


--
"Reason has always existed,
but not always in a reasonable form"
Groucho

"Those are my principles, and if you don't like them...
well, I have others"
Karl


 

>
>I only have one reservation, auto box on the green lanes. I've never done
>that before so I do not know how it will work out off road, but hey new
>skills to be found (how do you make a controlled descent).
>

Just like in a manual. 1st low, feet off, fingers crossed...


--

Tim Hobbs

'58 Series 2 88" aka "Stig"
'77 101FC Ambulance aka "Burrt"
'03 Volvo V70

My Landies? http://www.seriesii.co.uk
Barcoding? http://www.bartec-systems.com
Tony Luckwill web archive at http://www.luckwill.com
 
On or around Mon, 22 Nov 2004 21:01:26 GMT, "Highbeam"
<[email protected]> enlightened us thusly:

>
>I only have one reservation, auto box on the green lanes. I've never done
>that before so I do not know how it will work out off road, but hey new
>skills to be found (how do you make a controlled descent).

low-1 and a bit of judicious play between throttle and brakes. low-1 gives
significantly less engine braking than on a manual, but it does do a bit.
light braking slows it down but be ready to fight the brakes a bit with the
throttle to keep the wheels turning if necessary.

or words to that effect...

and watch out for the fact that if the engine stops for any reason, it goes
into neutral and rolls...

 


>>
>>I only have one reservation, auto box on the green lanes. I've never done
>>that before so I do not know how it will work out off road, but hey new
>>skills to be found (how do you make a controlled descent).
>
> low-1 and a bit of judicious play between throttle and brakes. low-1
> gives
> significantly less engine braking than on a manual, but it does do a bit.
> light braking slows it down but be ready to fight the brakes a bit with
> the
> throttle to keep the wheels turning if necessary.

Left foot on the brakes, it was just starting to go numb through lack of use


> and watch out for the fact that if the engine stops for any reason, it
> goes
> into neutral and rolls...

are you trying to scare me?

It's working :-\


Pete

--
"Reason has always existed,
but not always in a reasonable form"
Groucho

"Those are my principles, and if you don't like them...
well, I have others"
Karl


 
On Mon, 22 Nov 2004 23:08:06 +0000, Austin Shackles wrote:

> On or around Mon, 22 Nov 2004 21:01:26 GMT, "Highbeam"
> <[email protected]> enlightened us thusly:
>
> >
> >I only have one reservation, auto box on the green lanes. I've
never done
> >that before so I do not know how it will work out off road, but hey
new
> >skills to be found (how do you make a controlled descent).
>
> low-1 and a bit of judicious play between throttle and brakes.
low-1 gives
> significantly less engine braking than on a manual, but it does do a
bit.
> light braking slows it down but be ready to fight the brakes a bit
with the
> throttle to keep the wheels turning if necessary.
>
> or words to that effect...
>
> and watch out for the fact that if the engine stops for any reason,
it goes
> into neutral and rolls...
>

--
Cheers [email protected]
Dave. pam is missing e-mail



 
On Mon, 22 Nov 2004 23:08:06 +0000, Austin Shackles wrote:

> and watch out for the fact that if the engine stops for any reason,
> it goes into neutral and rolls...

Oh that could be fun.

Cheers me up having just opted for a manual TD5 ES7 over automatic on
the basis that autos are so much more complex and thus less
reliable...

--
Cheers [email protected]
Dave. pam is missing e-mail



 
On or around Mon, 22 Nov 2004 23:31:05 GMT, "Highbeam"
<[email protected]> enlightened us thusly:

>
>
>>>
>>>I only have one reservation, auto box on the green lanes. I've never done
>>>that before so I do not know how it will work out off road, but hey new
>>>skills to be found (how do you make a controlled descent).
>>
>> low-1 and a bit of judicious play between throttle and brakes. low-1
>> gives
>> significantly less engine braking than on a manual, but it does do a bit.
>> light braking slows it down but be ready to fight the brakes a bit with
>> the
>> throttle to keep the wheels turning if necessary.
>
>Left foot on the brakes, it was just starting to go numb through lack of use

oh, you can do that anyway - 's a handy technique in driving an auto.

