Review: Land Rover L318 Discovery II (1999-04)

Review: Land Rover L318.I Discovery II (1999-01)

Overview

Released in February 1999, the Land Rover L318 Series I (L318.I) Discovery II was a four-wheel drive wagon that was available with five or seven seats. Manufactured in Solihull, UK, the L318.I Discovery II was powered by 2.5-litre turbo-diesel and 4.0-litre V8 petrol engines (the ‘Td5’ and ‘4.0 V8’ variants, respectively). Beyond the variants, the L318.I Discovery was available in standard and auto-only ‘ES’ editions which had additional features.

Engines

Of the engines,

• The 2.5-litre Td5 five-cylinder diesel engine had a cast iron block, an aluminium alloy cylinder head, a GT20 turbocharger, high-pressure Lucas Electronic Unit Injection (operating at 1500 bars), a single overhead camshaft (chain-driven), two valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 19.5:1; and,
• The 4.0-litre ‘Thor’ pushrod V8 engine had an aluminium block and cylinder head, two valves per cylinder and Bosch Motronic 5.2.1 engine management. The engine initially had a compression ratio of 8.23:1; in November 2000, however, the compression ratio was increased to 9.38:1 and peak torque increased by 20 Nm.

Both engines were available with four-speed automatic and five-speed manual transmissions.

Dimensions

Compared to its Discovery I predecessor, the Discovery II was 165 mm longer (at 4704 mm), 97 mm wider (1890 mm) and 25 mm lower (1941 mm), though wheelbase length was unchanged (2540 mm).

Suspension

The Discovery II’s front suspension consisted of coil springs, panhard rods, telescopic dampers and an anti-roll bar; the rear suspension had a live-rear axle with coil springs, watts linkages and telescopic dampers. Seven seat models, however, were also fitted with self-leveling air spring (SLS) rear suspension.

4WD system

The Discovery II was fitted with a permanent four-wheel drive system with three open differentials and electronic traction control. In the event that a wheel lost traction, the traction control system would – within one-quarter to one-half of a wheel’s revolution – brake that wheel to transfer torque to the wheels with grip. Furthermore, the L318 Discovery II had selectable high/low transfer box.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Discovery II included dual front airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution and traction control.

Features: Td5 and V8

Standard features for the Discovery II Td5 and 4.0 V8 variants included 16-inch alloy wheels, a four speaker sound system with a radio and cassette player, dual-zone climate control air conditioning, cruise control, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, a tilt adjustable steering wheel, roof rails, alarm and immobiliser.

From April 2000, standard features were extended to include a CD player, with hill descent control and heated mirrors following in November 2000.

The ES editions were fitted with seven seats as standard and further equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels, a twelve speaker sound system, a six-disc CD player, leather seats and trim, front fog lights and roof racks. The ES editions were also fitted with hill descent control, self-levelling rear suspension (which provided a level vehicle stance under all load conditions and during towing) and ‘Active Cornering Enhancement’ (an electronically-controlled hydraulic anti-roll bar system).

Review: Land Rover L318.II Discovery II (2001-02)

Overview

Released in October 2001, the L318 Series II (L318.II) Discovery II introduced a revised range due to the introduction of S, SE and SE7 editions.

Features

Standard features for the S editions included a six speaker sound system with a radio and cassette player, climate control air conditioning, remote central locking, power windows, a tilt adjustable steering wheel, alarm and immobiliser.

The SE editions were further equipped with six-disc CD player, power mirrors and roof rails, while the SE7 added self-levelling rear suspension and Active Cornering Enhancement.

Beyond this, the ES featured 18-inch alloy wheels, a twelve speaker sound system, dual-zone climate control air conditioning, leather seats and trim and front fog lights.

Review: Land Rover L318.III Discovery II (2002-04)

Overview

Released in November 2002, the L318 Series III (L318.III) Discovery II introduced a revised range, mechanical upgrades and cosmetic updates. As part of the update, the front and rear brake discs were fitted with new pads and calipers for improved response and feel, while the suspension was revised for greater refinement. The L318.III Discovery II range also consisted of standard, S, SE and HSE editions.

Visually, the L318.III Discovery II could be identified by its rear tail-lights, where the turn indicators were relocated to the upper vertical light cluster. The interior was also revised and available with three new trim colours: ‘Tundra’ green, ‘Alpaca’ beige and ‘Land Rover Black’.

4WD system

Unlike its predecessors, the L318.III Discovery II was fitted with a lockable centre differential as standard.

Features

Standard features for the entry-level L318.III Discovery II editions included 16-inch alloy wheels, a six speaker sound system with CD player, climate control air conditioning, cruise control, front fog lights, a multi-function steering wheel, remote central locking, power windows and heated mirrors, a tilt adjustable steering wheel, roof rails, alarm and immobiliser.

The S editions were further equipped with a rear step bumper and self-levelling rear suspension, while the SE added 18-inch alloy wheels, an eleven speaker Harman Kardon sound system, dual-zone climate control air conditioning, leather seats and trim, leather-wrapped steering wheel, burr walnut trim and Active Cornering Enhancement.

The HSE was distinguished by its DVD player, rear parking sensors, power folding mirrors and power-operated two-pane sunroof.

Discovery II Classic Town and Classic Country

In May 2004, both the Td5 and 4.0 V8 variants were offered with Classic Town and Classic Country packs. The Classic Town models were fitted with 18-inch alloy wheels with 255/55 R18 Goodyear tyres, leather upholstery, rear parking sensors, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, carpet mats, side rub strips and a lockable spare wheel cover. The Classic Country models, however, featured 16-inch alloy wheels with 255/65 R16 Michelin tyres, a portable GPS unit, waterproof seat covers (front and rear), rubber floor mats, a cargo mat, lamp guards (front and rear) and front mud flaps.

Related links

• Wikipedia.org: Land Rover L318 Discovery II