2003-up Range Rover (RR3)
- Thread starter Thai
- Start date
Thai
Elite Member
Hey all,
I just want to post some complaints of the new RR from Edmunds board:
"Run the other way by dtomberlin Mar 23, 2003 (8:30 pm)
I hate to post this, but after less than two months my 2003 Range Rover has turned out to be a nightmare. It has been in the shop for 3 weeks now, major electrical system failures including Air suspension system failure, Navigation system failure, won't start, etc. (supposedly caused by a leak in the sunroof drain? - hows that for a vehicle supposedly built to withstand anything?). Land Rover has been totally unresponsive and hasn't responed to any correspondence to date. If you are considering this vehicle/model, I suggest that you think twice. Even the 2003 RR Loaner that they gave me (after 2 weeks of a Freelander) seems to have electrical problems..."
"Re: Run the other way from a 2003 Range Rover by outrigger Mar 29, 2003 (4:16 pm)
I found out recently that there are currently more than 280 parts that are not available, and some of those parts don't even have a vendor making them yet! WOW!
I asked someone in their organization who would know about this, and got a "yes, there is a parts issue" response.
Maybe that's why your '03 RR is having an extended stay at its service dept."
So beware.... :dunno: :shakehd:
I just want to post some complaints of the new RR from Edmunds board:
"Run the other way by dtomberlin Mar 23, 2003 (8:30 pm)
I hate to post this, but after less than two months my 2003 Range Rover has turned out to be a nightmare. It has been in the shop for 3 weeks now, major electrical system failures including Air suspension system failure, Navigation system failure, won't start, etc. (supposedly caused by a leak in the sunroof drain? - hows that for a vehicle supposedly built to withstand anything?). Land Rover has been totally unresponsive and hasn't responed to any correspondence to date. If you are considering this vehicle/model, I suggest that you think twice. Even the 2003 RR Loaner that they gave me (after 2 weeks of a Freelander) seems to have electrical problems..."
"Re: Run the other way from a 2003 Range Rover by outrigger Mar 29, 2003 (4:16 pm)
I found out recently that there are currently more than 280 parts that are not available, and some of those parts don't even have a vendor making them yet! WOW!
I asked someone in their organization who would know about this, and got a "yes, there is a parts issue" response.
Maybe that's why your '03 RR is having an extended stay at its service dept."
So beware.... :dunno: :shakehd:
Thai
Elite Member
2003 Land Rover Range Rover
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PROS
Nicely redesigned
Posh
Goat-like off-road abilities
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONS
Pricey
Low fuel economy
Narrow rear door openings
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bottom Line:
The revamped third-generation Range Rover lives up to expectations.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The British Range Rover invented the luxury sport-utility vehicle market in 1970 and has undergone its first total redesign since its debut to stay competitive with a growing number of rivals.
The restyled 2003 Range Rover HSE is significantly larger, with an appreciably longer wheelbase and overall length. It's considerably heavier, but is more technically advanced and has a far more modern engine.
This also is the first Range Rover with unibody construction and a fully independent air suspension, with the old body-on-frame construction and "live" axles finally gone.
Off-Road Prowess
A permanent, sophisticated 4-wheel-drive system, stiff monocoque body with short front/rear overhangs and on-the-fly transfer case with a torsion-sensing center differential give the Range Rover goat-like prowess in demanding off-road driving. However, it's doubtful that many Americans will risk damaging the gorgeous paint job by engaging in such motoring.
The Range Rover didn't arrive in America until 1987. It actually underwent two previous redesigns before the current model arrived. But it still used an old General Motors pushrod V8 and had become awfully old and tired by the mid-1990s.
Snob Appeal
However, the Range Rover still had lots of snob appeal, with members of the British royal family being among its owners. And it also had great off-road abilities and a suitable wood-and-leather interior. But a new model clearly was needed.
