OK, so the 2004 Disco is now out of warranty and completely under my care, I feel like it's totally foreign to me in a lot of ways. Since it was under warranty, I literally had the dealer do EVERYTHING, and I completely put it out of my mind so I could focus on keeping my grades up and on maintaining the other vehicles.

1. What oil? (I think I need to just call the dealer and see what they were using, it was synthetic.)
2. What coolant brand do you use?
3. Where the heck do you check the transmission fluid on this thing?
4. Anything else I need to know about caring for the DII that I don't already know from caring for the DI's and RRC's?

I'll go first, then everyone can tell me how wrong I am. 

1.  SAE 5W-30 or pick something else from the Operator Manual. Manual is available with RAVE if your's is missing the fancy feaux-leather 3 ring binder.
2.  Dexcool - radiator is aluminum
3.  There isn't a transmission dip-stick. The plug is up on top. Loosen it, and check it with your finger. Horrible design.
4.  Don't forget to soak your ECU in water overnight if it gets dusty. ;)

C
 

Checking transmission is a definite chore the way they've set it up. You check the transmission COLD with the engine running by removing the plug. The level should be close to even with the plug hole when you stick your finger in. You have about 5 minutes when you first start the engine to check the fluid, after which it is too warm to get an accurate reading. Don't make the mistake I once made of finding it was low, rolling out to get some fluid and turning the engine off... about 3 litres of fluid immediately evacuated itself onto the shop floor. If you're gonna turn off the engine (to keep it from warming up while you get ready to add fluid) make sure you put the plug in first!

cheers, Dave

I'm with you on the 0W, it makes sense in our mild climate -- why 40 then? As the temps go up, what happens in a Rover engine that makes you want 40 instead of 30? Is the 40 an indication of viscosity at operating temp, nothing more, or is it more like looking at a range of viscosity as compared to the 30?

By the way, it's OK to be an oil Nazi here.  DWeb may be tired of it, but we can handle it. 

Here is a snapshot from the RAVE manual for an 04' Disco describing what oil to use.    Land Rover of Portland will put in 5W50 if they do work on your vehicle. Never have seen 5W50 in the stores ever.

Jason

 5W40 is nearly the same and Rotella T Synthetic 5W40 is 19.99 a gallon at the local Autozone.

 I get Rotella in the gallon, get two gallons for first oil change, use 1.5 gallons for change, get one gallon on next oil change and use remainder from first oil change on next oil change, so on and so on.