P38--L322 moving over

[RR P38]

Well I cant believe Im doing this:o
I couldnt cheap out and get an HSE, so the Vogue it is, Black
V8 MY 03 (125,000km).
A real learning curve is entered into when it comes to servicing the L322 I have a pretty good selection of quality tools, but a few new ones are required on the new rig to be a home mechanic.
Replacing 7 hoses at the back of the engine, filters, belts and all fluids including the trans was a 4 day job, with a bit of cleaning along the way.
WHAT...there is no chassis on theses things:eek: I can see plenty of bushes that can and will need attention over the years, compared to the 38 its very busy. Its very tight working on the engine, diffs and transfer case are pretty clear of obstruction but its not as easy as the 38 to change fluids, on the plus side it has longer service intervals.
8.5L of engine oil brings it into and beyond the diesel requirements, the filter is in a handy spot, being up top along side the radiator, not really sure if I like the way it drains into the sump after you pull the cartridge off though.
The drive;
It is so smooth that it is quiet boring to drive, you could fall asleep in it easily.
Smooth ride not that a 38 is bad, the L322 irons out the thuds a lot better.
The 38 has far more durable bumpers for those tight parking spots.
The P38 has a more durable interior.
L322 5 speed box is just magnificent with Sport and steptronic manual shift readily available on the gear shift, its just brilliant.
Brakes are just as outstanding as the P38.
Engine......ZEUS this sucker just wants you to cane it, it has the most delightful induction roar, you just want to squeeze it a bit more as it comes on song. Where the P38 needs to be worked hard the L322 just pulls like a freight train.
I dont see any better fuel consumption figures around town than I got with the P38:(
Interior wise needless to say it leaves the P38 behind, the Vogue seats are just outstanding.
My only complaint so far is the stereo.....ITS CRAP! compared to the standard P38 one.
Looks......well its tough but I still think the 38 has got it here and there overall.
I can see why plenty of L322 have high milage on them, they are great to drive.

[PeterH]

I'll be doing that myself one day, not quite ready yet though.
Interesting to hear about the L322 from a P38 perspective, probably a similar learning curve going from a classic to a P38.
It's always fun getting your hands on a new Rangie, you may as well do all the hose/fluid changes straight away, it's a great way to learn your way around and get familiar with things.
Hope you enjoy the new ride, I bet you have it sparkling clean!

[mtb_gary]

You're going to have to get yourself a new name and avatar, no longer RR P38 - could RR L322 be in the running

Gary

[Hoges]

Judging by comments over a long period on other fora, the V8 is probably better bet in regards to total "through life" $$$ costs vs. the diesel variant...
Good luck to you!:D

[RR P38]

It will take me a long time to wash the P38 outta my system, I have driven one since 1999 and to date its been the best car I have owned.
I have been here before with the purchase of a TD5 D2 mint with ACE and leather, I didnt like it, sold it and stayed with the P38.
The L322 is better than the P38 for sure but I dont see $22,000 bettter than my P38.
Had a run up into the mountains today with a few 80-90km/hr roads, 200k round trip, 15.6L-100km, so Im reasonably happy with that, couldnt help having a few stabs at the loud pedal, so I guess it could be pulled down to 15L per 100km.

RR P38 will be around for a bit yet.

[PeterH]

Can we see a pic?

[RR P38]

Judging by comments over a long period on other fora, the V8 is probably better bet in regards to total "through life" $$$ costs vs. the diesel variant...
Good luck to you!:D

I took a drive in a few TD6`s they are OK, the V8 is WAAaay better.
The TD6 is probably easier (space wise) to work on.
The gearbox on the TD6 is a worry.
In the city Diesel is 15c a litre dearer so for all the noise and the stink/poor performance the V8 is much better I think.
When the V6/V8 diesel is available sub $30k in a Vogue I might start looking.

[33chinacars]

Bin there done that . Went from a 4.6 HSE P38 > L322 TD6 . The L322 was just so much better in all respects. Looked long and hard at the V8 before settling on the TD6. Wouldn't call the L322 boring.
If I could have kept my P38 I would have. It was such a nice car . Sure you will get to know & love your new toy . Its still a Range Rover

Gary

[RR P38]

The old and the new;

[poleonpom]

Great to hear the differences between the P38 and the L322.
I love my P38, but am seriously tempted by the L322. Fortunately for me, I just cannot afford the thought of changing, so I'm happily entrenched.
What a great looking car you have! :)

[DT-P38]

Lovely acquisition.

