I can't remember exactly and I can't be arsed to look but I think you need to make at least 50 'useful' posts to allow you to post in the for sale forum. If you read the rules for the for sale forum, you'll find out what you need to know.

I've never had to do anything to bleed the fuel system on either 200Tdi or a 300Tdi. Only ever had to keep cranking until the fuel filter is full then it'll start.

I never thought I'd actually say this but I've fitted 2 Sh*tpart filters and they seem OK. But I did get them for free and I'd certainly never buy one...

If its got a dipstick then you can check the colour and smell of the gearbox fluid. The dip stick will be in the engine bay somewhere. If not then you'll have to drain some fluid out of the gearbox but you'll have to do that when changing the fluid anyway. Colour and smell of the fluid will...

As said above, check the air filter. Also check the air pipes for possible splits or defects and restrictions and check to see if your intercooler is blocked. And make sure the turbo actuator and wastegate is moving freely. Personally I've not had a 200Tdi lift pump fail (yet) but I wouldn't...

I get the feeling that the cone bearings done up 'just right' was more to do with the lack of accurate tolerances on older vehicles. If you have a spacer, for it to be effective the gap must be exact. Also, a cone bearing can be tightened up when it gets a little worn so you can prolong the...

Is there a dip stick on your gearbox, or is it the same as the BMW one where you have to pull the plug out of the bottom?

As said above you could try cleaning the sensors but ultimately a code reader plugged in will give you more information. How many miles has it done? Has the gearbox had an oil and filter change at any point?

Not in my case. If I'm just sitting with the engine running and I go from P to D (or R) then sometimes the engine revs drop and the engine dies, but I have my foot on the brake as I'm stationary. So there should not be anything drivetrain related as I'm not actually moving.

Not that I can help but I've got a BMW 525tds which is the same engine and gearbox as you. This happens to me sometimes too. I've changed the oil and filter in the gearbox and it still does the same. I suspect it's one of the clutches sticking in the gearbox.

My Dad says the same thing about the 3.5, although he's only ever worked on them, never actually owned a car with one. I suppose reputation over many years of engineering has a lot to do with it. Personally, I don't like petrols due to the fuel economy (or lack of) but this is far more biased...

So, after all that I went and bought a V8 with an LPG conversion! Not what I was looking for, but it was cheap. I know very little about V8's and even less about LPG so I know I'm going to be asking questions...

Not sure if I should laugh at what you typed or express my condolences. I'll just use a lol as that seems kind of appropriate in an odd sort of way. I'll send you a PM..

The electronics don't worry me at all. Considering the age of my BMW it has loads of electronics so I'm used to it. I just want a cheap hack that's fun to drive.

I'd argue that the 200Tdi is a better engine, and I'd argue that the 200Tdi Discovery has a stronger gearbox, but the 300Tdi engine is easier to work on and the interior is in a totally different league. For what mileage I'd be doing I'd prefer the luxury of the 300Tdi

Cost, mostly. There's an X reg TD5 on my way to work that's £3200 which is way out of my price range so unless there's a relatively cheap TD5 going, I think my best bet is an older model. And I know my way around both the 200Tdi and 300Tdi engines.

How about removing the springs and running it on the bump stops? Just a thought.

Right, I've had enough of the comfort and reliability of my 5 Series BMW and I've decided that I want to get another Discovery. I'd like a 300Tdi but might consider a 200Tdi. I don't want a petrol or a Series 2 though. Not really interested in any mods as it's never going to be an offroader...

Or you may have an alternator issue.

I've seen fibreglass doors used on a rallying Discovery, for weight saving. They seem pretty good but do flex quite a bit. The ones you've found might be different though.