Thread: P38 Model Differences

Pretty much 4.0 in the S and 4.6 in the HSE + all the nice little creature comforts.

See.... 2000 Range Rover

Thanks Wayneg.

Looking at the interior pics of the "S" model in the various cars for sale ads it has way less switches on the dash so obviously there are less toys to play with.

Which leads me to another question which I can't see an answer for in the pics. Does the "S' have climate control or is it an old fashioned manual system aka the Classics?

And in the real world. How bad is black? I live in a rural area so dirt, mud when it rains and dust are a given.

Grumbles, you're probably aware that I did exactly the same thing, and had the same problem and then had to do the same research.

Here we go:
S: Poverty Pack (for a RR). No sunroof, velour interior, 4.0 V8, no fancy timber in doors.
HSE: Below Autobiography. Sunroof, leather electric memory seats, more timber, 4.6 V8.

Prior to mid 1999, fitted with GEMS electronics. After mid 1999, fitted with Bosch Motronics. More power (8kW?), same economy. Relocated ECU to avoid heat. Alpine stereo. Modified dash. EDIT: 4 wheel traction control.

Based on what I've seen (very much opinion), I think the BMW ownership made itself felt in the 1999-on models for quality control. Better paint etc. There could be a thousand differences but I felt if I was getting something made under BMW's QA systems and processes, I would be better off for that. Sacrilege, I know...

EDIT: The 1999 editions were the biggest changes. http://www.rangerovers.net/modelspecs/1999.html

Thanks Craig. It was with great interest that I watched your progress in your search for your P38. I agree also in that a Bosch model would have advantages over a Gems one.

My current thinking is that the 4 litre S model just doesn't quite cut it. The full disaster HSE is the only way to go.

Your maintenance costs will be the same either way! May as well have leather and a sunroof thrown in for good measure!

Agreed. I was under instructions to pay very close attention to maintenance. Poor maintenance leads to a nightmare P38, apparently. I was lucky to find one which appears to have been owned by someone with lots of cash to throw at it. It had only every been to ULR and Ritters in Melbourne and has...LandRover brake pads fitted! Even so, I've had a few issues with it. I also had a few issues with the Falcon ute I bought which turned out to be very reliable.

Happy to share experiences if you want - especially about the cars we looked at which didn't make the grade. I guess your first starting point is budget.

Thanks for the help offer Craig. I know what you mean concerning the "history" aspect of these cars. It is a good indication about the cars character but it is not always accurate. Some years ago I bought a one year old non Landy fourby with only some 20K on the clock. Four years and $26G plus of repairs later I got rid of it.

But back to Landies. Yes - I am super fussy when choosing cars to the point where I drive some sellers to frustration.

My mate picked up his 2001 HSE last week [the one I was driving Friday afternoon] which was the one I organised for him. It has now covered some 1000 trouble free kilometres and there is absolutely nothing wrong with it - plus it looks concourse.

But this mornng I looked at my Rangie LSE- a car which is almost perfect and has been almost totally rebuilt so it is super reliable and I thought....arghhhhh.....what am I doing.......sigh. Oh well....bring on the P38.

As you say Craig the budget is always a factor plus you have to keep a reserve of a few thou for 'unexpected 'emergencies'. lol. But I reckon I am looking at 2000 to 2002 models.

Cheers

Are you keeping the classic? I go for a drive in mine every few months and its like putting on a comfy pair of old shoes and feels good, but then getting back into the other car feels better after