Started planning for another trip up your way in 2014... it would look (& sound?) killer getting around Bathurst next year!

Is the P38 staying or going on the market?

[RR P38]

Yep the 38 is on the market.
I have only put it on AULRO so far.

[TheTree]

Hi,

The P38 community will miss you, but the L322 community will love you :p

Glad to hear you are happy with your new chariot

Regards
Steve

[redandy3575]

Nice one. The only other thing that differs from the P38 to L322 and I think I've mentioned this before is on L322 the V8 ( being BMW and all) is apparently a non-serviceable engine. In other words getting parts for them can be an issue as in German engine recycling is a big thing over there. Also the 95 octane is the minimum fuel requirement over the 91 on the P38 low compression motors.

These things shouldn't be an issue providing the car has been regularly serviced, but just things to note on.

I'm still tossing up wether to go the L322 or a Disco 3 due to more off-road accessories being available for the disco.

[RR P38]

Coming up to 1000km travelled now.
Fuel consumption since I started is at 18.9L per hundred thats with about 200km of short highway work. This is just barely better than the P38 if at all.
But by christ this sucker can move when you want it too:)
I havnt been too spirited in the corners yet but it definitely sits flat on the corners, Im really missing my manual control and lock out on the EAS that I have on the P38.
The L322 doesnt drop too a highway mode until 100km/hr this is RUBBISH.
The seats in the P38 are better in their lateral support, I do like having lumbar adjustability for both your bum and back though....in the L322.
The interior...shall we call them "coatings" on the various panels and bits and pieces are just plain rubbish compared to the P38, if you look at things carefully you will see bubbles and damage, that is very easily created, you can even scratch it off quiet easily.
The L322 feels much larger than the P38, but maintains the excellent driving position and view.
I find the disconnect with the road through the steering numbs the driving experience a little. The P38 really communicates back to you what the wheels are doing compared to the L322. Having said that the L322 does everything quietly and confidently, I guess its just a natural evolution and in the attempt to make the ultimate "luxury" off roader everything has got to be muffled and softened.
One thing that does take a lot of getting used to is the inverted fly by wire accelerator, where the P38 needs a considerable amount of pedal travel to get things happening the L322 takes just mm`s, it might be interesting on a bumpy low speed track.
Over all its a mighty impressive rig.
If this sounds bad its not meant too, but its a ladies car.
P38`s are for blokes.

The Mrs is mighty impressed that she has her own AC and fan control in the back.
If I can get the sodding AM radio to work so that I can listen to Radio National I will be a content convert:(

[BigJon]

The L322 doesnt drop too a highway mode until 100km/hr this is RUBBISH.


I think TDV8s like mine don't drop until 100 MPH :eek:.

[Hoges]

hmmm for a RR driver I'd have thought ABC Classic FM would be more appropriate:eek::D, however, if you really do need your RN fix, it is transmitted in various places on the FM band. It's not consistent but the ABC Radio website has a list of where/what frequencies etc
The fuel consumption is interesting. I'd have thought it to be more frugal. Regular runs over 25-30km in free flowing highway traffic ought bring it down to around 14s I'd have thought. Then again, the BMW engine is no doubt a temptation!:twisted:
will look forward to regular reports.

[wayneg]

Congrats on the new car. I have been very tempted recently but have not found the right one to pull the trigger. Not to much choice here in Perth, but have got so far as having 2 low offers excepted only for me to back out after a full inspection. Like you the Stereo I find lacking however I would send the amp off to the UK for an upgrade with Aux in added which supposedly improves the sound considerably. I was not exactly blown away with the difference in comfort compared to my p38 but the engines in the V8`s are a nice step up. I would only consider a Vogue with lowish K`s so think I will be in the P38a for a while longer

[RR P38]

Congrats on the new car. I have been very tempted recently but have not found the right one to pull the trigger. Not to much choice here in Perth, but have got so far as having 2 low offers excepted only for me to back out after a full inspection. Like you the Stereo I find lacking however I would send the amp off to the UK for an upgrade with Aux in added which supposedly improves the sound considerably. I was not exactly blown away with the difference in comfort compared to my p38 but the engines in the V8`s are a nice step up. I would only consider a Vogue with lowish K`s so think I will be in the P38a for a while longer