Fortunately, Germany's BMW bought the British Rover Group in 1994 and began developing a new Range Rover. That allowed the Range Rover to get a smooth, powerful, 4.4-liter BMW V8 and modern 5-speed automatic transmission. BMW spent approximately $1 billion to create and produce this new world-class Range Rover.
Ford Takes Delivery
But, in one of those unusual automotive industry twists common in the past decade or so, BMW lost a small fortune on Rover's passenger car operation. It thus spun it off and sold Land Rover to Ford Motor Co. in 2000 for about $3 billion. As part of the deal, Ford got Land Rover's new Range Rover.
However, Ford spent time giving the Range Rover new engineering and manufacturing processes to improve quality, which is why it was delayed reaching these shores until last year.
Land Rover now is part of Ford Motor's Premier Auto Group, which also includes the venerable, prestigious British Aston Martin and Jaguar nameplates.
The Range Rover comes only as the $71,200 HSE model, which has free scheduled maintenance for four years or 40,000 miles.
Loaded With Equipment
While pricey, this posh sport utility is loaded with so much comfort and convenience equipment that the only factory option is a $1,300 Heated Accessories Package, which contains a heated steering wheel, heated front and rear seats and rear-seat ski hatch and ski bag.
Powerful Bi-Xenon headlights—a $750 option when the 2003 Range Rover first arrived at $69,330—now are standard. Dealer-installed accessories include roof rack carrying systems and running boards.
Slicker Appearance
The new Range Rover generally resembles its predecessor and has retro items such as hood bulges. But it looks much slicker. There still is noticeable wind noise above 60 mph because of the high, boxy body.
The BMW V8 has been modified for application in the Range Rover and loafs at 2500 rpm at 75 mph. It works with the responsive 5-speed automatic, which allows manual sequential shifting.
The 282-horsepower Range Rover is no fireball, but is surprisingly fast off the line and has good merging and highway passing abilities. Figure on 0-60 mph in about 9 seconds. Top speed is approximately 130 mph, depending on wind conditions.
Better Road Manners
The old Range Rovers never felt completely happy on pavement, but the new one has precise steering and good handling; there's some body lean when zipping through curves, but it's not unsettling. Helping keep things stable are a variety of traction control systems.
The firm-but-supple ride only becomes a bit jittery on highway pavement undulations. And the brake pedal has a nice progressive action. A Hill-Descent Control system makes off-road driving more secure by limiting downhill speed.
Lots Of Airbags
Safety items include side airbag s up front and front and rear head protection airbags.
Despite weight-saving aluminum components, the Range Rover still weighs a portly 5,379 pounds. Fuel economy thus is only an estimated 12 mpg in the city and 17 on highways.
However, a large 26.4-gallon fuel tank allows a good highway cruising range. The smooth, quiet, sophisticated double-overhead-camshaft engine calls for premium fuel.
Despite the height-adjusting air suspension, getting in and out requires extra effort, and rear doorways are narrow.
Occupants sit high for a good view or surroundings, although driver visibility out the rear window is below-average. Four 6-footers easily fit, and the front seats are especially comfortable and supportive.
Uptown Interior
The wood-and-leather interior makes occupants feel as if they're in something really special. The cockpit has a variety of styling and texture cues "studied from a diverse range of influences," including high-priced Riva speedboats and precision running gear from ocean-racing yachts.
But the gauges are too small, and the audio/navigation system screen controls are overly complicated. The front passenger has a convenient pop-out cupholder, but the driver's pop-out console cupholder seems like an afterthought and refused to fully retract into its holder.
However, sturdy cupholders conveniently pop out of the rear center fold-down armrest and there are a fair amount of passenger-compartment storage areas.
Dazzling Array of Controls
The power window switches on the side of the driver's door call for a long reach if the driver's seat is set back to accommodate a 6-footer. Most controls are nicely sized, but there's a dazzling array of knobs, switches, buttons and handles—including a good number on the steering wheel.
The ignition switch is on the center console, making the Range Rover and Saab the only vehicles I've encountered with a console switch, which eliminates groping for a steering-column-mounted switch.
