L322 Information Please!

[Technoholic]

Hi all

I'm going crazy and thinking of trading in my newish 7 series possibly for a L322 Range Rover.

notwithstanding the multiple reports of issues that many seem to experience (although you only hear about the bad ones right?), can anyone tell me some fundamental information?

I would like to go a for a petrol this time, I'm not worried about fuel economy too much, I don't do that many miles right now. I'd like some power though. But above all I want comfort. I'm thinking of trying to find an Autobiography spec model.

What are the main differences when they went from the 6 speed automatic stick to the 8 speed rotary gear selector? Which way is better, i.e. do the older ones have more or less reliability than the newer ones? Obviously if I could go for a pre facelift model it would be cheaper but I prefer the looks of the interior of the face lift.

I haven't made my mind up yet at all on any purchases so would welcome any information. I know this is a LR forum but if anyone would suggest that the RRs are so bad that I should look at other cars, please let me know!

Thanks

[Moycie]

Have a read of THIS post for some viewpoints on 4.2 vs 5.0 S/C.

I actually just got back into a 4.2 S/C (MY2007) again about a year ago. I sold my previous, and for a few years wished that I never sold it. When you've had one, they do get under your skin. So got back into one. Did a 1,500mile round trip to Saint Emillion last year, faultess. Just make sure it's serviced and maintained.

[Technoholic]

Thanks for that. When people talk about the 4.2 being a reliable engine, I assume they're talking about the 4.2 Jaguar Aj-V8 engine right? I think it's the only 4.2 that was offered?

[Moycie]

Yes, that will be the Jaguar AJ-V8 lump - the 4.2 Supercharged was available from 2005-2009. It was then replaced with the 5.0 Supercharged until the L322 ended in 2012.

[There was also the 4.4 V8 (Jaguar AJ-V8) offered until 2009, but all Supercharged versions were top spec in Vogue SE / Autobiography ]


Details from wikipedia:

4.2 L Supercharged V8 petrol 2005-2009
4,197 cc (256 cu in) DOHC V8 supercharged (Jaguar AJ-V8)
400 PS (294 kW; 395 hp) @ 5,750
560 N⋅m (413 lbf⋅ft) @ 3,500

5.0 L Supercharged V8 petrol 2009-2012
4,999 cc (305 cu in) V8 supercharged (AJ133)
510 PS (375 kW; 503 hp) @ 6,000-6,500
625 N⋅m (461 lbf⋅ft) @ 2,000-2,500

[Technoholic]

ok thanks.

Part of my reason for changing is not just luxury as my 7 series is pretty luxurious, but also cost saving and I've always fancied a RR. So while I'd like the facelift 2010 onwards model, maybe I should consider the 2007 facelift 4.2 SC in Vogue SE spec (As I can't see many ABs for sale) as it be a lot less money it seems. Vogue SE in that year seems to come with a lot of toys, what did the AB offer over the VSE?

Also silly question but can I upgrade the radio to a modern CarPlay double din type thing? I know when they moved to a MOST based system that's trickier but not sure when that happened.

[Moycie]

Yeah, I think the Autobiography was more of a personalisation spec until it had it as an option package in 2008/9.

Check out the table on this site....good details on the 2007, 2008 and 2009 changes...(I know a bit US specific in places, but does refer to UK spec too)..
https://www.rangerovers.net/modelspecs/index.html


I think only the models with the BMW nav/stereo system can replace the Double DIN. I'm sure I saw a question posted on the fullfattrr forum where nobody has replaced the MOST system. Not enitrely sure to be honest.

[Technoholic]

Thanks for your help.

Another quick couple. When were automatic wipers/headlights standard? Should a 2007 have this feature? What about timer preheat etc? Are they all extras?

[Moycie]

Rain sensor windscreen wipers and auto lights-on was standard on the Supercharged.

I'm not sure which BMW 7 series you are coming from, but the 'tech' and screens will seem old, especially versus the 2010 facelift - which is when they introduced the digital dash display and updated all the buttons/nav screen. Mind you, just more to go wrong I guess. They do hide the miles well though I think. Also, lets be honest, everyone uses their phone for satnav now anyways.

The common look out areas apply - rear arches rust, the upper tailgate bottoms rust, rear brake callipers knows to seize on S/C, then it's the usual wear and tear as per any other 10+ year old car really.

In the boot, left and right - the panels clip off to access the satnav disc and other electrical boxes (left side) and also check under floor where spare wheel is - to see they are not showing signs of water ingress.

No complaints from my side. Glad to be back in one.

Have a watch of Harry's Garage RR Buyers Guide too, great little video, on the TDV8 but you get the idea.


---

I just dug out my January 2006 price list, "Rain sensor windscreen wipers and auto lights-on" was standard across the range SE, HSE, Vogue, Vogue SE and Supercharged... all standard.