As you point out the stereo is rubbish in the L322, If I could have my P38 one in the L322 I would be much happier.
There was no way I was going to go for the HSE when a Vogue can be bought for much the same money.
I looked at and drove probably 8 vehicles in V8 guise and 4 in TD6, one thing they all had in common was a poor service state, log books are B%^& S%&T as far as I am concerned, without itemised records realistically you have no idea what has and hasnt been carried out on a vehicle. Low Kms is a must.
The P38 is a really good vehicle, its better as a daily city driver and car park prowler, the L322 is a bit bigger, not much, but its noticible.
Its a good upgrade for sure, do you want to take it off road and beat it up?

[RR P38]

Just over a 500k drive today.
Down the motor way to Bowral from Sydney and hit some dirt roads.
Steady 80km/hr on cruise control (highway), indicated 11-12L per hundred km.
Sitting on 110 km/hr just under 13L per hundred km.
Over all for the days run and return to Sydney 13.2L per 100km.
Seems pretty good to me.
Dirt roads in the L322 at speed is very reassuring, most definitely more confident in this than the P38. And thats not being critical of the P38, its a great vehicle on dirt roads even when pushed hard.
I still need to get a few thousand Ks under my belt to get the feel of the L322 before I start doing any rally style driving.
I have locked the suspension out on highway mode:D, now the L322 feels more like my locked out P38 which sits nice and flat in highway mode on corners.
Not that the L322 has any major body roll, it just feels better at a lower ride height.
The steering takes on a nice taught feeling once you are on the highway.
I can see why most L322 have lots of Ks on them, they are a terrific highway cruiser, quiet, comfy and plenty of power with a magnificent V8 induction roar present when you want to slip past pretty well anything that you find blocking your way.

Mmmm, Diesel was 17-18c a litre more in the southern highlands than petrol.

Its good to have a 100L tank:)

[benji]

I'll never forget driving an l322 when they first come out. The definition of driving perfection I thought at the time.

The consumption does seem high, is that normal? I would have thought they could be dropped down into the 10's.

[RR P38]

I'll never forget driving an l322 when they first come out. The definition of driving perfection I thought at the time.

The consumption does seem high, is that normal? I would have thought they could be dropped down into the 10's.

Mmm not sure it would make it into the 10s......11s seems possible.
If you use cruise control I think your consumption will be a little bit higher than driving normally, particularly in hilly terrain.
The other thing is the temptation to just squeeze the loud pedal, the reward from the push into the seat and the sound is well worth it, and for an extra $1.50 per hundred Kms I am well prepared to pay for it:)

[DT-P38]

Starting to have evil thoughts about being unfaithful to my dear pig... Can someone move this thread to the L322 section please. Those guys will probably appreciate the praise for their type more!

[Homestar]

I'll never forget driving an l322 when they first come out. The definition of driving perfection I thought at the time.

The consumption does seem high, is that normal? I would have thought they could be dropped down into the 10's.

Not a chance of getting the V8 into the 10's, that's diesel territory only in these. With careful driving, down to low 12's is about as good as they will get. With heavy use of the right foot, then 19's will be your reward.

The TD6 we have can get down to low 9's on the freeway at 110, and averages just over 11 overall. Best we have seen is 8.8 over a tankful - that was driving in a convoy doing 80 to 90 the whole way. The Distance to empty sat on 999KM for around 200KM...:)

I thing an average of 14 to 15 on the V8 is about normal, but they are much nicer to drive than the TD6. Almost worth the pain at the pump...

[Homestar]

Starting to have evil thoughts about being unfaithful to my dear pig... Can someone move this thread to the L322 section please. Those guys will probably appreciate the praise for their type more!

Don't let the Pig even hear your thoughts mate - you know what will happen if it does!:D

I can move this over to the L322 forum if everyone wants me to? Let me know, or report a post and we can mull it over in the Mods pen.:)

[RR P38]

Starting to have evil thoughts about being unfaithful to my dear pig... Can someone move this thread to the L322 section please. Those guys will probably appreciate the praise for their type more!

Mmm not sure it is all praise.

