Thread: TD6 investigation

The BMW M57 TD6 used in the L322 up to 2006 is a very good, strong engine. If it's had a turbo done, check to see if the engine breather has been replaced - a blocked breather can lead to turbo failure. It's under the rocker cover so not something you'll check when looking over the vehicle but something to do when you first get it home if you buy it. Check the service history to make sure it's had regular oil changes as this is important in any diesel engine for its long term health. At higher KM the injectors can wear but are easy to change if needed. Basically if it starts and runs well, is smooth and pulls well, it is probably fine, they really are an exceptional engine and very understressed in the L322 at 130KW 390NM. The last variant of this engine was running at 210KW and 580NM so they got a lot more from these as the years went by. This engine was in production for around 8 years and won engine of the year on a couple of occasions in Europe. Sounds like I'm a fan of these engines doesn't it? - I am.. 😊

Good page here about the engine - The UnixNerd's Domain - BMW M47, M67 and M57 Diesel Engines

If the trans has been done, then there's one of the biggest hurdles, so that's a good start.

Thanks Homestar, that is an interesting read. I will have the car checked properly by a LR shop. The breather has been replaced when the turbo was done. Will the trans take an increase in power, ie a chip? Just thinking.... Thanks again.
Phil.

When I was looking at an L322 the info I got was that the gearbox was never built to handle the torque that the engine produced. It seems BMW had some gearboxes in the shed to get rid of, so chucked them into the Rangies. If they can't reliably handle a stock motor output, I think uprating the engine would be a recipe for disaster.

Yeah, don’t chop the engine, it will eat the gearbox. Have seen it on several occasions, even with mild tunes. If you want one, live with what they deliver - they still go fine in standard trim for a big barge IMO.

and use the sport mode for towing

I like the sage advice you receive on this forum. If I get this one, it does seem quite good, I will respect the advice and gearbox.
Thanks to all.

If you do buy it, get the gearbox fluids changed.
When I had my gearbox rebuilt, Rhys (the guy that rebuilt it) said to change fluids in it every 20 thou k's.
cheers