Huge Cargo Area
The two-piece tailgate has a convenient upper glass area, but the load floor is moderately high. Cargo room is pretty good with the back seat in its normal position, and that seat folds entirely forward to allow a huge cargo area.
The Range Rover feels very solid and is nicely finished. That's why it was a surprise when a fairly large decorative strip on the lower left side of the driver's seat fell off.
There are less expensive alternatives to the Range Rover HSE, but the affluent buyers of this vehicle wouldn't consider anything else.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PROS
Nicely redesigned
Posh
Goat-like off-road abilities
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONS
Pricey
Low fuel economy
Narrow rear door openings
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bottom Line:
The revamped third-generation Range Rover lives up to expectations.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The British Range Rover invented the luxury sport-utility vehicle market in 1970 and has undergone its first total redesign since its debut to stay competitive with a growing number of rivals.
The restyled 2003 Range Rover HSE is significantly larger, with an appreciably longer wheelbase and overall length. It's considerably heavier, but is more technically advanced and has a far more modern engine.
This also is the first Range Rover with unibody construction and a fully independent air suspension, with the old body-on-frame construction and "live" axles finally gone.
Off-Road Prowess
A permanent, sophisticated 4-wheel-drive system, stiff monocoque body with short front/rear overhangs and on-the-fly transfer case with a torsion-sensing center differential give the Range Rover goat-like prowess in demanding off-road driving. However, it's doubtful that many Americans will risk damaging the gorgeous paint job by engaging in such motoring.
The Range Rover didn't arrive in America until 1987. It actually underwent two previous redesigns before the current model arrived. But it still used an old General Motors pushrod V8 and had become awfully old and tired by the mid-1990s.
Snob Appeal
However, the Range Rover still had lots of snob appeal, with members of the British royal family being among its owners. And it also had great off-road abilities and a suitable wood-and-leather interior. But a new model clearly was needed.
Fortunately, Germany's BMW bought the British Rover Group in 1994 and began developing a new Range Rover. That allowed the Range Rover to get a smooth, powerful, 4.4-liter BMW V8 and modern 5-speed automatic transmission. BMW spent approximately $1 billion to create and produce this new world-class Range Rover.
Ford Takes Delivery
But, in one of those unusual automotive industry twists common in the past decade or so, BMW lost a small fortune on Rover's passenger car operation. It thus spun it off and sold Land Rover to Ford Motor Co. in 2000 for about $3 billion. As part of the deal, Ford got Land Rover's new Range Rover.
However, Ford spent time giving the Range Rover new engineering and manufacturing processes to improve quality, which is why it was delayed reaching these shores until last year.
Land Rover now is part of Ford Motor's Premier Auto Group, which also includes the venerable, prestigious British Aston Martin and Jaguar nameplates.
The Range Rover comes only as the $71,200 HSE model, which has free scheduled maintenance for four years or 40,000 miles.
Loaded With Equipment
While pricey, this posh sport utility is loaded with so much comfort and convenience equipment that the only factory option is a $1,300 Heated Accessories Package, which contains a heated steering wheel, heated front and rear seats and rear-seat ski hatch and ski bag.
Powerful Bi-Xenon headlights—a $750 option when the 2003 Range Rover first arrived at $69,330—now are standard. Dealer-installed accessories include roof rack carrying systems and running boards.
Slicker Appearance
The new Range Rover generally resembles its predecessor and has retro items such as hood bulges. But it looks much slicker. There still is noticeable wind noise above 60 mph because of the high, boxy body.
The BMW V8 has been modified for application in the Range Rover and loafs at 2500 rpm at 75 mph. It works with the responsive 5-speed automatic, which allows manual sequential shifting.
The 282-horsepower Range Rover is no fireball, but is surprisingly fast off the line and has good merging and highway passing abilities. Figure on 0-60 mph in about 9 seconds. Top speed is approximately 130 mph, depending on wind conditions.
