Wanted - 300Tdi Discovery - Cash waiting or would you P/X?

Right, I've had enough of the comfort and reliability of my 5 Series BMW and I've decided that I want to get another Discovery. I'd like a 300Tdi but might consider a 200Tdi. I don't want a petrol or a Series 2 though.

Not really interested in any mods as it's never going to be an offroader (I've got my 110 for that if I wanted to). Doesn't matter if it's auto or manual, but I would prefer a manual.

Mileage is not an issue. We all know you can get a rough one with low mileage and a good one with more miles than the Enterprise. But rotten ones would have to be really cheap.

And the pinch point is that I don't want to spend a lot. And I've also got a diesel 5 Series BMW that could be part of the deal? Or a diesel Citroen Xantia?

Just curious why you want a Tdi and not a Td5? I have had both and when re mapped a TD5 is miles better in my opinion.

Maybe so, but some of us don't like electronic "stuff" - IMHO and IME, it contains too much smoke, which seems to escape all on its own at inconvenient times.

Plus, a tuned 300 is quite nippy... I mean ..... how fast do you want to go ??!?!??

Only my opinion

I 100% agree, 300s rule.

Cost, mostly. There's an X reg TD5 on my way to work that's £3200 which is way out of my price range so unless there's a relatively cheap TD5 going, I think my best bet is an older model. And I know my way around both the 200Tdi and 300Tdi engines.

I'd argue that the 200Tdi is a better engine, and I'd argue that the 200Tdi Discovery has a stronger gearbox, but the 300Tdi engine is easier to work on and the interior is in a totally different league. For what mileage I'd be doing I'd prefer the luxury of the 300Tdi

tetsu0san said:

I'd argue that the 200Tdi is a better engine, and I'd argue that the 200Tdi Discovery has a stronger gearbox, but the 300Tdi engine is easier to work on and the interior is in a totally different league. For what mileage I'd be doing I'd prefer the luxury of the 300Tdi

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Both 300 series GB's reliability can be improved with cooling upgrades. Ashcroft actually do a kit for the MT, and the AT cooler can be quadrupled in size relatively easily...

That's fair enough and its each to their own. I have had both 300Tdi and Td5 and know that a tuned TD5 will be head and shoulders above a tuned 300Tdi for everyday use and driveability IMO. I am not talking outright speed which doesn't matter to me but torque uphills, driving when cold, and so on. Mines not given me a minutes trouble and despite a remap doesn't smoke at all. However yes I accept they cost more and there are electronics so back to my original point it s each to their own. Good luck with your search mate.

steveyorks said:

...and there are electronics so back to my original point it s each to their own.

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The electronics don't worry me at all. Considering the age of my BMW it has loads of electronics so I'm used to it. I just want a cheap hack that's fun to drive.

I will shortly be putting Zigster's 300tdi up for sale on here.
His mum wants to sell it as no-one in her family is a LR nut and as he's a bit dead he won't need it.
It has been lifted and has some big ass wheels and tyres and has a leather interior but i don't know from what car.
I do know he never got round to wiring in the seats so not sure how they adjust.
It's had new disc's all round and some other work which i can find out when i next see his mum.
It's a manual though!
If it's of interest to you pm your number and i will answer anything i can.
Car is located in Dronfield,Derbyshire.

everlatesparky said:

... and as he's a bit dead he won't need it.

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Not sure if I should laugh at what you typed or express my condolences. I'll just use a lol as that seems kind of appropriate in an odd sort of way.

I'll send you a PM..

Laugh as much as you like....it's EXACTLY what ziggy would do!!
Got yer pm i'll call you later in the day...grandkids taking my time at the mo!

I've got a 300tdi ES Auto for sale.
MOT until Feb 2017
Boot floor, rear arches and front sills have been welded.
ABS & SRS are on.

Located in Essex.
Looking for £850 ono.

So, after all that I went and bought a V8 with an LPG conversion! Not what I was looking for, but it was cheap. I know very little about V8's and even less about LPG so I know I'm going to be asking questions...

Shame as toying with changing my 1996 300tdi Manual ES forra 90..LOL But love V8s the 3.5 is and will always be one of my fav engines of all time!! (Had a few and they have never actually been in a Rover!)

Rossy said:

But love V8s the 3.5 is and will always be one of my fav engines of all time!!

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My Dad says the same thing about the 3.5, although he's only ever worked on them, never actually owned a car with one. I suppose reputation over many years of engineering has a lot to do with it. Personally, I don't like petrols due to the fuel economy (or lack of) but this is far more biased towards LPG as it has 4 LPG tanks, with the original fuel tank having been replaced with a smaller one.

But I'm still keeping my 110...

For me its the Sound.....you just simply can't get a Diesel to sound as good as a petrol.....I came close....Audi A8 4.2 Twin TDI with custom exhaust...sounded nice on tick over and at certain speeds but the turbos kill noise....yet a Nissan 300 3.0 V6 with two turbos and a custom exhaust sounded superb.....Been looking at changing my Jag 3.0d for a Merc ML63.....LOL economy...teh... I also had an MG ZT 260....very rare factory fitted with Ford 4.6 V8...I did LPG it.....but only so I could use it every did for work! That sounded awsome.....engineers used to fight to come out with me in it!!

I have a R reg 300tdi XS in blue with only 100k sitting in my compound.Engine and gearbox are spot on.Will need a bit of welding under offside wheel arch.lts a manual if anyone is interested

lenso said:

I have a R reg 300tdi XS in blue with only 100k sitting in my compound.Engine and gearbox are spot on.Will need a bit of welding under offside wheel arch.lts a manual if anyone is interested

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How much and where are you?

Hi I have a 1997 P reg Series 1 300tdi manual XS in green looking for a good home. Only 75000 and in road worthy condition as it has just passed its MOT. Bodywork and interior, half leather seats, all in very good condition. Has had sunroof leaking issue (don't they all?) but apart from that is pretty good. Not used much so battery isn't good so have disconnected the alarm. Have had the car since 1998 so have all its history. I am near Northampton.