Member Since: 19 Mar 2021
Location: Hong Kong
Posts: 10
Replacement of Radiator needing to remove front bumper?
Hello Disco3 Community,
I have been reading up various posts for some time now. But now its my time to make my first post, looking to have your opinion on the following situation.
My D4 v8 MY10 has over 140,000km on the clock and the most recent health check at the local dealership suggests its time to replace a number of aging parts. It included the radiator assembly and hose, condenser amongst others.
I dont disagree with their proposed works. If that's what I need to keep my D4 in tip shape for years to come, its worth every penny. What caught my attention is the pre-requisite to remove the front bumper to gain access to the radiator. There appears to be no other way around it. They claim manufacturer's instruction for radiator replacement confirms this.
I would prefer to avoid this as it added substantial labour costs to what is already a dear dealership pricing. The LR rep there has been helpful and did try to get the technician to confirm. What i got in return is the photo attached explaining the need to remove the front bumper.
Any views appreciated, especially if anyone else has a same model and radiator replacement experience.
Cheerio
19th Mar 2021 3:38 am
itguy
Member Since: 30 Dec 2009
Location: Melton Mowbray, Leics
Posts: 181
I can’t comment on the need (or not) to remove the bumper to do the radiator, but I did remove the bumper on my D3 last weekend to sort my fog/drl lights out and it only took my 30 mins to take it off, tops.
I wouldn’t have thought more than 1 hour labour in total for remove/reinstall. It really is quite simple to do, there are YouTube videos showing it also.
19th Mar 2021 6:27 am
nigethecat
Member Since: 11 Sep 2016
Location: Marnoch
Posts: 4247
Agree with above, also it will be much quicker to change the radiator and condenser with the bumper off (easier and quicker to access pipes) saving on labour costs that way so it will even out.
Just check that the garage is not double charging you for certain labour costs though... I want to see the sweets before I get into your windowless van... I'm not stupid!
Corris Grey D4 Commercial SE 2016
Zermatt Sliver 2007 D3 SE manual (gone)
Indus Silver D4 HSE 2015 (gone)
Bonatti Grey D3 HSE 2006 (gone)
White D3 S (LHD) 2007 (gone)
Firenze Red D4 HSE 2014 (gone)
Black RRS 3.6TDV8 2008 (gone)
Rusty Green Defender 110 1997 (gone)
Black FL2 HSE 2013 (gone)
19th Mar 2021 7:47 am
D4J
Member Since: 19 Mar 2021
Location: Hong Kong
Posts: 10
Thanks both.
Good point about being cautious on the double charging of labour costs. I just checked and the SA's estimate does not appear to double charge although the labour cost of front bumper removal alone (without any parts) is quoted at over £1k, which i think is unbelievable.
I do get your point on ease of condenser removal with bumper off. Just that the labour cost for the condenser replacement alone (again without parts) with the convenience of the front bumper now off remains sky high at over £800.
These are essential repairs which I assumed LR is the most competent party for such an important job. But I might need to reconsider getting an indie on this at this rate.
19th Mar 2021 12:12 pm
nigethecat
Member Since: 11 Sep 2016
Location: Marnoch
Posts: 4247
You need to find a good indie !!!
To have my condenser replaced was £250 (included bumper removal)... as itguy said taking the bumper off is a MAXIMUM of half an hour... its about 4 screws and 6 bolts... most people on here could do it in less than 20 minutes...
A good Indie will do as good as , in most cases a better job, than an LR dealer... certainly cheaperI want to see the sweets before I get into your windowless van... I'm not stupid!
Corris Grey D4 Commercial SE 2016
Zermatt Sliver 2007 D3 SE manual (gone)
Indus Silver D4 HSE 2015 (gone)
Bonatti Grey D3 HSE 2006 (gone)
White D3 S (LHD) 2007 (gone)
Firenze Red D4 HSE 2014 (gone)
Black RRS 3.6TDV8 2008 (gone)
Rusty Green Defender 110 1997 (gone)
Black FL2 HSE 2013 (gone)
19th Mar 2021 12:18 pm
itguy
Member Since: 30 Dec 2009
Location: Melton Mowbray, Leics
Posts: 181
£1k to remove a bumper
Crikey... Get a good Indy on it
19th Mar 2021 12:21 pm
nigethecat
Member Since: 11 Sep 2016
Location: Marnoch
Posts: 4247
If you're willing to pay £1k for someone to take your bumper off then let me know as I could get a flight out there, take the bumper off for you and then fly home for less money I want to see the sweets before I get into your windowless van... I'm not stupid!
Corris Grey D4 Commercial SE 2016
Zermatt Sliver 2007 D3 SE manual (gone)
Indus Silver D4 HSE 2015 (gone)
Bonatti Grey D3 HSE 2006 (gone)
White D3 S (LHD) 2007 (gone)
Firenze Red D4 HSE 2014 (gone)
Black RRS 3.6TDV8 2008 (gone)
Rusty Green Defender 110 1997 (gone)
Black FL2 HSE 2013 (gone)
19th Mar 2021 12:44 pm
itguy
Member Since: 30 Dec 2009
Location: Melton Mowbray, Leics
Posts: 181
You've stolen my idea... damnit !
19th Mar 2021 12:52 pm
D4J
Member Since: 19 Mar 2021
Location: Hong Kong
Posts: 10
Itguy/nigethecat, if you setup a shop here, I will be your first customer
I am still left speechless of what official LR service centres charge out here.
Obviously they believe their shop is in the airport...
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