V8 petrol engines

[cjb44]

Can the knowledgeable advise when the last Rover V8 was fitted to the Range Rover (I believe it was 2002, except the 4.6 which carried on until 2004).
Are the petrol BMW V8 engines worth considering, I am thinking of spares/service costs compared to the Rover which I imagine is not a particular problem considering the number of engines produced not only for Land Rover but other manufacturers for various models; TVR, Marcos etc.
TIA

[anonymous-user]

I think that’s the P38 so 2001

[300bhp/ton]

P38's used the Rover V8 in 4.0 and 4.6 until the end of production.

Disco2's also used the same engines (4.6 ROW only).

I can't see spares being an issue anytime soon.

[camel_landy]

300bhp/ton said:

I can't see spares being an issue anytime soon.

Indeed... Given the number in circulation and the specialists out there, I don't see an issue either.

M

Edited by camel_landy on Tuesday 2nd February 11:30

[cjb44]

camel_landy said:

Indeed... Given the number in circulation and the specialists out there, I don't an issue either.

M

Thanks, but what about the BMW engines will the spares and expertise exist as long as the Rover engine. My personal preference would be the Rover engine as I think that they are a bit more user friendly for the home mechanic, but the BMW version of the Range Rover perhaps has some desirable upgrades to the specifications.

[bakerstreet]

Do not just focus on the engine in a LR especially with vehicles as complex as Range Rover P38 and L322.

L322 interior is much nicer for a start, but both the L322 an P38 (2002>) have air suspension an this is well known to cause issues with age.

[camel_landy]

cjb44 said:

Thanks, but what about the BMW engines will the spares and expertise exist as long as the Rover engine.

Hold on, I'll get my crystal ball...

TBH - You might as well be asking: "How long is a piece of string".

There will almost certainly be a level of expertise around but how long do you realistically expect to own the car for? The BMW V8 was only used up to 2004/2005, a major engine fault on a car that age will pretty much render it beyond economical repair anyway. As for DIY - Anything is DIY-able, you just need the knowhow & any special tools.

M

[Deranged Rover]

I owned a BMW-engined L322 and i would never have another. Mine cost me the best part of £2k to fix the leaks in the cooling system, which I understand is a common problem.

Also, it just doesn't sound right - it lacks the customary V8 rumble that one expects from a Range Rover!

[300bhp/ton]

cjb44 said:

Thanks, but what about the BMW engines will the spares and expertise exist as long as the Rover engine. My personal preference would be the Rover engine as I think that they are a bit more user friendly for the home mechanic, but the BMW version of the Range Rover perhaps has some desirable upgrades to the specifications.

Depends really.

BMW engines have their own foibles. But the engine was used in plenty of other vehicles. So I can't see why parts for it would be an issue.

Curious, but why is this of such a concern?? Plenty of people own and run cars 50 + years old with much more obscure engines.


As for the vehicles themselves. Both are great. But very different.

The p38 was the last ladder chassis live axle Range Rover. And IMO does some things way better than any that have come after it. It essentially does everything the classic RR did, but solved the problem areas while retaining the classic looks.

On the down side the p38 is also a first generation of this type of electronics ECU/BCEM etc. And is prone to being somewhat problematic. Although it is still largely user fixable at home.

The L322 is a completely different type of vehicle. Much more car like to drive. And arguably a lot faster road vehicle. But potentially less capable on more serious off road terrain. The early ones use BMW electronics/infotainment. A lot more complex than the p38 and a different set of potential issues. But the entire vehicle is arguably harder to work on and less home mechanic friendly. But certainly not impossible.

[300bhp/ton]

bakerstreet said:

L322 interior is much inferior for a start.

EFA

[cjb44]

Thanks guys for the input, I believe it will be a P38 for me as I think the Rover engine and other components are perhaps more user friendly. I really only want it for the occasional weekend trip and the nearest it will get to off road will probably be a paddock for a Motocross meeting.
camel_landy - well how long is a piece of string, how long do I intend to keep the car, well at 77 years of age if Covid does not get me then something else will do so pretty soon I guess; therefore I imagine the answer is pretty immaterial but I was curious and did not want to get into more hassle than necessary with the LR experience.

[camel_landy]

cjb44 said:

I was curious and did not want to get into more hassle than necessary with the LR experience.

Hmmm... At circa 15-25 yrs old, either of those cars will have their 'issues'. Ironically, the engine will probably be the most reliable part.

M