Better Road Manners
The old Range Rovers never felt completely happy on pavement, but the new one has precise steering and good handling; there's some body lean when zipping through curves, but it's not unsettling. Helping keep things stable are a variety of traction control systems.
The firm-but-supple ride only becomes a bit jittery on highway pavement undulations. And the brake pedal has a nice progressive action. A Hill-Descent Control system makes off-road driving more secure by limiting downhill speed.
Lots Of Airbags
Safety items include side airbag s up front and front and rear head protection airbags.
Despite weight-saving aluminum components, the Range Rover still weighs a portly 5,379 pounds. Fuel economy thus is only an estimated 12 mpg in the city and 17 on highways.
However, a large 26.4-gallon fuel tank allows a good highway cruising range. The smooth, quiet, sophisticated double-overhead-camshaft engine calls for premium fuel.
Despite the height-adjusting air suspension, getting in and out requires extra effort, and rear doorways are narrow.
Occupants sit high for a good view or surroundings, although driver visibility out the rear window is below-average. Four 6-footers easily fit, and the front seats are especially comfortable and supportive.
Uptown Interior
The wood-and-leather interior makes occupants feel as if they're in something really special. The cockpit has a variety of styling and texture cues "studied from a diverse range of influences," including high-priced Riva speedboats and precision running gear from ocean-racing yachts.
But the gauges are too small, and the audio/navigation system screen controls are overly complicated. The front passenger has a convenient pop-out cupholder, but the driver's pop-out console cupholder seems like an afterthought and refused to fully retract into its holder.
However, sturdy cupholders conveniently pop out of the rear center fold-down armrest and there are a fair amount of passenger-compartment storage areas.
Dazzling Array of Controls
The power window switches on the side of the driver's door call for a long reach if the driver's seat is set back to accommodate a 6-footer. Most controls are nicely sized, but there's a dazzling array of knobs, switches, buttons and handles—including a good number on the steering wheel.
The ignition switch is on the center console, making the Range Rover and Saab the only vehicles I've encountered with a console switch, which eliminates groping for a steering-column-mounted switch.
Huge Cargo Area
The two-piece tailgate has a convenient upper glass area, but the load floor is moderately high. Cargo room is pretty good with the back seat in its normal position, and that seat folds entirely forward to allow a huge cargo area.
The Range Rover feels very solid and is nicely finished. That's why it was a surprise when a fairly large decorative strip on the lower left side of the driver's seat fell off.
There are less expensive alternatives to the Range Rover HSE, but the affluent buyers of this vehicle wouldn't consider anything else.
Thai
Elite Member
Link:
Forbes Best High-End SUV for 2002
Range Rover
There aren't a lot of people who can afford $70K SUVs. In fact, Land Rover is on track to sell maybe 8,000 Range Rovers this year, which is about half as many editions as will sell of the new $50K Hummer H2.
Then again, 8,000 Range Rovers is four times the number of Audi A8s that will be sold in 2002, and nearly equal to the number of Porsche 911s.
What that should tell you is that enough people are buying Range Rovers. This isn't meant to be a mass-market vehicle. It's meant to put the crown back on top of the head of this brand, and it's certainly not struggling to achieve that goal.
What we love about the new Range Rover is that it's absolutely gorgeous inside, as swanky and smartly dressed as any top-notch luxury car. It's also almost as pleasant to drive. Not as whispery quiet as, say, a Lexus LS430, but close enough to keep you happy at the wheel. It helps that the transmission and engine come from BMW.
What also helps is that chassis dynamics and all off-road tuning was left to Land Rover experts, who know best how to make driving up a mountain at a constant 20-degree pitch seem like tooling along Park Avenue on a sunny Sunday afternoon. Not only are there goodies such as a fully articulating air suspension and an excellent low range (plus locking differentials), but there's also Hill Descent Control, a system that uses the brakes to crawl the vehicle, forward or backwards, down any slope.
