P38's with a difference

[sniegy]

Hi all,:)
I am just enquiring whether anyone has a P38 with a diesel? Whether it be a 200/300 Tdi or a BMW 2.5ltr.
I would like to know how they go as i am after a vehicle with a difference.
Anyones thoughts or dealings with one would be good. I have seen a BMW'd diesel version at work a few times & have driven one once, was nice but would like some truths about them.;)
I have been without my Diesel offroader for a couple of months now & am missing a 4x4 very much...so the time has come to start have a look at whats on the market.:D:D
Thanks all.

[81stubee]

mmmmm...... Diesel P38:D

There was someone on the forum a few years ago that attempted to put a 300Tdi into a P38. I think he actually got the motor in ok, but the issues came about with the electronics. If I remember correctly, the 300Tdi didn't have enough electronics to talk to the gearbox ECU causing all sorts of faults. Then again things would advanced since then and you can now get aftermarket computers for gearboxes, but you still need to communicate with the car.

Electronics are the big thing in these cars, I'm looking at putting a Gen III in mine, but I too have hit a wall with the computers grrrrr :mad:

There were factory versions which used a 2.5lt 6 cylinder BMW Engine and are refferred to as a "DSE" but never came to OZ:angrylock:, so if you see a RANGE ROVER DSE advertised is is probably an import. Look on Range Rovers (http://www.rangerovers.net) as they appear to be popular in Europe and the US.

Stu

[Dougal]

mmmmm...... Diesel P38:D

There was someone on the forum a few years ago that attempted to put a 300Tdi into a P38. I think he actually got the motor in ok, but the issues came about with the electronics. If I remember correctly, the 300Tdi didn't have enough electronics to talk to the gearbox ECU causing all sorts of faults. Then again things would advanced since then and you can now get aftermarket computers for gearboxes, but you still need to communicate with the car.

Electronics are the big thing in these cars, I'm looking at putting a Gen III in mine, but I too have hit a wall with the computers grrrrr :mad:

There were factory versions which used a 2.5lt 6 cylinder BMW Engine and are refferred to as a "DSE" but never came to OZ:angrylock:, so if you see a RANGE ROVER DSE advertised is is probably an import. Look on Range Rovers (http://www.rangerovers.net) as they appear to be popular in Europe and the US.

Stu

There were even manual DSE P38's, not many but I've seen at least two up for sale here in NZ.
If you were to put a 300tdi with auto in, you'd just put a mechanical/hydraulic ZF in as well, easily shortcutting all the electronic shifting hassles.

A mate keeps telling me to put a 4BD1T into a P38. But I don't need a new project and prefer the looks and size of the RRC.

[ariddell]

Former colleague back in the UK had a P38 DHSE, went very nicely after he had it chipped.

Was a touch on the lethargic side to say the least beforehand however.

[p38arover]

mmmmm...... Diesel P38:D

There was someone on the forum a few years ago that attempted to put a 300Tdi into a P38. I think he actually got the motor in ok, but the issues came about with the electronics. If I remember correctly, the 300Tdi didn't have enough electronics to talk to the gearbox ECU causing all sorts of faults.


Jase was doing a 2.8 Tdi conversion but he didn't finish it so he reverted it back to a V8 and sold the car.

[andrew e]

A mate keeps telling me to put a 4BD1T into a P38. But I don't need a new project and prefer the looks and size of the RRC.

convert an isuzu 110 to an auto and do a body swap. 2" difference in wheelbase.

[p38arover]

If you were to put a 300tdi with auto in, you'd just put a mechanical/hydraulic ZF in as well, easily shortcutting all the electronic shifting hassles.

The diffs are on the opposite side of the car to the Disco/RRC


A mate keeps telling me to put a 4BD1T into a P38.

That would turn a smooth car into a vibrating noisy thing.

[karlz]

I have a 1996 diesel P38, DSE, it has the BMW 2.5 diesel in it.
I bought in when I was working in Europe in 1999 and have had it since then.
Its travelled with me all over europe, into South east asia and various places in Aus.
Its now in Melbourne. I offroad it lots.

