Land Rover LR4 / Discovery 4 – Landy Labs Guide

Model Overview

The Land Rover LR4 (North America) / Discovery 4 (rest of world) is the third-generation Discovery on the L319 platform, sold from the 2010–2016 model years as the LR4 in North America and 2009–2016 globally as the Discovery 4.

It is the last body-on-frame Discovery with full-time four-wheel drive, low range, height-adjustable air suspension and Terrain Response, wrapped in a modern, comfortable interior. It sits between a traditional off-roader and a luxury family SUV.

Key Specs (Quick Reference)

Platform: L319 chassis with integrated body-on-frame construction and air suspension.
Layout: Front-engine, full-time 4WD, two-speed transfer case.
Seating: Up to 7 seats (2 + 3 + 2), with stadium-style rear seating.
Towing capacity (braked): Up to 7,716 lb (3,500 kg) when properly equipped.

Engines (Global Range)

Petrol (Gasoline):

5.0L V8 (early LR4 / Disco 4): Naturally aspirated petrol V8.
3.0L V6 Supercharged (later LR4): Petrol V6 with supercharger (North America and some markets).

Diesel (outside North America):

2.7 TDV6: Early diesel V6 option in some markets.
3.0 TDV6 / SDV6: Later and more common diesel V6 options with higher output.

North America summary: Petrol only (5.0L V8 initially, later 3.0L supercharged V6).

Dimensions & Weights (Typical LR4 / Discovery 4)

Note: Exact figures can vary slightly by year and market. Always confirm against the specific vehicle or owner’s manual if you need precise numbers.

Length: Approximately 4,83x m (around 190 in).
Wheelbase: Approximately 2,885 mm (about 113.6 in).
Width (body): Just under 2.0 m (mid-70s in) without mirrors.
Height: Just under 1.9 m (mid-70s in), depending on suspension height.
Seating capacity: Up to 7 adults (three rows).
General curb weight range: A little under 2.6 tonnes (over 5,600 lb), depending on spec.

Maintenance Intervals

Factory Service Interval (General Guidance)

For LR4 / Discovery 4 models, Land Rover’s typical modern schedule is service every 12 months or around 15,000 miles (24,000 km) under normal use. Exact schedules can vary by market, year and engine, so the official maintenance schedule for the specific vehicle should always be checked.

Real-World Specialist Recommendations

Independent Land Rover specialists and experienced owners often prefer slightly shorter intervals, especially on the petrol engines and on vehicles that tow or see off-road use. The following are commonly recommended patterns:

Engine oil & filter: Every 5,000–7,500 miles (8,000–12,000 km).
Coolant system inspection: From around 60,000–70,000 miles, especially the plastic crossover pipes, thermostat housing and water pump.
Front & rear differential fluid and transfer case fluid: Around 60,000–70,000 miles, sooner if heavily towed or off-roaded.
Automatic transmission fluid & filter: Around 75,000–90,000 miles, earlier with heavy towing or harsh use.
Air suspension (compressor, bags, lines, valve blocks): Inspect regularly from 80,000 miles onward and whenever faults appear.
Brakes & suspension bushes: Inspect at each service; the LR4 is heavy and wears front lower control arm bushes, ball joints and brakes faster than lighter vehicles.

Timing drive: LR4 petrol engines use timing chains, not belts. There is no routine belt replacement interval, but timing chain guide and tensioner wear is a known concern on some engines (see “Known Failures”).

Known Failures & Common Issues

No used vehicle is perfect, and the LR4 / Discovery 4 has a few well-known weak points. These are some of the issues commonly reported by owners and specialists.

1. Cooling System – Plastic Crossover Pipes & Water Pump

What: Plastic coolant crossover pipes, thermostat housing and water pump can age and crack or leak.
Symptoms: Coolant smell, low coolant warnings, visible leaks in the “V” of the engine, overheating.
Why it matters: Overheating can cause serious engine damage.
Buyer tip: Look for evidence of replacement, check for coolant smells or dampness and verify stable temperature on a long test drive.

2. Timing Chain Guides (Petrol Engines)

What: On some engines the timing chain guides and tensioners can wear.
Symptoms: Rattle on cold start, especially the first second or two; potential fault codes if serious.
Buyer tip: Listen carefully on cold start. A brief, light noise can be normal; persistent or loud rattling needs investigation.

3. Air Suspension System

What: Air springs, height sensors, compressor and valve blocks can fail or leak with age.
Symptoms: “Suspension fault” messages, slow height changes, leaning to one side, or dropping overnight.
Buyer tip: Cycle through all height modes, check for warning lights and visually verify that the vehicle sits level.