Not that we think Range Rovers are likely to see much off-road tracking. Then again, it wouldn't surprise us too much. Compared with the forthcoming Porsche Cayenne, we'd bet a lot more of the core Range Rover buyers like the idea of slumming off-road. And what about the Hummer H2 buyer? The H2 is highly capable off-road, but it's not especially pleasant on pavement. We love its Tonka Toy looks, as outlandish as they are, but the interior is a letdown.
In other words, we still think the Range Rover is king. Next year, though, we bet the race will be tighter.
Honorable Mention: BMW X5 4.6is
Forbes Best High-End SUV for 2002
Range Rover
There aren't a lot of people who can afford $70K SUVs. In fact, Land Rover is on track to sell maybe 8,000 Range Rovers this year, which is about half as many editions as will sell of the new $50K Hummer H2.
Then again, 8,000 Range Rovers is four times the number of Audi A8s that will be sold in 2002, and nearly equal to the number of Porsche 911s.
What that should tell you is that enough people are buying Range Rovers. This isn't meant to be a mass-market vehicle. It's meant to put the crown back on top of the head of this brand, and it's certainly not struggling to achieve that goal.
What we love about the new Range Rover is that it's absolutely gorgeous inside, as swanky and smartly dressed as any top-notch luxury car. It's also almost as pleasant to drive. Not as whispery quiet as, say, a Lexus LS430, but close enough to keep you happy at the wheel. It helps that the transmission and engine come from BMW.
What also helps is that chassis dynamics and all off-road tuning was left to Land Rover experts, who know best how to make driving up a mountain at a constant 20-degree pitch seem like tooling along Park Avenue on a sunny Sunday afternoon. Not only are there goodies such as a fully articulating air suspension and an excellent low range (plus locking differentials), but there's also Hill Descent Control, a system that uses the brakes to crawl the vehicle, forward or backwards, down any slope.
Not that we think Range Rovers are likely to see much off-road tracking. Then again, it wouldn't surprise us too much. Compared with the forthcoming Porsche Cayenne, we'd bet a lot more of the core Range Rover buyers like the idea of slumming off-road. And what about the Hummer H2 buyer? The H2 is highly capable off-road, but it's not especially pleasant on pavement. We love its Tonka Toy looks, as outlandish as they are, but the interior is a letdown.
In other words, we still think the Range Rover is king. Next year, though, we bet the race will be tighter.
Honorable Mention: BMW X5 4.6is
Thai
Elite Member
2004 Range Rover
by Richard Russell
A full-size luxury sport utility vehicle dating back to 1970, the Range Rover's reputation is built on decades of proven off-road ability. Its parent company, Land Rover, like Bentley, Rolls Royce, Aston Martin and many other highly respected marquees were rescued from bankruptcy by a German manufacturer. In this case, BMW purchased the company in 1994 and put its expertise to work on an entirely new Range Rover. Only the big boxy look was retained. Everything else, from chassis and drivetrain to electronics and interiors is new. At just about the stage of completion, BMW sold the whole shebang to Ford.
While engineered by the Germans, the Range Rover remains stoically British. As Connolly is to leather and Savile Row to men
by Richard Russell
A full-size luxury sport utility vehicle dating back to 1970, the Range Rover's reputation is built on decades of proven off-road ability. Its parent company, Land Rover, like Bentley, Rolls Royce, Aston Martin and many other highly respected marquees were rescued from bankruptcy by a German manufacturer. In this case, BMW purchased the company in 1994 and put its expertise to work on an entirely new Range Rover. Only the big boxy look was retained. Everything else, from chassis and drivetrain to electronics and interiors is new. At just about the stage of completion, BMW sold the whole shebang to Ford.
While engineered by the Germans, the Range Rover remains stoically British. As Connolly is to leather and Savile Row to men
Thai
Elite Member
Here is a quote from a RR site regarding the new RR:
"Due to the considerable expense of proper maintenance and repairs for the newer model Range Rovers, and your dependence on the dealer for many electronic-related problems, extended warranties can be very attractive."
Damn, doesn't this say it all?!