>> and watch out for the fact that if the engine stops for any reason, it
>> goes
>> into neutral and rolls...
>
>are you trying to scare me?

hehe. Mind, yer less likely to stall an auto. But you *can* stall an auto,
and if you do manage it, it doesn't just grind to a halt and sit there like
a manual does.

On *steep* slopes, low-1 doesn't give enough engine braking to go really
slowly, like a manual does. Makes it more fun :)

 
Austin Shackles wrote:

> On *steep* slopes, low-1 doesn't give enough engine braking to go really
> slowly, like a manual does. Makes it more fun :)

Tell that to my mate who was out playing today in a new (to him) auto V6
Pajero. He came whistling past me (Series II, 2nd low, 600 rpm on the
Holden 6* and not picking up speed), engine stalled, still in D, eyes
the size of dinnerplates, down a very steep slope. He's lucky there was
a decent sized clear, flat area at the bottom or his only option was a
river! We've just had dinner and a couple of beers and a serious
discussion about whether he sells the bloody thing - he would except the
whole purpose of buying it is that his athritis is getting to be a
nuisance with a clutch (bloody soft Wrexham exports).

* 3.3 litres and 11:1 compression gives awesome engine braking!


--
EMB
 
I have a an auto Discovery box in our V8 90. I find it superb off road. As
for going down hill, 1st low with a little 'gentle' left foot braking if
needed.
Richard
http://www.richardsrovers.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/Offroad.htm
http://www.richardsrovers.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/offroad2.htm


"Highbeam" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>I bought my disco about a month ago and I went through the same motions
>making up my mind auto or manual.
>
> I nervously went for the auto because of the reliability issues with the
> manual.
>
> I must say that I am really pleased and I think it was the right choice.
> The auto box in this big vehicle around town is the perfect combo.
>
> I only have one reservation, auto box on the green lanes. I've never done
> that before so I do not know how it will work out off road, but hey new
> skills to be found (how do you make a controlled descent).
>
> Regards Pete
> Disco V8i ES auto (with lpg to save my pockets)
>
>
> --
> "Reason has always existed,
> but not always in a reasonable form"
> Groucho
>
> "Those are my principles, and if you don't like them...
> well, I have others"
> Karl
>
>


 
Thanks everyone - You've made up my mind, I'm going to go for the auto.

Stu


"Richard" <richardsemail [email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>I have a an auto Discovery box in our V8 90. I find it superb off road. As
>for going down hill, 1st low with a little 'gentle' left foot braking if
>needed.
> Richard
> http://www.richardsrovers.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/Offroad.htm
> http://www.richardsrovers.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/offroad2.htm
>
>
> "Highbeam" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
>>I bought my disco about a month ago and I went through the same motions
>>making up my mind auto or manual.
>>
>> I nervously went for the auto because of the reliability issues with the
>> manual.
>>
>> I must say that I am really pleased and I think it was the right choice.
>> The auto box in this big vehicle around town is the perfect combo.
>>
>> I only have one reservation, auto box on the green lanes. I've never done
>> that before so I do not know how it will work out off road, but hey new
>> skills to be found (how do you make a controlled descent).
>>
>> Regards Pete
>> Disco V8i ES auto (with lpg to save my pockets)
>>
>>
>> --
>> "Reason has always existed,
>> but not always in a reasonable form"
>> Groucho
>>
>> "Those are my principles, and if you don't like them...
>> well, I have others"
>> Karl
>>
>>
>
>


 



>
> This is really funny; here in Germany for cars of this class manual
> seems to be highly prefered.
>
>
>
> regards - Ralph
>

So why are all those big Mercs autos'

Regards Pete


--
"Reason has always existed,
but not always in a reasonable form"
Groucho

"Those are my principles, and if you don't like them...
well, I have others"
Karl


 
> Thanks everyone - You've made up my mind, I'm going to go for the auto.
>
> Stu

There are other things to consider Stu and I'm not deliberately trying cause
confusion.

I'm singing the praises of the auto box and a V8 engine I have heard of
people being less enthusiastic when the auto is combined with diesel power.
I would hate for you to have a bad experiance.

