Aftermarket cruise control (AP550 and CM25) fitted to D3, base-7 auto
Written by Tony Hartley.

(Posting from the disco3 web forum
http://www.disco3.co.uk/forum/topic7017.html)

Following my request, under a different posting for information on sourcing a suitable aftermarket cruise control for a base 7, D3, I can report that I now have one installed and it is working well. So, for those members with the base 7, please read on for more details.

The system, which is manufactured by Gold Automotive, a Dutch company, is a three-component unit comprising:

Electronic processor – Stores calibrations, interprets vehicle speed signals, processes operator adjustments and commands the accelerator activator. (located somewhere behind bulkhead below steering column).

Actuator – Accepts processor commands and adjusts vehicle speed through the accelerator pedal (located safely in an existing casing in the engine compartment).

Command module – Operator controller (Stalk, dash or steering wheel mounting). Available with 3-speed memory. (fitted to steering column casing, in LHD key position and easily seen from driving position).

Because my D3 is only 6 months old, before committing to the installation, I consulted my LR dealership regarding any potential effect on the warranty. I was told that unless a fault was specifically caused by the unit or was due to poor workmanship on installation, the normal warranty would not be compromised.

The important thing to note here is that apart from tapping into the speed signal and ignition power feed, the system does not interface with the D3’s complex electronics. The speed pulse was taken from a Canbus interpreter on my car that has been fitted previously for a VDO satnav refit. However, I was told that the expensive Canbus interpreter was not necessary in that a clean speed signal can be sourced straight from the vehicle. I also decided on the more expensive electric actuator as the cheaper vacuum servo option meant tee-ing off the D3’s vacuum pipe, simple but cutting pipes was not for me.

The job was done by a small company by the name of Conrad Anderson, who specialise in installing vehicle electronic equipment (cruise,satnav, etc) and are based in Birmingham. Don’t expect dealership type facilities, they operate a two-bay workshop and a have basic waiting room. However, you can expect a professional service with highly skilled and very helpful staff and they don't mind you watching them do the work. The job took about 3½ hours to complete, plus a further 20 minutes for road testing and calibration. A full explanation of the operational features was also given.

What did it cost? Well I decided on the most flexible but most expensive kit, and this came to a total of £500 inclusive of fitting charge and VAT. This could have been reduced to £420 for the vacuum actuator and a less comprehensive controller.

I can report that the “GoldCruise” does the job perfectly and I can't speak too highly of Conrad Anderson. I hope this information is useful.