The L322 is not perfect, dont think of killing off the P38 till you get a long drive in a 322.
If you are in an inner city area with narrow streets using parking buildings and doing a lot of city driving and dont want to feel anxious about damage stick with the P38 the extra size is readily apparent with the 322.

[RR P38]

Ok first real highway test over two days.
I drove out to Temora to the Warbirds down under air display.

Friday afternoon traffic out of Sydney:( Took the Bells line of road out through Lithgow.... Must admit I was expecting to see a bit more fire devastation along the road, sure you can see a few spots here and there but mostly its pretty good. Until the Mt Wilson road area, the Western side of Bells line you see vast areas burned out here.
After just on 1000km over two days driving 95% highway, and some dirt roads for fun, door to door 13.3L per hundred indicated on the trip computer, I would have to say this is pretty damn good, two up and about 50kgs of gear in the back.

[RR P38]

Just on 3 months into L322 ownership now.
One thing I have learned is that the P38 is still a brilliant vehicle to own.
Around town driving (inner city) the P38 as far as Im concerned eats the L322 for versatility and Im starting to think fuel economy as well.
Reliability wise I still trust my P38 more than the L322 as well. Why?
In three months I have had my second issue with the cooling system, yesterday the radiator started leaking:o, luckily the yard I have bought it from is really good with repairs and paying for them, this is a great relief. I would hate to think what has been spent on the L322 so far but by the time I get it back on Monday I would say $3-4k will be close to the mark.......so far.

The L322 is a formidable highway cruiser with plenty of power and all the creature comforts one could hope for, good looks and all, is it really that much better than a P38? from a practical perspective the P38 wins hands down as far as Im concerned, Im quite relieved that I kept my 38 or I would have been doing a fair bit of walking.

[BigJon]

Best we have seen is 8.8 over a tankful - that was driving in a convoy doing 80 to 90 the whole way. The Distance to empty sat on 999KM for around 200KM...:)


I drove about 50km at 100kph a few days ago (after rescuing my brother after his 100 series LandCruiser failed) and I reset the fuel consumption in the trip computer to see what it would do. Settled down to 7.9 litres per hundred. My trip average (over 300km) was 10 litres per hundred, mostly at 112 kph.

[wayneg]

Just on 3 months into L322 ownership now.
One thing I have learned is that the P38 is still a brilliant vehicle to own.
Around town driving (inner city) the P38 as far as Im concerned eats the L322 for versatility and Im starting to think fuel economy as well.
Reliability wise I still trust my P38 more than the L322 as well. Why?
In three months I have had my second issue with the cooling system, yesterday the radiator started leaking:o, luckily the yard I have bought it from is really good with repairs and paying for them, this is a great relief. I would hate to think what has been spent on the L322 so far but by the time I get it back on Monday I would say $3-4k will be close to the mark.......so far.

The L322 is a formidable highway cruiser with plenty of power and all the creature comforts one could hope for, good looks and all, is it really that much better than a P38? from a practical perspective the P38 wins hands down as far as Im concerned, Im quite relieved that I kept my 38 or I would have been doing a fair bit of walking.

Thanks for that update, I have been so close on getting a L322 Vogue several times in the late part of last year but could not get the courage to pull the trigger. I Have since bought a Dec 2001 P38 which hopefully keeps me satisfied until I am happy to afford a L322 TDV8 Vogue. I must admit I was a little underwhelmed with the L322s I drove thinking they would be a massive step up from the P38, not the case.

[RR P38]

Thanks for that update, I have been so close on getting a L322 Vogue several times in the late part of last year but could not get the courage to pull the trigger. I Have since bought a Dec 2001 P38 which hopefully keeps me satisfied until I am happy to afford a L322 TDV8 Vogue. I must admit I was a little underwhelmed with the L322s I drove thinking they would be a massive step up from the P38, not the case.

When I look at the cost of a decent L322 and the cost of a good P38 its a no brainer really.
Off road and inner city driving the P38 wins by a long shot.
I also like the feel of the P38 on the road.
The L322 is a nice CAR.....my wife loves it.
You wont regret having an 01 P38, its a great rig.

[p38brickus]

Interested in your comments on the L322 V8 petrol. I could have bought an '03 HSE L322 TD last week but reneged because it's a carbon copy (driveline wise) to my BMW X5. Might as well stick with that one for the cheese and kisses.

