Trusted Land Rover Garage

[Roger K]

Dear Fellow CARNITY Members,
I need some help as I own an 2008 Land Rover LR3 that needs some air suspension and air conditioner diagnosis and repair.  I see there are some garages on the CARNITY website that service Land Rovers and was wondering if anyone has any personal experience or recommendations about them.  If you have owned one of these mechanical nightmares and had a shop that took care of you at a fair price, I would surely appreciate the tip.  Being it is older and really not worth that much on the open market, I am hoping to not stick to many thousand dirhams into it.   Just looking for a reputable place  (besides the dealer) that can find issues quickly and accurately without soaking me on the final bill.

 I know….like trying to find a unicorn in the desert 🙂.

Thanks All!

Roger

[Gaurav]

For air suspension being 13 years old, the cheapest and most reliable option is to convert to springs to avoid expensive air suspension replacement every couple of years. I had Range Rover P38 and remember the 3 beep nightmare at the highway and coming home on limp mode. I spent a lot to save (5-6K - one bladder after the other, then compressor then valve body, etc.) and after six months gave up and moved to springs. I think spring conversion was 2-3k tops.

Almost all LR parts shops (gulf star or national auto) sell those spring conversion kits and your road comfort will be reduced by 10% as opposed to the hearsay story I heard and research before moving to old fashion spring than air bladder. While buying the springs do tell the parts guy that you need standard springs and not heavy-duty (if it's your road car).

If you insist to keep EAS alive then order Arnott air bladder from the US that comes with a 10-year guarantee and double-check if their guarantee is valid for UAE hot weather as rubber degrades a lot faster in the heat.

[Alex Raptor]

I had an old P38 Range Rover as well!!!! I did what @Gaurav suggested, put coils in it, AAA did mine back in 2005, best thing I ever did, doesn't roll as much so it’s a harder ride as said above, but I actually preferred it. Those air bladders hate the fine dust here. 

[Roger K]

Thank you gentlemen.  I appreciate the candid feedback.  May just convert to springs….   It’s a love/hate (well, mostly hate lately) relationship.  Trying to keep it alive until we sell it when we leave next year.  I know Rahimdad had one at one time and wishes he wouldn’t have sold it.  Maybe I can give him mine🤣. If anyone else wants to chime in on the garage suggestion feel free.  Thank you again!

[Niki]

@Roger K I got rid of my LR4 last year having spent a fortune on the AC which still struggled after 1000’s spent.  And numerous times having the air suspension / compressor changed (2 x airbag and 1x compressor). The AC was the biggest issue for me… replaced everything that could be replaced and it still struggled >40degrees.  
 

There is a very old thread in this forum that walks you through how to diagnose the suspension issue and in many cases can help you identify a relatively affordable fix… the problem is not a single garage will offer that or worse still fix the small issue but charge you for a full replacement.  I went through the dealership then 3 LR4 specialists and suspension was a rip out and replace option each time. I had the car for near a decade and do miss it as there is much to love however… if you plan to get rid of it next year are you sure you want to pour in a lot of money now then likely harm it further in the dunes and have to spend more next year prior to selling.  
 

if you have an option to sell it now - pick up a less desirable Pajero (also 7 seater)… throw it around the dunes and sell it next year for likely a loss similar to or less than a suspension and AC repair for an LR4!  (Not very helpful I know but I decided to get rid of my beloved LR4 and miss the car but not for driving in the dessert … I am forever grateful I didn’t keep it for the Offroad driving which was the original plan!) 

I have not found a single LR specialist in Dubai I would recommend as affordable/fair price … there are some that I consider professional and did revisit post warranty/service pack- happy to share their details 0551092859
 

summary - I would recommend a repair on your car for it to be an everyday cruiser but not to then take it to the dessert for off-roading … if the final year you want to enjoy on and Offroad- bite the bullet, get rid of it now and pick up a Pajero (if you need 7 seats) or an xterra if not (many options for a sensible price now and likely easy to offload next year).  I nearly went the coil suspension route just to bring the car to the desert but know the electronics will limit you (traction control etc) and the knowledge that a single small issue will likely wipe out the value of a 13 year old car!  
 

Again sorry that’s not super helpful in relation to your actual ask- but as a fellow LR4 owner, loving owner from new .. with a desire to drive Offroad.. just wanted to share my choices and rationale 
 

 

[Roger K]

Hi Niki.  Sorry so late getting back to you.  Your post is very helpful to me.  I am most likely going to try and troubleshoot the suspension leak by pulling a fuse.  Like you said, there are some old forums on the web that discuss the procedure.  If I can isolate the problem, then I can at least tell the garage where to start.  It also might make me sound like I know what I am talking about and not get taken advantage of.  Hoping it is only a line leak 🤞🏻 Your summary is spot on. If I pay for repairs then drive in the desert, I risk the money I just put into it.  Will have to check Dubizzle for an old Pajero or maybe give up the sand driving.  🤔I have a lot to think about…
Thanks for your thoughts!

 

[Niki]

@Roger K no worries and that is 100% the right move.  even if you isolate and repair, the car will be a far easier sale when you are ready for that (and just put it up on a Land Rover Facebook group as it will sell instanstly and you will secure a lot move vs private/dubizzle.

Don't give up the sand driving dream just yet - i know its not 'throw away' money, however there is a Marshal's car on sale who is sadly leaving the country.  He has looked after it as if new and will get you through the year with close to zero cost (hopefully) and when you come to sell it on will be far easier than the LR3 also!.  This doesn't happen often so hopefully it could be an option.