"Due to the considerable expense of proper maintenance and repairs for the newer model Range Rovers, and your dependence on the dealer for many electronic-related problems, extended warranties can be very attractive."
Damn, doesn't this say it all?!
Thai
Elite Member
Land Rover's Electronic Air Suspension
by Jim Kerr
When it comes to refined suspensions, the new Range Rover from Land Rover has it right. It rides on air. Air suspensions are not new. Several cars were offered with air suspension systems in the 1950s. Unfortunately, materials technology back then still had a long way to go and the rubber air bags used in place of steel springs didn't last. After returning to find their vehicles sitting flat on the ground, most owners soon replaced their air suspension with conventional springs.
Today, materials are much more advanced. Air suspension is used on most large highway trucks, trailers and buses. Its durability is measured in hundreds of thousands of miles. Several passenger vehicles are using air suspension too. Range Rover calls their system Cross-Link electronic air suspension and it offers the best of on-road and off road ride comfort and handling.
The Range Rover air suspension can raise the front of the vehicle 60 mm and the rear 50 mm above standard height. Selecting off-road ride height also activates the Cross-Link suspension control. Photos: Grant Yoxon. Click images to enlarge
The Cross-Link four-wheel independent suspension is the third generation of air suspension used on Range Rovers. MacPherson struts are used in the front with rubber air bags mounted on the top of the struts. Rear suspension uses control arms to position the wheels and separate shock absorbers and rubber air bags to support the vehicle.
One big advantage of using air bags instead of steel springs is reduced unsprung weight. Unsprung weight is defined as the mass that is not supported by the vehicle's springs. This would include the wheels, tires, hubs, brakes and on independent suspensions, part of the axle, control arms and shock absorbers. Reducing unsprung weight allows the tires to react faster to road irregularities without affecting the vehicle. Superior handling and ride result.
Another benefit of the electronic air suspension on the Range Rover is the ability to change the vehicle's ride height. Four different heights are programmed into the electronic air suspension control. Three of these are driver-selectable with a console-mounted switch. For on-road driving, the suspension is set to standard height. The computer uses height sensors at each wheel to adjust the air pressure inside each air bag to keep the vehicle level. If vehicle speed is faster than 100 km/h, the computer automatically lowers the vehicle 20 mm for improved high speed handling.
Getting into a full size SUV can be quite a hike for some passengers so the Range Rover suspension can be lowered at the press of a button by 40 mm. Appropriately, this is called Access ride-height and it is only selectable at speeds below 24 km/h. If vehicle speed increases, the computer raises the suspension back to standard height.
Off-road driving is aided by increased ground clearance. The Range Rover air suspension can raise the front of the vehicle 60 mm and the rear 50 mm above standard height. Selecting off-road ride height also activates the Cross-Link suspension control.
The Cross-Link suspension links both front air bags together and both rear airbags together. One control valve is used at each end of the vehicle to control the airflow through the air lines linking the air bags. When a valve is opened, the springs exchange air, making it easier for the wheels to move up and down to follow the terrain. When one wheel is forced up by the ground, the other wheel is force down by the air transferred to that wheel's air bag, improving the traction on the unloaded wheel.
The Cross-Link suspension concept is very simple. Two airbags are connected by an air line. Computer control of the suspension allows the Cross-Link operation at low speeds while enabling ride height changes at other speeds. The true test of any suspension is in the driving and the Range Rover passes with flying colours.
On the road, the ride is smooth. Bumps and washboard roads are hardly noticeable. Off-road performance is astounding. Other SUVs and 4x4s beat the occupants up as they bounce from side to side on rough uneven terrain. The Cross-Link air suspension reduces the side to side motion so that even the roughest off road course feels more like a ride down a country lane. The added benefit of transferring weight to the unloaded wheels helps traction so the Range Rover can plough through terrain that stops many other vehicles.
