TD6 Performance

[Dubway]

Hi Guys,

I'm new to AULRO so apologies if this question has been answered in a previous post. I did a quick search but was unable find an answer.

I'm looking to buy a 2002 - 2005 L322 and I just wanted to get some advice on the choice of engines. Ideally, I'd love to get the petrol 4.4L BMW V8 but recently I've come across a few 3.0L TD6 models in great condition that are well priced. I had a quick check of the engine specifications for the TD6 and was a little concerned about the amount of power that it output considering the size and weight of a Range Rover. I'll be using it as a daily driver and for occasional trips to a country property. I don't intend on towing regularly - maybe just a box trailer every so often.

I know engine performance is subjective and dependant upon how the vehicle will be used but I just wanted to hear some opinions on the overall performance of the TD6 engine. Do you find the TD6 a little sluggish or under powered at times? Obviously the 4.4L petrol V8 will be noticeably more powerful, but do you think it makes a significant difference to the overall driving experience?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

Cheers,
Angus

[Roverlord off road spares]

Take one for a test drive you'll be surprised pleasantly just how much power the TD6 has. It craps all over MyD2 v8 in towing. Acceleration is very good and cruising at highway speeds and overtaking not a problem, fuel consumption is good.
I put up some specs recently see link.
Cheers, Mario
2003 Range Rover TD6 HSE (for Europe ) specs review (http://www.automobile-catalog.com/car/2003/1404080/range_rover_td6_hse.html)

[justinc]

No problems with towing that size load... i use my 05 update td6 to drag our 3t full size caravan and numerous car trailer jobs for work around 2.5 to 3t regularly. I have remapped it snd gives me about 20 to 25% more torque ( around 450 to 480 Nm now) however i am paying close attention to my transmission ehich is the only achillies heel in these smazing vehicles. You won't be disappointed with the td6. A short time back i did a 400km east coast tassie trip and got 9.8l/100km!!

Jc

[rar110]

If your budget allows, buy a facelift 4.4 jag v8 petrol 2005+ model, which comes with a ZF 6 speed tranny. I've driven a 3.0 td BMW and I didn't find it underpowered. But it depends what your used to driving.

[Dubway]

Great! Thanks for all the advice, guys. Much appreciated.

rar110 - What is the main advantage of the Jag 4.4 V8 over the earlier model BMW 4.4 V8? I've read that the transmission in the TD6 can be particularly problematic, does the BMW 4.4 V8 use the same transmission? There is a bit of a price jump for the 2005 model and upwards but I might be willing to stretch my budget if there is a significant advantage.

Cheers,
Angus

[rar110]

The L322 with Jag motors just seem to be more reliable. Not that the BMWs are bad, the jag L322s just seem to have fewer reports of problems. The electrics were improved on the my06 facelift models. The BMWs got a 5 speed and the jag motors got a 6 speed.
See below a table from the uk fullfatRR website by Range Rover Phil. which is an excellent summary of progression of L322 motors and transmissions.
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2017/03/744.jpg

[rar110]

Also don't rely on Carsales ads that assert it's a my06. The engine cover and air filter location are clear indicator. The BMW have an engine cover with lines and the air cleaner is on the driver side. The jag motor has a more modern plastic engine cover with a big grey section in the middle and an air cleaner on the passenger side.

Some owners have done a facelift to update an earlier model. So you can't necessarily rely on external appearance.

[Blade74]

I agree with Rar110.
That would be what I would get if I was after good bang for the buck and nice features
I have a TDV8 that uses around 14l per 100.
Driven carefully the v8 petrol wouldn't use a heap more and would probably require less maintenance.
Ive heard the jag v8 is pretty reliable.

[Dubway]

Great! Thanks Guys! Really appreciate all the feedback and advice.

Long-time Range Rover enthusiast and we've had plenty in the family but this is the first time buying one of my own.

Cheers,
Angus