I know, I know 'how long is a piece of string' BUT I'm thinking of doing the 48month service myself and wanted to know what you guys think?

I am out of warranty anyway (apart from a short after market that's probably not worth that much anyway). I have no plans to sell the car for at least three more years (will then be 7 years old plus). So although a nice stamp in the Service Book would be a warm feeling for the next owner, would it add £600 to the value (the cost of this service less the parts if I buy myself). Maybe I just use LR every other time to pick up the major things etc. The cold climate out here has stopped my money tree from flowering!

The car has only done a few miles since the last LR service, but a year has lapsed forcing the next service.

So, how easy is it? (I did warn about the length of string question). I have the usual home garage facilities, know my way around the usual oil & filter change, air filter etc. But looking on the service schedule list, most of the things are observation things rather than 'doing' things assuming they don't see anything.

I have no need for diagnostics as I have no issues. Just means the service light will stay on.

I cautiously open up for your thoughts / comments about doing it yourself.

Personally, I wouldn't even attempt it, but then I am a bit of a mechanical luddite. While the stock service items like changing filters etc might be reasonably straightforward for someone who has the skills, it's the overall review of the state of the car that you'd be missing out on and the discovery of other less obvious issues that might normally be pointed out when a dealer tech goes over the car.

I understand not wanting to spend dealer megabucks on cars that are out of warranty etc, but is it worth investigating how much an independent would charge? Presuming you can find one in Stockholm, that is... 

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That's the problem, I cannot find anyone in Stockholm who is more competent than me on LR (and that's pretty limited!).

In the UK there are a stack of really good non main dealers who charge between £200 and £400 max for this service - all in. Here I can get a 'Halfords' type drive in service, but with all due respect these guys have probably never seen a RRS before (there are so few RRS here - I see one a week if I'm lucky even in the city).

The main dealer has the monopoly on all RRS servicing and as Stockholm is now ranked 3rd or 4th most expensive city to live in the world, they cream it. The oil service on my last A4 petrol was £550 (inc pollen filter - wow).

Agree the main dealer may spot something early, but £600 in labour? If it isn't dangerous, which it shouldn't be if I check the brakes and wheels (maybe steering could fail), then it's probably worth wait and see. I have breakdown recovery and a second car.

I have never taken this approach before, but I have usually had company cars or new ones under warranty.

I have posted a question on the other LR forums to try and find other owners in Sweden, hoping to locate a great non main dealer, but so far nothing.

suggestion Tornado - come over to the UK for you summer hols and book the car into LPR or one of the other forum sponsors for a service while you are here or even book it into a non-franchise LR specialist. There are enough ads for them in the Land Rover magazines. 2020 Pangea Green 1st Edition D240 New Defender 110 is here and loving it
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2015MY Corris Grey SDv6 HSE Dynamic, the best car I have ever owned, totally reliable only a cou0le of rattles in 3 years, now no longer in my care
Also in my garage is a 1996 TDi300 Defender 90 County HT made into a fake CSW

It's becoming more of a real option. 1500 miles each way though with a new born and 18 months old, maybe it's worth blowing £600 just for the peace and quiet of flying!! (2hrs)

But have seriously considered, even thought of sending Mrs Tornado overhead with the kids whilst I drive, but apparently that's not a good idea

A lot of info over on D3 re servicing etc. do some searches and check stickies.

A lot if not all is the same on service items!

It is an easy job to drop the sump guard to drain the engine oil and even easier to pull the plastic engine cover off to access the screw on oil filter canister. Cost 9 litres of 5W -30 oil and £8 for a filter cartridge. The car can be raised to off road height and axle stands placed under the chassis - just in case it decides to drop! Gone - 2008 TDV8, Stornoway Grey, ebony, zabrano trim, TV, Tasmods, mudflaps.

Thanks rrsjo & lespes.

I found loads of instructions on D3 site as suggested. Including changing the diesel filter which looks ok to do also.

I have the use of a full car lift, so assuming the roof height allows, all should be very safe - I will report back when complete

Anyone got any pointers on changing the oil and filter on a 4.2 s/c?

I'm guessing the draining is easy once the sump protector is removed, but I can't see the filter anywhere (looking from above).

Any suggestions, please?

Thanks.

Bob.

You have to remove the radiator access panel to see the oil filter, looking from below.  Malaysia Boleh!
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Bobby wrote:

You have to remove the radiator access panel to see the oil filter, looking from below.

Bob wrote:

Bobby wrote:

You have to remove the radiator access panel to see the oil filter, looking from below.

Ah, thanks for that. I'll have a look as soon as the outside temperature gets above freezing.

Bob.

Agree the plate is heavy, I use a small trolley jack to hold it in place on the way off and way back on again - much easier than struggling upside down with your face so close!