Air suspension isn't perfect. The weakest link is still the air lines that connect each air bag to the compressor and air reservoir. Break an air line and the vehicle will look like a low rider. Fortunately, the Range Rover's air lines are well protected, helping it to have one of the best on and off-road suspension combinations on the market.
by Jim Kerr
When it comes to refined suspensions, the new Range Rover from Land Rover has it right. It rides on air. Air suspensions are not new. Several cars were offered with air suspension systems in the 1950s. Unfortunately, materials technology back then still had a long way to go and the rubber air bags used in place of steel springs didn't last. After returning to find their vehicles sitting flat on the ground, most owners soon replaced their air suspension with conventional springs.
Today, materials are much more advanced. Air suspension is used on most large highway trucks, trailers and buses. Its durability is measured in hundreds of thousands of miles. Several passenger vehicles are using air suspension too. Range Rover calls their system Cross-Link electronic air suspension and it offers the best of on-road and off road ride comfort and handling.
The Range Rover air suspension can raise the front of the vehicle 60 mm and the rear 50 mm above standard height. Selecting off-road ride height also activates the Cross-Link suspension control. Photos: Grant Yoxon. Click images to enlarge
The Cross-Link four-wheel independent suspension is the third generation of air suspension used on Range Rovers. MacPherson struts are used in the front with rubber air bags mounted on the top of the struts. Rear suspension uses control arms to position the wheels and separate shock absorbers and rubber air bags to support the vehicle.
One big advantage of using air bags instead of steel springs is reduced unsprung weight. Unsprung weight is defined as the mass that is not supported by the vehicle's springs. This would include the wheels, tires, hubs, brakes and on independent suspensions, part of the axle, control arms and shock absorbers. Reducing unsprung weight allows the tires to react faster to road irregularities without affecting the vehicle. Superior handling and ride result.
Another benefit of the electronic air suspension on the Range Rover is the ability to change the vehicle's ride height. Four different heights are programmed into the electronic air suspension control. Three of these are driver-selectable with a console-mounted switch. For on-road driving, the suspension is set to standard height. The computer uses height sensors at each wheel to adjust the air pressure inside each air bag to keep the vehicle level. If vehicle speed is faster than 100 km/h, the computer automatically lowers the vehicle 20 mm for improved high speed handling.
Getting into a full size SUV can be quite a hike for some passengers so the Range Rover suspension can be lowered at the press of a button by 40 mm. Appropriately, this is called Access ride-height and it is only selectable at speeds below 24 km/h. If vehicle speed increases, the computer raises the suspension back to standard height.
Off-road driving is aided by increased ground clearance. The Range Rover air suspension can raise the front of the vehicle 60 mm and the rear 50 mm above standard height. Selecting off-road ride height also activates the Cross-Link suspension control.
The Cross-Link suspension links both front air bags together and both rear airbags together. One control valve is used at each end of the vehicle to control the airflow through the air lines linking the air bags. When a valve is opened, the springs exchange air, making it easier for the wheels to move up and down to follow the terrain. When one wheel is forced up by the ground, the other wheel is force down by the air transferred to that wheel's air bag, improving the traction on the unloaded wheel.
The Cross-Link suspension concept is very simple. Two airbags are connected by an air line. Computer control of the suspension allows the Cross-Link operation at low speeds while enabling ride height changes at other speeds. The true test of any suspension is in the driving and the Range Rover passes with flying colours.
On the road, the ride is smooth. Bumps and washboard roads are hardly noticeable. Off-road performance is astounding. Other SUVs and 4x4s beat the occupants up as they bounce from side to side on rough uneven terrain. The Cross-Link air suspension reduces the side to side motion so that even the roughest off road course feels more like a ride down a country lane. The added benefit of transferring weight to the unloaded wheels helps traction so the Range Rover can plough through terrain that stops many other vehicles.
Air suspension isn't perfect. The weakest link is still the air lines that connect each air bag to the compressor and air reservoir. Break an air line and the vehicle will look like a low rider. Fortunately, the Range Rover's air lines are well protected, helping it to have one of the best on and off-road suspension combinations on the market.
