A few quick jobs today.

First, upgrading the reverse lights. I like the stock look but not the performance so I bought some replacements from Classic Car LEDs. Too early and light to see if they improve things but they were only £15 posted. 5 minutes to unscrew the units and swap the bulbs.

New high and low beam bulbs on order, hopefully they'll get fitted this week.

I've had a low coolant warning pop up. I've topped off the coolant but this points to a leak somewhere. Its going in for a transmission flush on Friday and they'll check it over for me then. I suspect the EGR valve or similar, hopefully nothing too pricey.

I've also got a little deflated about the drivers seat cushion foam (see what I did there?) so I've ordered a new foam pad. Once its back from the flush I'll pull out the drivers seat and replace the foam as well as the (probably) cracked seat blower pipe too. Hopefully a more comfy and warm seat awaits!

Hi Robster,

Where did you get the seat squab foam from ? Mines going a bit flat and am looking to replace it or steam it, I'll replace if it's cheap enough.

I'm not sure if they are the same as the vogue because I've heard they're supposed to be a bit firmer than the AB seats,

Cheers

A. Fuji White / Jet 2012 4.4 TDV8 Westminster

Part LR009645

I got it from Jaguar Land rover Classic, it's OEM as I can't find any alternatives. Not cheap but everywhere seems to be the same price. If it's done 136k miles on this one then I'm sure it will do me just fine.

Would be interested in pictures of how easily the seat foam can be replaced if you don't mind! I'd be tempted to do my drivers side one on the 5.0 as the seat isn't quite as good as the 26k mile 4.4 TDV8 we've got. 2002 4.6 Vogue SE - Alveston Red with Lightstone Leather
2012 Range Rover 5.0 SC Autobiography in Indus Silver with Jet/Ivory Interior
2012 Range Rover 4.4 TDV8 Autobiography in Baltic Blue with Sand Interior

Yes, I'll share some pictures as it happens, assuming I don't damage myself removing the seat! The workshop manual has a section on this too:

Cripes that's a bit pricey, I' think I'll have a go at steaming first after I strip it down.

Cheers for the info.

A. Fuji White / Jet 2012 4.4 TDV8 Westminster

Currently in for a gearbox mega flush and investigation of leaking coolant. Apparently the thermostat housing is leaking. Not looking forward to the bill for this one.

Gearbox flush done and coolant leak investigated at Dartford Transmissions. They also gave it a good going over but didn't report any more faults, which was good as it was a punchy bill! The gearbox definitely feels smoother now when cold, less clunky when pulling away. It had done 30k miles since the last gearbox oil change but that was not a full flush.

Coolant leak was the lower thermostat housing, that's all been replaced so hopefully that's one less coolant leak to worry about for now.

I love the easy jobs. Before I tackle anything else I wanted to improve the headlights. Time for some Osram Xenarcs for the low beam and some Bevinsee V55s for the high beam. Both from AliExpress.
Old main beam units compared the LED ones. Being LEDs, you need to get the connector the right way round. Brown to + and red/black to -.

After a couple of drives in the dark I can report that the dipped lights work well but the high beams are amazing! Proper floodlights and so much safer for driving on dark country roads. Hopefully they last well, so far I'd massively recommend them.

Out of interest, exactly which items did you buy as the Benvinsee ones seem to have options for 150w and 120w

Also are the Xenarcs much different to stock?

Jon

I bought the Bevinsee V55 H7s:
https://a.aliexpress.com/_EHjM7Yg

If you order them, make sure you pick the H7 option, it's not foolproof, ask me how I know.

As I had Osrams before, I can't really say how they compare to stock. The lights are slightly brighter, probably as they're new.

Thanks, might give them a try.

J

Fixed the broken heated seat air guide with a new one from eBay. Also replaced the driver's seat base foam. With a trip to the Alps coming up, having a comfy chair to do over one thousand miles in is going to be important.