Hi, can anyone confirm what year the SD4 was introduced (UK)?

Also, does anyone have a good guide to trims? Or what would you need for bi-xenon lights, heated screen and heated seats?

I know the Haldex unit can offer problems, I see Bell Engineering do repairs on the Gen 3 unit, but I've read from 2009 the FL2 was fitted with the 4th Gen coupling. Do these also fail the same or are they no problem? Is there an easy way to ID which vehicles have the later unit?

Anything else to look out for specifically? Thanks.

Welcome

The FL2 is very reliable for a JLR vehicle.
The SD4 first appeared in 2011. It has an automatic gearbox only.


The JLR servicing schedule ("sealed for life") can cause premature failure of Haldex or rear diff pinion bearing or front PTU. Some owners undertake additional filter and oil changes where applicable.

Gen3 and Gen4 haldex look different. But both fail due to lack of oil or filter changes.

Click image to enlarge

HID xenon came only on HSE Lux and Metropolis models.
I don't think it was even an optional extra on the rest although you can come across the odd vehicle which has had them retrofitted but they are unlikely to have the automatic adjustment. ( not a problem as manual adjusters still work)
Heated seats and heated windscreen are common .
If you want all the goodies ( including rear camera) go for a Metropolis if your budget will allow. They are all late models ( 2014 ) and have SD4 engines with autobox. FL2 SD4 XS 2013 Orkney Grey

I bought my first SD4 (2010 XS) in 2012. It was serviced by various garages as per LR Schedule.
In the 5 years that I ran it, I the only problem that I had was the (known - Tech Bulletin) Fuel Tank Sender problem that was cured by local JLR dealer. I soon discovered that the FL2 needed a good 12v Battery otherwise it would throw up random error indications, and fail to start in cold winter mornings.
I also came across the tendency for the Aisin Auto Gearbox to flare between gears on a light throttle on warm days. - This seems to be common to Volvos as well.

I liked that FL2 so much that I tracked down my present (late 2014) Metro via an Autotrader 'Alert' and bought it over the internet from a dealer. It was still under Warranty and I have Extended the warranty until now in it's 11th year. Therefore it has had 11 years of strict LR servicing by dealer (no more, no less)
The only new bit I have had is a new Differential (replaced under warranty) and the only repair is exercising the turbo actuator to free the vanes.

At 11years old and 81k miles, I can not renew the Full Warranty, so (DVLA sight test allowing) I am looking at replacing it with a 3-4 year old Warranted Volvo XC60 T8 Inscription, with a view to running that under Extended Warranty.

I fully recommend the SD4 FL2 as they are the best Land Rover FORD ever built. FL2 XS SD4 Auto 2010 2012-2017 (21k - 91k miles) (MY2011)
FL2 Metropolis SD4 Auto 2014 2017- (16k - 79k+ miles) (MY2015)
Metro in its 11th Year of (Extended) LR Warranty / Full LR Service History
(Expensive, but Trouble/Worry free - hopefully?)

Many thanks all.

Just as a curve ball. When was the 3.2 stopped in the UK?

Aside from the obvious mpg advantage and turbo torque of the SD4 vs the smoother n/a petrol power delivery of the S6. Are there any other differences between them where one excels over the other?

I'm looking to replace a 4.6 p38a Range Rover, so the 3.2 will also offer a massive mpg advantage.

On paper the performance looks pretty equal. I'm wanting something lower (easier for my partner to get in than the p38), but still a nice plush well attired interior with off road ability should I want it. Such as occasional laning when out on holiday. Although if honest, I want it to look more capable than it needs to be.

i.e.

Click image to enlarge

AFAIK The only thing the 3.2 got over the TD4/SD4 was slightly bigger diameter front brake disks (uses same pads and caliper, just a different caliper carrier and the bigger disks).

Its easy to convert the TD4/SD4 to the bigger brakes - does it make a difference ? - not that I can tell. Jules

Last edited by jules on 17th Feb 2025 3:02 pm. Edited 1 time in total

The SD4 is surprisingly quick for diesel SUV - its relatively light and has 4WD

0-60mph is around 8.7 sec apparently Jules

IanMetro wrote:

I fully recommend the SD4 FL2 as they are the best Land Rover FORD ever built.

Indeed  Jules

I looked in to a retune/remap of my 3.2 when I first bought it 9 years ago. I was constantly told that being naturally aspirated, there really wasn't any real gains to be made in terms of getting any more performance from the engine unless I installed a turbo !
Here we are today and I really must say, apart from when it's cold, I really can't see what extra performance I would need.
It also has the 40/50mm front to back lift which gives it a more raked stance.



Being the HSE, it has all the bells and whistles, including the adaptive bi-xenon headlights.
Bare in mind that this feature is not available on the 2012-14 MY .

Thanks. So, many years ago the head of Ford SVO once said, "too much power, is just enough!".

If you use wide open throttle, then more power is always good.

I know the internet will tell you non turbo petrol engines will not pick up any gains, but I don't honestly believe this. There is more to remapping than simply turning up the boost. A remap can also change how a car feels and with modern variable valve and cam timing, can have an influence on when they switch over.

Link to my original turbo problem

https://www.freel2.com/forum/topic39340.ht...exercising FL2 XS SD4 Auto 2010 2012-2017 (21k - 91k miles) (MY2011)
FL2 Metropolis SD4 Auto 2014 2017- (16k - 79k+ miles) (MY2015)
Metro in its 11th Year of (Extended) LR Warranty / Full LR Service History
(Expensive, but Trouble/Worry free - hopefully?)