It was sluggish when original, ok but a bit slow. The auto wound change down to readily even on slight uphill gradients whilst on the tarmac at 90-100kph. So after comparing various chip manufacturers I finally went for the Jeremy Fearn chip and larger intercooler upgrade. It knocked off 6 seconds form the 0-100kph time! The car is much more responsive and is almost as quick as the 4.6. It does give out a big puff of black smoke though when full throttle. If I take it easy, i can get near 10km per litre on the highway. (see dyno attachment)

Engine wise, its done 160,000 kms, fuel pump was replaced last year as it was leaking diesel. That cost me $1500 for an recon. I blew an o-ring on the oil cooler in Tasmania, and I have just ordered a new water pump and thermostat. Thats the only problems I have had specific to the diesel P38 variant.

Options/Fitments:-
1. Jeremy Fearn Intercooler and chip
2. Dual batteries Optima yellow tops
3. Full safety devices roofrack
4. Warn winch (integrated)
5. Arnott generation II air springs
6. Air susp manual override
7. BF Goodrich Mud Terrains (255/70 R16)

I love the car, as far as I am aware, this is the only one in Melbourne, so its probably the one you have seen at your work. If you see me yell out, I'll take you for a spin! Where do you work?

[Dougal]

The diffs are on the opposite side of the car to the Disco/RRC

Yes, but that's taken care of by the transfer case, the ZF gearboxes are the same family, converting it to a manual valve body would not be difficult.

[Scouse]

Wow, nice RR Karlz :).



as far as I am aware, this is the only one in Melbourne, I would suggest it's probably the only one in Australia.

Is there a waiting list for when you decide to sell it?
If so, make sure I'm on it :p.

[p38arover]

Wow, nice RR Karlz :).

I would suggest it's probably the only one in Australia.

Is there a waiting list for when you decide to sell it?
If so, make sure I'm on it :p.

Pick me! Pick me!

[sniegy]

Wow, nice RR Karlz :).

I would suggest it's probably the only one in Australia.

Is there a waiting list for when you decide to sell it?
If so, make sure I'm on it :p.

Scouse...Easy...You have 2 already....I wanna go first in line..;)

I dont have a LR at present...& that is something i have wanted for a long time.
I think it is the 3rd maybe 4th that i now know of. I have driven 1, since then i fell in love.:p

[sniegy]

I have a 1996 diesel P38, DSE, it has the BMW 2.5 diesel in it.
I bought in when I was working in Europe in 1999 and have had it since then.
Its travelled with me all over europe, into South east asia and various places in Aus.
Its now in Melbourne. I offroad it lots.

It was sluggish when original, ok but a bit slow. The auto wound change down to readily even on slight uphill gradients whilst on the tarmac at 90-100kph. So after comparing various chip manufacturers I finally went for the Jeremy Fearn chip and larger intercooler upgrade. It knocked off 6 seconds form the 0-100kph time! The car is much more responsive and is almost as quick as the 4.6. It does give out a big puff of black smoke though when full throttle. If I take it easy, i can get near 10km per litre on the highway. (see dyno attachment)

Engine wise, its done 160,000 kms, fuel pump was replaced last year as it was leaking diesel. That cost me $1500 for an recon. I blew an o-ring on the oil cooler in Tasmania, and I have just ordered a new water pump and thermostat. Thats the only problems I have had specific to the diesel P38 variant.

Options/Fitments:-
1. Jeremy Fearn Intercooler and chip
2. Dual batteries Optima yellow tops
3. Full safety devices roofrack
4. Warn winch (integrated)
5. Arnott generation II air springs
6. Air susp manual override
7. BF Goodrich Mud Terrains (255/70 R16)

I love the car, as far as I am aware, this is the only one in Melbourne, so its probably the one you have seen at your work. If you see me yell out, I'll take you for a spin! Where do you work?

Karlz, Mmmmmmmmm.. I actually work at Melbourne City LandRover..:p
I have had a long passion with these vehicles & have for 20yrs or more,
I have driven 1 about 4yrs ago..just loved it.
I at the moment dont have a LR (sacrilige i know) but am looking..I have many times thought of importing a P38 DSE...but just not sure of costs of getting the vehicle here...
So the homework starts again.;)

[Steinzy]

Hmmm.....I've often thought about getting a TDV8 crate motor and squeezing it into my P38

[Cap]

Wow, nice RR Karlz :).

I would suggest it's probably the only one in Australia.

Is there a waiting list for when you decide to sell it?
If so, make sure I'm on it :p.

Yep, if you sell it I recommend $42,500 for it :p

[karlz]

Yep, if you sell it I recommend $42,500 for it :p

Im not looking at selling at the moment, Ive just ordered a lot of new parts and I want to get this P38 spick n span.
Ive just ordered new injectors, (doesnt seem to need them, but after 160k kms, I think why not.

