Member Since: 19 Dec 2019
Location: Hertfordshire
Posts: 32
Bonatti Grey Disco 3
Hi Guys,
I am new to the forum having bought a Discovery 3 TDV6 HSE on Sunday. Believe it or not I actually traded a Porsche 991 Turbo for it haha! My wife and I are looking to move in the new year so I decided to release some cash and get myself a winter runaround.
I originally went to look at a Java Black car with Ebony interior but they had this as well in Bonatti Grey and Alpaca. I’m not sure why but the black car seemed dated next to this.
I have already done a 5 hour trip in it and it’s absolutely effortless to drive. Back in the day I had a 2010 RRS and more recently a Vogue but pound for pound this is a much better car; it honestly seems like a bargain!
I am already thinking I would love a 4 facelift after the move. Even though I haven’t had it long I have already done a few bits to the car and plan to do a few a more.
Here it is next to my Wife’s Discovery Sport HSE Dynamic that I picked up in March. Great car but more of a car than a 4x4.
The first mod I did was to change the rear lights to 4 LED’s:
Then the side indicators:
And finally the cup holder inserts:
I have made a start on the interior bulbs to LED’s but quickly ran out! So more have been ordered. Next I would really like to colour code but may be more money than it’s worth.
For anyone interested here is the previous car:
24th Dec 2019 8:48 pm
DIY Ace
Member Since: 06 Feb 2019
Location: Hampshire
Posts: 965
Great choice of vehicle....
... I have exactly the same - age, colour, spec etc. I originally planned to colour code and D4 facelift too but actually the D3 original look is timeless. I'm going to Plastidip the arches and bumpers jet black which will look great, and then dark tint the rear windows.
There are fewer and fewer original D3 looks now, so many have been facelifted.2022 BMW i4 M50. Bought Oct 2022. 10,200 miles and counting...
2014 BMW 435d convertible. Bought July 2021. 58,000 miles and counting...
2005 Discovery 3 HSE Auto. Bought Feb 2019. 169,000 miles and counting...
2009 Freelander 2 XS Manual. Bought Sep 2013. SOLD Aug 2021 (already regretted!)
Member Since: 19 Dec 2019
Location: Hertfordshire
Posts: 32
I have bought some Solution Finish to have a go on the trim with. I suspect having all the parts professionally painted won’t be worth it; but plasti-dipping them could very well be an option.
25th Dec 2019 8:21 am
plocker
Member Since: 14 Mar 2016
Location: Preston
Posts: 828
Excellent choice of colour! And welcome.05 V8 HSE Bonatti Grey
Last edited by plocker on 25th Dec 2019 9:45 pm. Edited 1 time in total
25th Dec 2019 9:39 pm
plocker
Member Since: 14 Mar 2016
Location: Preston
Posts: 828
Mine has coded arches
Click image to enlarge
05 V8 HSE Bonatti Grey
25th Dec 2019 9:42 pm
cstarby
Member Since: 19 Dec 2019
Location: Hertfordshire
Posts: 32
They do make a good difference! Did you have the rest done or just the arches?
I was also looking at steps but didn’t want to lose the mud flaps and seems most need them removed.
25th Dec 2019 10:02 pm
plocker
Member Since: 14 Mar 2016
Location: Preston
Posts: 828
Just the arches. You can have mud flaps and side steps I did but removed then as they went brittle.05 V8 HSE Bonatti Grey
25th Dec 2019 10:04 pm
cstarby
Member Since: 19 Dec 2019
Location: Hertfordshire
Posts: 32
Having seen yours I also really do need to get mine tinted!
25th Dec 2019 10:06 pm
plocker
Member Since: 14 Mar 2016
Location: Preston
Posts: 828
And put a V8 in it 05 V8 HSE Bonatti Grey
25th Dec 2019 10:07 pm
cstarby
Member Since: 19 Dec 2019
Location: Hertfordshire
Posts: 32
Considering the last car did 0-60 in 2.9s a V8 would be nice haha
25th Dec 2019 10:09 pm
kajtzu
Member Since: 11 Aug 2017
Location: Helsinki
Posts: 6660
”And while it was the quickest Discovery, it still wasn't exactly a rocketship. Land Rover quoted an 8.6-second 0-62mph time, which would be delivered at the sort of nose-up angle of a climbing Airbus.”
Member Since: 22 Jun 2011
Location: southampton
Posts: 2497
Always liked the the grey and cream combo.. Great looking car still imo... EnjoyMY05 SE D3 Manual my first LR what a car
MY10 HSE D4 auto
MY14 XXV more buttons than the spaceshuttle
... I have exactly the same - age, colour, spec etc. I originally planned to colour code and D4 facelift too but actually the D3 original look is timeless. I'm going to Plastidip the arches and bumpers jet black which will look great, and then dark tint the rear windows.
There are fewer and fewer original D3 looks now, so many have been facelifted.
What is this Plasti-Dip you speak of? I'm fed up with trying all the various methods to restore the colour on the arches such as Gtechnic, solution finish etc. They are initially good but don't last I find even if the surface is prep'ed with Grime.
Any example of the arched finished with this?
Cheers n Gone Nick MY16 D4 Landmark SDV6 (The Ice Maiden)
Uncle Ray's spare wheel protector
MY08 D3 HSE Stornoway (Miss Moneypit) The money tree withered......
27th Dec 2019 4:57 pm
lake_District
Member Since: 14 Jan 2013
Location: Reading
Posts: 173
cstarby wrote:
Having seen yours I also really do need to get mine tinted!
Imho tinting adds so much to the car, appearance improves no end.
We have a D3 & a D4, tints look great, silver and white cars.
Welcome to the 55 plate club, enjoy.
28th Dec 2019 7:40 am
LT
Member Since: 31 Dec 2005
Location: South West
Posts: 23593
I love seeing an original D3.
Each to their own, but if that was mine I’d keep the classic styling exactly as it was when it left the factory. 2006 D3 HSE (Original & still the best)-GONE
2010 D4 HSE (A bit bling)-GONE
2014 D4 HSE (Almost too bling)-GONE
2015 D4 HSE (A heated what?)-GONE
2016 D4 Landmark (Written Off)-GONE
2016 D4 Landmark (Surely the last!) PD1881 rims-GONE
2017 FFRR SDV8 Autobiography (now semi-retired)
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