Discovery IV / LR4 (2009-2016): How to Remove Bumpers

The Land Rover Discovery 4, also known as L319 (its factory model code), became a true milestone in British automotive history. Produced from 2009 to 2016, this vehicle combined legendary off-road capability, comfort and elegant design. Although many years have passed since its launch, the Discovery IV remains a desirable vehicle for SUV enthusiasts.

Model Facelift and Evolution

The Discovery 4 replaced the Discovery 3 (LR3 in North America), but unlike its predecessor, it received significant changes. The 2009 facelift affected both appearance and technical components.

 

Exterior Changes:

• New front headlights with daytime running lights
• Redesigned radiator grille in Range Rover style
• Updated bumper and more refined body lines
• LED rear lights

 

Technical Improvements:

• More powerful engines including new 3.0-liter TDV6 diesel (245 hp) and 5.0 V8 petrol (375 hp)
• Enhanced Terrain Response system (for better off-road adaptation)
• Improved sound insulation and suspension for greater comfort

While the Discovery 4 resembled its predecessor externally, it became more modern and technologically advanced.

 

Bumper Plastic (may vary): Polypropylene plus ethylene-propylene-diene terpolymer, 12% mineral filler. Marking >PP+EPDM+T12<

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How to Remove Front Bumper

1. Lift and secure the hood
2. Press the fasteners (shown with blue arrows on diagram) and remove radiator grille
3. Pull up two locking strips on each side and remove headlights
4. Unscrew six bolts (fastened top to bottom) securing top part of front bumper
5. Inside wheel arches, behind headlights, unscrew one screw per side securing wheel arch extensions
6. Unscrew six screws (fastened bottom to top) securing lower part
7. Turn wheels inward into wheel arches
8. In wheel arches, unscrew bolts and remove fasteners securing splash guards and wheel arch extensions
9. Remove wheel arch extensions (held by clips, pull toward you)
10. Under extensions, unscrew one screw per side securing corners to fenders
11. Disconnect fog light connectors
12. Disconnect headlight washer hose from pump
13. With assistant, remove front bumper

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How to Remove Rear Bumper

1. Open trunk
2. Unscrew two screws per side securing rear lights
3. Release from fender mounts and remove rear lights
4. Under rear lights, unscrew two bolts securing top part of rear bumper
5. In trunk opening, remove four fasteners (inserted top to bottom, hard to reach)
6. From underside, unscrew six bolts (fastened bottom to top) securing lower part
7. Unscrew bolts and remove mudguards
8. Unscrew two bolts, remove two fasteners per side and remove wheel arch extensions (held by clips, pull sharply)
9. Behind extensions, remove one fastener per side securing corners to fenders
10. Through left rear light opening, disconnect parking sensor common connector
11. With helper, release fender clips (pull toward you) and remove bumper backward

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Model Description: A British Character SUV

The Land Rover Discovery 4 is a full-size seven-seat SUV. Its key features:

Design:

• Classic "stepped" roof (heritage from early Discoveries)
• High seating position and massive wheel arches
• Spacious cabin with premium materials

 

Comfort and Technology:

• Ergonomic seats with heating and ventilation
• Meridian Surround Sound system for audiophiles
• Dual-zone climate control and panoramic roof in top versions

 

Off-Road Capabilities:

• Permanent all-wheel drive
• Terrain Response system (modes for sand, snow, mud and rocks)
• High ground clearance and excellent approach/departure angles

 

Interesting Facts About Discovery IV

• Last Discovery with ladder frame - unlike modern Discovery 5 (unibody), Discovery 4 retained body-on-frame construction for better off-road durability
• Main competitor to Mercedes ML and Toyota Land Cruiser - competed with Mercedes-Benz ML (GLE) and Lexus GX in its class
• Special editions - Land Rover produced limited versions like "Autobiography" with exclusive trim and "Black & White" with contrast design
• Discovery 4 in movies - appears in films including "James Bond: Spectre"
• Popularity in Russia - became favorite SUV for Russian road conditions due to off-road capability

 

Conclusion

The Land Rover Discovery 4 perfectly combined British elegance with off-road power. Even today, years after production ended, it remains in demand on used market. If you're looking for reliable, comfortable and capable SUV with character - Discovery IV deserves attention.

This was era when Land Rover still made "real" SUVs - powerful, rugged yet elegant. And Discovery 4 is perfect example.