Funnily enough, at the back of the price list is the 'Autobiography' bespoke commission prices...I hadn't looked before, but it shows as personalisation (so it wasn't a "model line" until later):

Exterior:
Solid/Met/Mica - 23 unique colours £6,750
Chromaflair - 4 colours £10,950

Interior:
Colourway change £2,750
Wood Package - Vogue £2,400 / Vogue SE £1,900
Steering wheel treatment - dual £450
Sheepskin overrugs £420

note: "Autobiography badge will only be supplied when vehicle is ordered with wood veneer, interior colourway or bespoke commission"

So one of those could get pricey, which is probably why so few around.

Hope that helps!

[Technoholic]

Thanks so much, really helpful.

Actually I've just been speaking to my local in car audio place who I know well and they said they've done hundreds of head unit upgrades for all L322s, even the ones with the fibre optic systems. The only problem is that it's not DIY like the older ones, and it's not cheap. But that sort of tech is quite important for me so I'm happy to pay it as long as I factor it into the price.

You're right about the rest though, I may still look for a 5.0 2010 model if I can find one at a reasonable price. I see a lot of high mileage cars but I think buying on condition and history is just as important as mileage

[Moycie]

I think condition and history is the main thing to look at, mine was low miles and pottered around London most of its life. Some say ignore the mileage, but if it's been looked after you can usually tell.

I picked up the "Audio connectivity system" - the genuine LR part (Part No: VPLME0004) - which I'm yet to fit. At least with the 2010 update, I believe it might have the USB built in? Might be worth checking when you view one, or the fullfatrr forum probably has a post somewhere.
The 2007 does not have a USB socket without fitting that kit, it has an AUX socket though, and I use the FIREFLY Bluetooth Receiver w/ 3.5mm AUX to connect and play Spotify through the stereo. There is of course the integrated Bluetooth in-car system for the phone connection too, but it does not play the audio like I believe the updated system in the 2010 would.

Good luck in the search! When you drive one, you will probably buy one. The Supercharger whine at full chat is enough to get a silly grin all on it's own!

Edited by Moycie on Friday 1st March 18:53

[Piersman2]

Moycie said:

I think condition and history is the main thing to look at, mine was low miles and pottered around London most of its life. Some say ignore the mileage, but if it's been looked after you can usually tell.

I picked up the "Audio connectivity system" - the genuine LR part (Part No: VPLME0004) - which I'm yet to fit. At least with the 2010 update, I believe it might have the USB built in? Might be worth checking when you view one, or the fullfatrr forum probably has a post somewhere.
The 2007 does not have a USB socket without fitting that kit, it has an AUX socket though, and I use the FIREFLY Bluetooth Receiver w/ 3.5mm AUX to connect and play Spotify through the stereo. There is of course the integrated Bluetooth in-car system for the phone connection too, but it does not play the audio like I believe the updated system in the 2010 would.

Good luck in the search! When you drive one, you will probably buy one. The Supercharger whine at full chat is enough to get a silly grin all on it's own!

Edited by Moycie on Friday 1st March 18:53

My 2010 5.0 S/C has the audio connectivity built in to the centre console, it's standard I believe. My previous 2006 TDV8 didn't, I had to plug an aux cable into the rear AUX in connector and ran the cable along and into the centre box to play usb/phones etc...

I would echo the comment about not worrying about mileage too much so long as the car has been looked after. The only caveat around that would be on the TD engines as they go passed 100k. The engine itself is bullet proof, it's the bits hanging off it that suffer. I had new turbos, EGRs and alternator on my old TDV8 in the three years I had it... mileage from about 90 - 120k in that time. I'd be looking for one with this work already done if over 100k.

My 5.0 S/C is at 105k now, I've had it 3 years. 1 water pump on the engine replaced and a wrecked transfer box/gearbox output shaft being the only issues so far. Love this car, the performance is startling when used and it doesn't have the irritating 'hesitation' of the TDV8s as the turbos spool up.

[Technoholic]

So are the tdv8s ones to avoid then? Is it likely they will have problems? Obviously I would prefer a 5.0 but if I’m trying to cut my costs a tdv8 would be more effective at that

[Piersman2]

Technoholic said:

So are the tdv8s ones to avoid then? Is it likely they will have problems? Obviously I would prefer a 5.0 but if I’m trying to cut my costs a tdv8 would be more effective at that

I don't know if avoid is the right word, just be picky. When I sold mine the guy that bought it said he only bought mine because I had already had the turbos and EGRs replaced, it's what he was looking for. Other than the odometer you would never have known it had done over 110-120k miles, it still looked and handled superbly although I was starting to get irritated by the takeoff half-second turbo lag they seem to suffer from.