Perhaps some body else on the group could comment

Pete

--
"Reason has always existed,
but not always in a reasonable form"
Groucho

"Those are my principles, and if you don't like them...
well, I have others"
Karl


 

"Highbeam" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>> Thanks everyone - You've made up my mind, I'm going to go for the auto.
>>
>> Stu
>
> There are other things to consider Stu and I'm not deliberately trying
> cause confusion.
>
> I'm singing the praises of the auto box and a V8 engine I have heard of
> people being less enthusiastic when the auto is combined with diesel
> power. I would hate for you to have a bad experiance.
>
> Perhaps some body else on the group could comment
>
> Pete
>
> --
> "Reason has always existed,
> but not always in a reasonable form"
> Groucho
>
> "Those are my principles, and if you don't like them...
> well, I have others"
> Karl
>
>

Mine's an auto with a diesel and yes it's slow to take off compared with a
petrol or even a manual, but the benefits outweigh the drawbacks

Peter
300TDi. ES Auto with EDC


 
At the end of the day I'm not really concerned about speed, I've got an XJS
for that.

Thanks

Stu

"Peter Seddon" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
> "Highbeam" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
>>> Thanks everyone - You've made up my mind, I'm going to go for the auto.
>>>
>>> Stu
>>
>> There are other things to consider Stu and I'm not deliberately trying
>> cause confusion.
>>
>> I'm singing the praises of the auto box and a V8 engine I have heard of
>> people being less enthusiastic when the auto is combined with diesel
>> power. I would hate for you to have a bad experiance.
>>
>> Perhaps some body else on the group could comment
>>
>> Pete
>>
>> --
>> "Reason has always existed,
>> but not always in a reasonable form"
>> Groucho
>>
>> "Those are my principles, and if you don't like them...
>> well, I have others"
>> Karl
>>
>>
>
> Mine's an auto with a diesel and yes it's slow to take off compared with a
> petrol or even a manual, but the benefits outweigh the drawbacks
>
> Peter
> 300TDi. ES Auto with EDC
>


 
On or around Tue, 23 Nov 2004 23:59:09 +0000 (UTC), "Stuart Adair"
<[email protected]> enlightened us thusly:

>At the end of the day I'm not really concerned about speed, I've got an XJS
>for that.

now that's a throwaway line I'd love to be able to use. Lucky bleeder.


 
Hi Austin.....you seem to know about the 'cross drilled shaft' syndrome
which seems to have more versions of half truth, invention, rumour and
confusion surrounding it than just about anything else I've read about Disco
mechanicals. Can you clarify whether my late N Reg 300TDi will definately
have this problem or not? Despite having a complete main dealer service
record, they cannot say for sure whether the gearbox was modified at
factory, or retro modified or unmodified and vulnerable to early failure.
There arrears to be no simple inspection process or marking that can
estblish if the mod has been done.
Other people say the better mod is some kind of simple oil deflecting baffle
fitted to the box.Others say you can look into the box and if it's near
death all the upper cogs and shafts will be dry and dusty with metal shards.
Others say if its quiet and smooth, leave it alone and don't even change the
oil! All a bit confusing and pretty serious confusion for a prospective
terminal failure...Any views?

Keith

"Austin Shackles" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> On or around Mon, 22 Nov 2004 17:31:43 +0000 (UTC), "Stuart Adair"
> <[email protected]> enlightened us thusly:
>
> >I am thinking about buying a Discovery 300 TDI ES but cant decide whether
to
> >go for manual or auto.
> >
> >Most of my driving is around town, but I do occasionally pull a 25ft
> >caravan.
>
> if you're looking at one new enough to have the infamous gearbox output
> shaft thing solved at the factory (the keywords are "cross-drilled gear"
in
> the transfer box) then it's really a matter of personal choice. Probably
a
> manual will give you an mpg or two more.
>
> The 4-speed auto though is a damn' good box, at makes a very good drive in
a
> LR - I've heard it said that the TDi+auto combo can be slow off the mark -
> the TDi wants about 2000 revs on it for a fast take-off, so the turbo's
> doing something useful. Really new TDi autos may have EDC (Electronic
> diesel control) in place of the normal mechanical pump, I gather this was
> remapped for the auto.
>
> manual 'box discos before about erm, 97 maybe (someone will know) don't
have
> the 'box mod done at the factory - you need it to have been done really,
or
> sooner or later you're looking at biggish repair bills.
>


 
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