Member Since: 13 Sep 2015
Location: Lincolnshire
Posts: 202
6 or 8 speed?
I’m looking to upgrade our D3 HSE to a D4 HSE in the new year but I’m stuck on what box to go for, there is quite a difference in price between a 6 and 8 speed.
Do they both share the same engine (SDV6) I seem to recall reading the 6 speeds were badges as TDV6 but that may be my confusion.
Is there really that much difference between the 6 and 8 speed bar a slight improvement in mpg?
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22nd Dec 2018 9:10 pm
PeteHse
Member Since: 13 Sep 2015
Location: Lincolnshire
Posts: 202
This is part of my thinking but there’s a good 3-4K difference for essentially the same car with a different gearbox.
My D3 is on 150k now and so is it’s gearbox, I bought it on 100k and bought the first one I saw so I don’t know if my gearbox feels like it’s done 150k or that’s how they are supposed to be?
IMHO, as has been said, the 8 speed is far better, smooth closer ratios, and a later car with some improvements.
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22nd Dec 2018 9:32 pm
PeteHse
Member Since: 13 Sep 2015
Location: Lincolnshire
Posts: 202
What are the differences between say a MY10 car and a MY11/12 car bar the gearbox?
22nd Dec 2018 9:38 pm
kajtzu
Member Since: 11 Aug 2017
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Member Since: 30 Oct 2011
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8 is great...just do it
23rd Dec 2018 12:45 am
robpenrose
Member Since: 12 Jan 2016
Location: Surrey / SW London
Posts: 2136
beanie wrote:
Its not just gearbox though, single turbo tdv6 vs sequential twin turbo sdv6 and some minor interior changes
That’s not true though is it??
A 3.0l TDV6 is the same as a pre MY2012 3.0l SDV6. Same engine, same number of turbos, same power, just different badge. SDV6 probably has DPF.
No interior changes until MY2012 either.
I would drive both and decide. I went for a 6 speed as couldn’t justify the extra cost for the same car, but I wasn’t coming from a D3.
I find the 8 speed slightly irritating as it’s constanly jumping gears, especially on the motorway, but they are smooth so it’s no bit deal, I just find it unnecessary. I’m would be more than happy with either personally. Just comes down to cost as usual!
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23rd Dec 2018 11:48 am
LT
Member Since: 31 Dec 2005
Location: South West
Posts: 23330
I'm far less negative about the 6 speed box than some here. Given a choice I'd opt for the 8 speed, but I did many miles in a 6 speed D3 and D4 and very pleasurable they were.
I also much preferred the 6 speed box for any challenging off roading.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
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23rd Dec 2018 11:59 am
robpenrose
Member Since: 12 Jan 2016
Location: Surrey / SW London
Posts: 2136
Yes I agree.
I think the 8 speed would be better if you lived somewhere very hilly, however I spend most of my time on the motorway or A roads so I prefer the 6 speed. However, I would be more than happy with the 8 speed, I just didn’t think it was worth any more money when I purchased mine a few years ago.
Current: D4 HSE
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23rd Dec 2018 12:11 pm
M3DPO
Member Since: 22 Sep 2010
Location: Notts.
Posts: 8069
My advice and I have an 8 speed HSE is stick with what you’ve got, spend a bit of money on it if necessary including a remap if the reason for upgrading is more power.
Don’t forget the 8speed does not have a proper gear-lever, after 12 months ownership I still have to look down to see what gear is selected, the D4’s have as many if not more cranks snap as D3’s, spend all your money and more on a D4 and the crank snaps what have you got?-nothing, at least the loss will not be so great with what you’re got and probably paid for.
The D3 will do everything a D4 will do and everything is cheaper, servicing, insurance, VED if pre my06, mast spare parts.
All controls on the D3 are more logical, probably not as neat and attractive, almost every switch on the D4 is hard to find needing the driver to take his eyes of the road to find it, the accelerator is more of an on/off switch, the smoothness went with the D3, try pulling out gently on a steep junction - you can’t!
Having said this the gearbox and engine on the D4 is superb, the gearbox is renowned to be stronger and more reliable designed, the my12 is allegedly fitted with lugs on the crankshaft shell bearings although they still suffer from snapped cranks and LR are not interested, insurance against it is not available
Better MPG just did not happen to me, reason for low mpg D3 is poor maintenance and worn torque converters.
Good luck with your decision It can when others can't,
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