Bear in mind that petrol now is cheaper than deisel, it was the other way round when I had the TDV8 which meant the 25mpg of the TD and the cheaper fuel meant it was significantly cheaper to run than a 5.0 S/C would have been. Now though, with petrol cheaper than diesel means that although the 5.0 is only returning 18mpg, it's probably not massively more expensive to fuel than a TDV8. Hmmm.. see numbers below, still a bit more, but nowhere what it used to be!

100 miles in TDV8 costs £22.50 (100/25)=4 gallons, = 18 litres, @ 1.25/lt
100 miles in 5.0 S/C costs £ 28.75 (100/18)= 5.5 gallons, = 25 litres @ 1.15/lt

Edited by Piersman2 on Saturday 2nd March 18:07

[Technoholic]

I don’t do the mileage to justify a diesel but if the cost is a lot lower then it kind of offsets it. I would like a 5.0 just when I see a tdv8 for 12k that’s from an owner on the owners forum where I can see they’ve taken care of it, it’s tempting

[Piersman2]

Technoholic said:

I don’t do the mileage to justify a diesel but if the cost is a lot lower then it kind of offsets it. I would like a 5.0 just when I see a tdv8 for 12k that’s from an owner on the owners forum where I can see they’ve taken care of it, it’s tempting

What's the mileage on it?

[Technoholic]

110k I think

[Tyre Smoke]

Just my 2p.

I've had my Sport S/c for at least 10 years. I love it and can't countenance changing it. It still does everything I want it to. Preventative maintenance is the key, don't skimp. There are loads and loads of ratty Sports and Full Fat Rangeys about. Soon to be consigned to breakers yards when they fail through lack of love.

I'm just looking at putting a double din unit in mine where the sat nav is. Seems there is a bit of a minefield to consider if you have the Harmon Kardon Logic7 fitted. I also want to integrate a reverse camera into it. Something I never thought I'd want or need, but I've been driving one of my taxis with one and have surprised myself how much I use it. That and being able to have Android Auto and Spotify, etc and a sat nav that hasn't got you driving across fields where there are no roads...

[DSLiverpool]

My input (for real world info) after buying my first L322 late last year. 80k Miles / 2013 / Autobiography

Bought from LR Chester with inchcape 2 year warranty. Before delivery they put one air shock, brakes, Pirelli tyres, polish, FBH service, glovebox, rear seatbelt, heated seat mat, new key, wheel refurb, service, trans oil change.

My commute is under 5 miles each way but I got a diesel, it’s never given any problem at all but gets a run out monthly at least.

It just went through the mot with no advisories at all and the tester (at a LR Indy) said it was like new underneath.

I’m really happy with it, yes it’s old and leggy but feels tight and well made.

Downside - the touchscreen is archaic, I had to buy a bovee to stream music, the rear entertainment controls are complex, my rear remote won’t work but isn’t faulty (can’t suss it), it has a knock when it goes side to side I hoped the mot would highlight but it’s “in the cabin” and I must suss it as driving me nuts (I think it’s in the spare wheel well), you have to unlock the doors which I forget when getting out and retrieving my bag from the rear seat, at 5’6” I’m too short to get stuff out the boot, I keep a walking stick handy to hook stuff (!).

I’m really happy with it and look forward to each trip.

[Piersman2]

Technoholic said:

110k I think

If the car is looking really nice and looked after it wouldn't be a show stopper for me. But... I would budget a warchest of about £5k to fix things that could 'potentially' go wrong. You might never need to use it, but if you can't cover paying a potential £5k bill then don't do it. The EGRs aren't too bad to get changed , but the turbos are horrendously expensive unless you can find decent non-dealer ones as I did.

Also, find yourself a good local LR specialist, don't even think about main dealers.

ETA: That advice about a warchest applies to any FFRR mind... my 5.0 S/C, after 2.5 years of perfection (100k miles), shat itself one day on the way home from work whilst taking off from some traffic lights. Left me stranded. Turned out to be the transfer box had disintegrated, and whilst fitting a new one the garage noticed the gearbox output spline was almost worn smooth so the gearbox had to be sent away for a rebuild. All in the bill to get the car back was just shy of £4k. But any big car from any manufacturer is capable of these bills, it's part of running older, higher mileage, prestige cars... big cars, big bills every so often.

Edited by Piersman2 on Sunday 3rd March 09:29

[Croutons]

I am irrationally drawn to one of these, but I run a GT Speed as a daily (with few miles) so I'm used to painful bills.

Is the 4.4TD cam chain or belt?

It looks to me like you need to buy one from a Harry (based on that video), as in he paid 13k, 14k miles later with EGRs, all fluids and new wheels/ tyres on, he thinks it's worth 10k. As in, a realist.