Market Position:
The 2003 Land Rover Discovery 2 (Series II) is positioned as a capable, versatile luxury SUV, known for its off-road prowess and refined interior, albeit with a reputation for complex electronics and specific maintenance needs.
Competitors:
Competed against vehicles like the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Toyota Land Cruiser, Lexus GX, and Mercedes-Benz ML-Class during its production run.
Key Features:
Permanent four-wheel drive, available locking center differential, robust chassis construction, sophisticated electronic traction control systems (ETC), optional self-leveling suspension (SLS), and a powerful V8 engine.
Value Proposition:
Provides instant access to factory-level repair and maintenance data, enabling owners and technicians to perform comprehensive servicing and repairs efficiently and accurately, saving on dealership costs.
Coverage Areas:
Full service, repair, maintenance, troubleshooting, rebuild, restoration
Page Count:
Undisclosed (Factory Repair Manual)
Manual Type:
Factory Service & Repair Manual
Engine Systems:
V8 Engine: Maintenance, Emission Control, Engine Management, Cooling System, Manifolds and Exhaust Systems
Drivetrain Systems:
Clutch (V8), Manual Gearbox (R380), Transfer Box (LT230SE), Automatic Gearbox (ZF4HP22-24), Propeller Shafts, Rear Axle, Front Axle
Suspension Steering:
Steering System, Front Suspension, Rear Suspension
Braking Safety Systems:
Brakes, Restraint Systems (Airbags, Seatbelts), Alarm System and Horn
Body Exterior:
Doors, Exterior Fittings, Screens, Sunroof, Chassis and Body Dimensions, Panel Repairs, Body Sealing Materials, Corrosion Prevention and Sealing, Painting
Body Interior:
Interior Trim Components, Seats, Heating and Ventilation, Air Conditioning
Electrical Electronics:
Body Control Unit, Charging and Starting, Lighting, Windows, In Car Entertainment, Harnesses, Driving Aids, Navigation System, Instruments
Maintenance Procedures:
Routine maintenance, fluid checks and changes, filter replacements, lubrication
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all major vehicle systems, including engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, suspension component replacement, brake service, and electrical system diagnostics.
Troubleshooting Diagnostics:
Comprehensive troubleshooting guides and diagnostic procedures for identifying and resolving common and uncommon issues across all vehicle systems.
Specification Data:
Torque wrench settings, fluid specifications and capacities, lubrication points, sealants, wiring schematics, diagrams, and illustrations.
Technical Depth:
Factory-level detail, suitable for both DIY enthusiasts and professional mechanics, covering everything from basic adjustments to complete overhauls.
Engine Type:
4.6L V8 (Rover V8 Engine Family)
Engine Code:
Typically denoted by the 'GEMS' or 'Thor' engine management systems, with the 4.6 HSE being a common variant.
Horsepower:
~217 hp @ 4750 rpm (4.6L V8)
Torque:
~277 lb-ft @ 3250 rpm (4.6L V8)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
ECU Type:
Likely Lucas GEMS or Bosch Motronic (depending on specific variant and market)
Spark Plugs:
Refer to manual for specific type and gap (e.g., NGK BPR6ES or similar V8 specific plugs)
Transmission Type:
4-speed Automatic (ZF4HP22-24)
Transmission Type Optional:
5-speed Manual (R380)
Transfer Case:
2-speed LT230SE with locking center differential
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Refer to manual for specific type (e.g., Dexron III or equivalent)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
Refer to manual for specific type (e.g., GL-4 or GL-5 rated gear oil)
Wheelbase:
2540 mm (100 inches)
Length:
4707 mm (185.3 inches)
Width:
1886 mm (74.2 inches)
Height:
1944 mm (76.5 inches)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 2100-2300 kg (4630-5070 lbs) depending on configuration
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Refer to vehicle placard or manual
Towing Capacity:
Typically rated up to 3500 kg (7716 lbs) with appropriate towing package
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
5x120 mm
Standard Tire Size:
Typically 235/70R16 or 255/55R18, depending on trim and options
NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Typically 3-star (due to SUV design, specific year ratings may vary)
Active Safety:
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), ETC (Electronic Traction Control), HDC (Hill Descent Control - on some models)
Passive Safety:
Driver and front passenger airbags, side impact protection beams, reinforced chassis.
Infotainment System:
Factory-fitted audio systems, optional CD changers, and navigation units are detailed in the manual for troubleshooting and repair.
Driver Assistance Features:
Hill Descent Control (HDC), Electronic Traction Control (ETC), ABS, and the optional Active Cornering Enhancement (ACE) system are covered.
Connectivity Features:
Details on wiring harnesses for audio, navigation, and communication systems are provided.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 5,000-7,500 miles or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions. Refer to manual for exact mileage and oil type.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Recommended at 50,000-75,000 miles for automatic transmissions, or as per manual's severe service schedule.
Coolant Change:
Typically every 30,000-50,000 miles or 2-3 years.
Engine Oil Specification:
Refer to manual for specific API service classification and viscosity (e.g., 5W-30, 10W-40 or similar for V8).
Coolant Specification:
Refer to manual for specific type and mixture ratio (e.g., 50/50 ethylene glycol with distilled water).
Common Issues:
Head gasket leaks (particularly on earlier V8s), ABC suspension component failures (if equipped with SLS), Lucas/GEMS engine management glitches, viscous coupling issues in the transfer case, rust in critical structural areas, power window regulators.
Oil Filter:
Refer to manual or parts catalog for specific part number (e.g., Mann-Filter W712/4, Wix 57060, or OEM equivalent).
Brand Heritage:
Land Rover has a long-standing reputation for producing robust, go-anywhere off-road vehicles since its inception in 1948.
Discovery Series Ii Introduction:
The Series II was introduced in 1998 as a significant update to the original Discovery, featuring a longer wheelbase, updated styling, and improved interior amenities.
2003 Model Year Updates:
The 2003 model year typically saw minor refinements in features and trim, building upon the major revisions of earlier Series II models. Key improvements in earlier Series II iterations included the ACE (Active Cornering Enhancement) hydraulic anti-roll system and the SLS (Self-Levelling Suspension).
Production Period:
1998-2004