Thai,
We looked at the Land Rovers and the Discoveries. If you chekc cumstomer feedback on any number of sights you will see that alot of folks that were fooled into buying them are real sorry about it now. Massive amounts of oil leaks, bad customer service once the warranty ran out, etc..
Sounds like you are an advertiser and not a person that has anything else in mind but to sell Land Rovers.
So I suggest you buy your damn Land Rover and drop it. We bought a 2004 4Runner after doing all the test drives and comparing the features of each. Actually the 4Runner offered more than anything that the other company did.
Guess what I am saying is ENOUGH with that Land Rover stuff in a 4Runner forum. Save it for your customers. 4Runner folks are smart enough to see through your smoke screen.
We looked at the Land Rovers and the Discoveries. If you chekc cumstomer feedback on any number of sights you will see that alot of folks that were fooled into buying them are real sorry about it now. Massive amounts of oil leaks, bad customer service once the warranty ran out, etc..
Sounds like you are an advertiser and not a person that has anything else in mind but to sell Land Rovers.
So I suggest you buy your damn Land Rover and drop it. We bought a 2004 4Runner after doing all the test drives and comparing the features of each. Actually the 4Runner offered more than anything that the other company did.
Guess what I am saying is ENOUGH with that Land Rover stuff in a 4Runner forum. Save it for your customers. 4Runner folks are smart enough to see through your smoke screen.
NoDak
Senior Member
Skarbutte said:
and we are smart enough to notice a 1 poster that doesnt notice all the other posts he has made about all the other vehicles besides the land rovers. not to mention all the other threads he has posted info about 4runners.
maybe next time you might do some research before sticking your foot in your mouth.
Thai
Elite Member
Skarbutte said:
Hmm, so i guess that it's time to close this whole forum down...being that i am the CO-FOUNDER of this site!
That's cool...you're a 4runner fan...i understand your position and misunderstanding.
This COMPARISONS & REVIEWS subforum is where i post info on ALL the current SUVs, including reviews and cool pics. It is NOT meant to persuade anyone...but to give members information on the current SUVs.
Pretty funny! I am just glad that you're on OUR side.
Thai
Elite Member
Here is a review of the '05 Range Rover...no major changes except for a few audio-visual changes (DVD Navi, 710-watt audio system).
NCTD.com Review of '05 RR
NCTD.com Review of '05 RR
Thai
Elite Member
New equipment on '05 RR...and it's pretty cool!
Rangie's Small-screen Hit
If you find it difficult to work out where your vehicle's corners are during tight manoeuvres, this new system is ideal for you.
Called VentureCam, it's a wireless camera that transmits real-time moving colour pictures back to a dashboard-mounted screen. It can be placed anywhere within 20 metres of the car, and allows the driver to see how close he is to objects.
VentureCam is available on the 2005 Range Rover, which debuts at the Paris Motor Show. When it's not in use, the camera sits charging in a slot in the cabin.
"The camera can be fixed anywhere in the car with a suction pad and arm," revealed a spokesman for Land Rover. "It's water-resistant and can withstand the vehicle's weight." He claims it will be great for towing, reversing or tricky off-roading.
Other changes to the Rangie include touch-screen technology, plus a DVD entertainment unit in the rear.
Rangie's Small-screen Hit
If you find it difficult to work out where your vehicle's corners are during tight manoeuvres, this new system is ideal for you.
Called VentureCam, it's a wireless camera that transmits real-time moving colour pictures back to a dashboard-mounted screen. It can be placed anywhere within 20 metres of the car, and allows the driver to see how close he is to objects.
VentureCam is available on the 2005 Range Rover, which debuts at the Paris Motor Show. When it's not in use, the camera sits charging in a slot in the cabin.
"The camera can be fixed anywhere in the car with a suction pad and arm," revealed a spokesman for Land Rover. "It's water-resistant and can withstand the vehicle's weight." He claims it will be great for towing, reversing or tricky off-roading.
Other changes to the Rangie include touch-screen technology, plus a DVD entertainment unit in the rear.