4. Front Lower Control Arm Bushes & Suspension Wear

What: Front lower control arm bushes and ball joints are common wear items on these heavy vehicles.
Symptoms: Clunks over bumps, vague steering, pulling, or vibrations; uneven tire wear.
Buyer tip: Drive over rough surfaces and at highway speeds. Check tires for uneven wear patterns.

5. Electronic Parking Brake (EPB)

What: EPB actuator and rear parking brake mechanism can seize or misbehave if not maintained.
Symptoms: “Parking brake fault” messages, loud screeching noises when applying or releasing the EPB.
Buyer tip: Apply and release the EPB several times during the test drive and listen for smooth, quiet operation.

6. Differentials & Transfer Case Noise

What: Wear in differentials or transfer case can cause whining or groaning noises, especially if fluids have been neglected.
Symptoms: Whine at steady speeds, droning noises, or judder on full steering lock.
Buyer tip: Test drive at a variety of speeds and on full lock in a parking lot; listen with windows up and radio off.

7. Electrical Issues & Water Ingress

What: Sunroof drain blockages, door latch issues, parking sensors and other electrical quirks are not unusual.
Symptoms: Damp carpets or headliner near A-pillars, random electrical warnings, non-functioning sensors or locks.
Buyer tip: Inspect interior for damp, test all windows, locks, sunroof, parking sensors and cameras if fitted.

What to Look For When Buying an LR4 / Discovery 4

For Landy Labs, this section doubles as a checklist. When inspecting a potential purchase:

Service history: Look for regular oil changes (preferably 5–7.5k miles), and evidence of cooling system work (crossover pipes, thermostat, water pump), diff/transfer case fluid changes and transmission service.
Cold start behavior: Start the engine from cold. Listen for extended timing chain rattle, misfires or rough running that persists beyond the first second or two.
Air suspension: Ensure it raises and lowers reasonably quickly, reaches all heights without warnings and remains level.
Steering & suspension: Drive over imperfect roads and at highway speeds to check for clunks, vibration, pulling or shimmy.
Cooling system: Confirm no low coolant warnings, stable temperature gauge and no obvious leaks.
Towing history: Ask whether the vehicle has been used heavily for towing; look for a tow hitch and wiring. Towing is fine but can accelerate wear on drivetrain and cooling components.

FAQs

What years was the LR4 / Discovery 4 produced?

The Discovery 4 was introduced around 2009 globally. In North America it was sold as the LR4 for the 2010–2016 model years.

Does the LR4 use a timing belt or chain?

The LR4’s petrol engines (5.0L V8 and 3.0L supercharged V6) use timing chains, not timing belts. There is no scheduled belt change on these engines, but the chain drive hardware should be monitored for noise and wear as the vehicle ages.

Is the LR4 full-time 4WD, and does it have low range?

Yes. The LR4 / Discovery 4 uses a full-time four-wheel drive system with a two-speed transfer case. Most models were equipped with low range and Terrain Response, which tailors the drivetrain and traction systems to different surfaces such as grass/gravel/snow, mud-ruts, sand and rock crawl.

How much can an LR4 tow?

When properly equipped, an LR4 / Discovery 4 is rated to tow up to 7,716 lb (3,500 kg) with a braked trailer. Always check the specific vehicle’s ratings, hitch, and local regulations before towing.

What about fuel economy?

The LR4 is a heavy, boxy 4x4, so fuel economy is not its strong point. Petrol versions typically return mileage in the mid-teens (mpg) in mixed use, with highway figures somewhat higher. Diesel versions in markets where they are available are more fuel efficient, especially on long runs.

Is the LR4 reliable?

Reliability is heavily dependent on maintenance. A well-maintained LR4 with documented cooling system work, regular fluid changes and prompt attention to warning lights can be a very capable and satisfying truck. Neglected examples can become expensive quickly, so history and condition matter more than odometer alone.

Interesting Facts & Trivia

Last of the ladder-frame Discoverys: The LR4 / Discovery 4 is the final Discovery built on a traditional frame-based architecture before the move to the unibody Discovery 5.
Shared DNA: It shares its basic platform with the Discovery 3 and the first-generation Range Rover Sport, so many drivetrain and suspension parts are related.
Terrain Response pioneer: It helped popularize Land Rover’s Terrain Response system, making advanced off-road modes accessible via a simple rotary dial.
Serious tow vehicle: With its high tow rating and Trailer Stability Assist, it was marketed heavily toward owners towing horseboxes, boats and caravans.
Glasshouse & visibility: The big windows, stadium seating and available triple sunroofs give the LR4 a bright, airy cabin that is unusual among modern SUVs.

Always confirm final specifications, capacities and service intervals with the official owner’s manual or a trusted Land Rover specialist for your specific year and engine.