But for $42500 I would sell!!!!!!!!:eek:

[karlz]

Karlz, Mmmmmmmmm.. I actually work at Melbourne City LandRover..:p
)

Heh, Ive been there with my P38, no work done on it there though.
A few years ago I bought a disco I from you, it was used as your parts vehicle.
It was all sort of banged up, panels were dinted tyreswere ****e and shocks shot. I replaced the tyres & shocks, converted it to gas (bought a 2nd hand 100l tank and mounted in the back) and drove to perth and back, up to fraser island & back. Sold it for cost to a 1st time owner of a LR.

Will ask for you when Im in there next. Could be this week!

[Steinzy]

What other mods have people done to their P38...i have had custom bar work done, new shocks, roller draws in the back (thanks to Ron!) Cooper STT 265/75/16 ...thinking about supercharger and a custom snorkel...has anyone had snorkels made for theirs???

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/

[p38arover]

Jeez, that looks great, Anthony.

Have you fitted the drawers yet?

More pics please!

[LavisLane]

What other mods have people done to their P38...i have had custom bar work done, new shocks, roller draws in the back (thanks to Ron!) Cooper STT 265/75/16 ...thinking about supercharger and a custom snorkel...has anyone had snorkels made for theirs???

http://b4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/01549/49/67/1549287694_l.jpg

Nice one! Been thinking about a similar front but all the ones i've seen are a little average - that looks hot!

I'll need to spend more on mine now - Damn you Steinzy! :p

[LavisLane]

meant to ask - where did you get your front done Steinzy?

[Steinzy]

that was on the Red rangie....i went for a swim and was off the road for a while....so I pulled all the custom gear off...bought a blue P38 down Ron's way and transferred all gear accross...need to get the bars repainted cos the red looks a little strange on a blue car!

Red Rangie has been stripped out, rustproofed, new carpet, good cut and polish and detail and full service and put back to standard!

now its just a road limo...till I work out if I want to sell it! Have it on Carsales for $14,990 if anyone is interested.

Drawers are in the blue rangie...perfect fit and very handy...thanks again Ron!

[Steinzy]

meant to ask - where did you get your front done Steinzy?

I guy called Glen who was running a custom offroad company call Brothers Offroad made them up for me...but he has since closed his doors!

Best metal fabrication work I have ever seen...and extreamly robust!

[p38arover]

Wow, nice RR Karlz :).

I would suggest it's probably the only one in Australia.

Is there a waiting list for when you decide to sell it?
If so, make sure I'm on it :p.

Why do you want another one? :angel:

[Scouse]

Hey, it's a Range Rover.

One can never have too many spare cars :D.



Bored tonight?

[p38arover]

Bored tonight?

Just tidying up the RR sections and moving posts to where they should be.

[zachs_89]

Have any of you recently looked into Importing a diesel p38 into aust, I've been looking at it today and it really doesn't seem that expensive!! I wonder what problems registering it would bring up

[Scouse]

Unfortunately, you'll need to live overseas & own it for a year before you can bring it in as a private import.






Or you can just wait for one to pop up on eBay like I did :).

[zachs_89]

I've been looking at the uk eBay, there's heaps on there, so is that an import law or???

[Hoges]

I suspect you could bring one in as a "half cut"...i.e. the front half!! plus fuel tank and pump... that way there'd be no import duty as far as I'm aware...maybe some GST though? not sure...

[Keithy P38]

I was under the impression you could import a vehicle upon buying it so long as you did not sell it within the first 12 months of ownership in aus...

[Scouse]

Have a look here for more information & then download the booklet:
Importing Vehicles into Australia—booklet version (http://www.infrastructure.gov.au/vehicles/imports/booklet.aspx)

[zachs_89]

Ok thanks I'll look further into it, I'm pretty keen on the idea would love a diesel even a manual one would be mega cool :)

[Wallyb]

Personally .. if my motor ever failed and I was cashed up ..

I would go one of these ...

Range Rover 2011 V8 , 4.4L Super Diesel Twin Turbo Engine . 309bhp @ 4000rpm | eBay (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Range-Rover-2011-V8-4-4L-Super-Diesel-Twin-Turbo-Engine-309bhp-4000rpm-/170703803764?pt=AU_Car_Parts_Accessories&hash=item27bebd5574)