[TheTree]

Ah the BMW X5, repeat winner of Top Gears "comedy 4wd of the year" :p

Love the shot in one of the older ones where it won't even hold on the handbrake and a deefer goes straight past it up the hill :cool:

Steve

[Homestar]

Interested in your comments on the L322 V8 petrol. I could have bought an '03 HSE L322 TD last week but reneged because it's a carbon copy (driveline wise) to my BMW X5. Might as well stick with that one for the cheese and kisses.

Not quite - engine and gearbox only are the same. Engine is bullet proof, trannie is made of cheese. Transfer case, diffs and suspension are all different on the L322. I think it would be unfair to compare the off road capabilities of the X5 with the L322 - they are completely different. The L322 is a VERY capable off road machine, and the X5 can get about as far as my Commodore.

[p38brickus]

Ah the BMW X5, repeat winner of Top Gears "comedy 4wd of the year" :p

Love the shot in one of the older ones where it won't even hold on the handbrake and a deefer goes straight past it up the hill :cool:

Steve


Tyres perhaps??

[Homestar]

X5 is just an AWD - no low range, so you can't ask miracles of it off road - maybe a bit of wet grass or a dirt road...:D

[p38brickus]

Not quite - engine and gearbox only are the same. Engine is bullet proof, trannie is made of cheese. Transfer case, diffs and suspension are all different on the L322. I think it would be unfair to compare the off road capabilities of the X5 with the L322 - they are completely different. The L322 is a VERY capable off road machine, and the X5 can get about as far as my Commodore.

Perhaps my "driveline" comment was misleading. I meant the engine and tranny. I use it to tow our horse float and caravan not for 4WDing so it's fine. No doubt my P38 and possible L322's would eat it off road.

[TheTree]

Hi

Yeah top gear were doing their smart arse stuff, IMO you can't really compare a 4wd with Low Range to one without, they are different purpose vehicles.

It was pretty funny to see a deefer drive steadily past a slipping and sliding BM though :D

Steve

[rc42]

We have two cars, a P38 (4.6 HSE) and a BMW X5 (3.0d), the two are completely different beasts.

The X5 has no low range or diff locks and only has short travel stiff suspension with wide low profile tyres, it sends drive to all wheels so that it can get power to the road and go round corners faster on sealed roads. Its a fantastic car to drive on the road and blows the P38 away on performance and economy, however, it's not designed to go off road and no design compromises to on road performance have been made to allow it to.

The P38 is designed to go on and off road and has a number of compromises to it's on road performance to allow this. The L322 is also a compromise vehicle but I think more in favour of on road performance than the P38 and lots of electronics to try and keep the off road performance.


Personally I prefer to drive the P38 over the X5 but for my daily commute the 8L/100k that the X5 can deliver is a big saving over the 18L/100k from the P38, plus the X5 is still a really good car to drive on the road.

[BigJon]

, it's not designed to go off road and no design compromises to on road performance have been made to allow it to.



Apart from the obvious design compromise of being a tall and heavy 4wd...

[rc42]

Hardly, The X5 drives like a 5 series and you can really throw it into corners with almost no body roll, when pushed really hard the back end will start to drift out just like a rear wheel drive sports car.

The weight of the 4WD system keeps the center of gravity low and the huge tyres find plenty of grip, its a fantastic car to drive as just about all BMWs are but like the rest of them its just not designed to go off the bitumen.

To beat it on road would take one of the new supercharged Range Rovers and they're twice the price of the X5. Obviously any Range Rover would beat it off road.

[BigJon]

The weight of the 4WD system keeps the center of gravity low and the huge tyres find plenty of grip, .


The huge (and expensive) tyres are there to overcome the weight issues.

[benji]

I would think the stiff suspension does more for handling. And boy do they handle too! !!

But yes, they are a soft roader- a very nice one though.

[p38brickus]

The huge (and expensive) tyres are there to overcome the weight issues.

If you are talking about the "huge (and expensive) tyres" on an X5, mine is the Sport model with 19" X 9's on front and 19" X 10's on the rear.
A full set cost me $780 delivered to my door, I don't think that's expensive.

[rangietragic]

I too went from a p38 to a nice td5 d2,not in the same class.Now have an l322 td6,econmical and a dream to drive.:)