Changes in LR3 from 05?

[Goofy Yno]

We have a 05 LR3. we love it. with the amount it is driven, the warranty is about to expire. I am thinking of trading it on a new one. My question is has there been any changes in the HSE since then? 07 vs 08? thanks

 

[grommet]

Go take a look yourself. Not much. I'm sure you can search and find various comments, but... if I remember correctly:

Nothing major. Some different exterior colors. PTI (Phone Integration) added in 2006 and improved later with Bluetooth phonebook access. Front parking distance sensors. Sirius Radio available. Power lumbar adjustment. (2005 had manual, 2006 has no lumbar adjust.) One touch up/down passenger window. Tire Pressure Monitoring System. Power seat controls work on passenger seat without key. Clock view in instrument cluster LCD. 2008 has interior wood 'bling' update. Softer leather if ordered with the so-called Luxury package.

There might be a "real" factory DVD system (not dealer installed) available now for 2008, but I've haven't bothered to confirm it.

 

[brandonb]

for what it is worth, we just traded our 05 SE (1st LR3 the dealership sold) for an 08 HSE. Our SE had every option available so it was essentially an HSE with 18 wheels. The 08 feels like a completely different car. It is much tighter and feels more solid. There are very few changes that are visible, mostly cosmetic, but it does feel like there are more structural changes. The steering feels tighter. The transmission shifts much better. If nothing else, being able to adjust the seats properly is enough to trade. The bluetooth works great (have tested my blackberry 7130 and my wifes KRAZR). We did get the factory DVD system (actually a Rosen). Audio does come through the stereo, but is not loud by any means. Not sure how this will work at highway speeds, but it does come with 2 sets of wireless headphones and a game contoller (25 games preloaded). It is a clean install and looks very factory. Overall, very pleased with our decision to trade. The only thing I am not that impressed with or feel is worth the money is the luxury package. I honestly think the standard leather would hold up better and I think the cooler box will only be used once every year or so.

 

[grommet]

brandonb, most of it is likely placebo. Yeah, sure there are 'production improvements' as time goes on... but I've driven many 2007 and a few 2008s, and I don't find it much different in 'feel' beyond the type of tires and their wear levels. The transmission software update that was applied last year on existing vehicles 'feels' no different to me on the newer vehicles.

So I guess a true integrated DVD system isn't available for 2008. The Rosen roof mount system you mention is exactly what was offered for previous years, but as a 'dealer install' kit only.

 

[Goofy Yno]

sure Gromett, just when I liked what brandonb wrote....

My wife loves the car so much, I'm pretty sure well get a new one. I just don't want to be without a warranty. I just wonder why, unlike most other manufacturers, they did do much to the car? seems a shame.

 

[roverman]

Checked with my dealer before buying a used '05. At any time before the factory warranty expires, they said I could add another 4 yrs/50,000 miles for $2895 (or thereabouts). This, and not many vehicle changes, highly influenced my decision to save $25000 and buy an '05. Might want to check with your dealer and hold on to your current one.

 

[Goofy Yno]

Checked with my dealer before buying a used '05. At any time before the factory warranty expires, they said I could add another 4 yrs/50,000 miles for $2895 (or thereabouts). This, and not many vehicle changes, highly influenced my decision to save $25000 and buy an '05. Might want to check with your dealer and hold on to your current one.

actually that's were I started. My service advisor strongly advised I not let the warranty expire. I figure rather that just wasting 3k, I'd at least get a new car out of it. although there are no real new upgrades, at best they have worked out the bugs, at worst we'd start off clean and new.

 

[roverman]

Way I look at it is your new one loses 3k in value when you drive it off the lot, so it's not really a waste. But I'm cheap....really really cheap.

 

[brandonb]

grommet - I understand what you are saying and I agree to some extent. I do know there are a few changes. For example if you have climbed under the car just forward of the rear bumper are two pendulums that I assume are for leveling the air suspension. I was installing the trailer wiring harness last night and noticed they are of a very different shape. I realize this is not a major difference, but an indication they have made some adjustments/improvements. You are correct in that their is not "factory" DVD system. They Rosen system is a dealer installed system, but is in the LR3 kit catalogue. It is very factory looking and has the benefit of being covered under the waranty (at least I am told since it was installed when purchased - we'll see how that goes).

On a side note - I recoginze the screen name. Did you perhaps or do you own a BMW? I have been a BMW for years (328i, 330i, E46 M3, 550i) till I recently got an S4. I frequent the differnt boards and if memory serves me correctly, you know your stuff.