Thread: P38 4wd Ability - newbie question

A set of mudders on a P38 and you won't look back. The later ones have 4wheel traction control, and with the EAS set at max height you'll eat the disco for breakfast offroad.

They are big and heavy though, but simply amazing where they'll go!

(Don't get me started on the electronics though)

JC

Thanks Justinc.

Now i am getting more interested although agreed the electrics do worry me.

I will start to check the forums for the major faults but again if someone wants to let me know what to watch out for when buying a second hand RR that would be great.

Which year 1995 -1999 is best and why?

1995 - 1998 are much the same.
1999 saw the introduction of the Bosch EMS which improved the engine performance somewhat, especially down low.


The electrics aren't really a big issue.
Most cars would have had the upgrades done to the A/C by now & the EAS isn't a problem when repaired by someone who knows what they're doing.

Do you do maintenance yourself or have a good LR Independant Garage?
Are you computer literate?
Are you willing to fix things at the first sign of trouble?
Are you willing to drive the best 4X4XFar?

If you answer yes to all these questions then go the P38. I've had mine now for 3months, and just love getting in and going for a long drive, they are really like driving an armchair.

1995 - 1999.5 - GEMS (LUCAS) fuel management, which was very advanced for its time, 2 Wheel Traction Control on HSE's, Easily identifiable by the large square plenum cover with 4.0 or 4.6 stamped on it.

1999.5 - 2002 - BOSCH fuel mangement, More low down torque with better economy, CAN Networking was incorporated to some systems, 4 Wheel ETC, Upgraded Trims more plusher than ever. Don't be fooled the only electrical change here was the Engine ECU and some wiring, still uses the same BeCM. There were more upgrades, but these were the major ones. Easily Identifiable by the "rib-cage" plenum chamber. This motor was also a little harder to work on.


Electronics - The biggest problem electrically is the BeCM, a computer that sits under the drivers seat, and basically controls everything from sending the immobilise code to the Engine ECU, to stopping a window closing if something (say an arm) gets jammed. The actual electronic part is OK, what tends to happen is people don't notice the leaking heater core pipes, and the water leaks down into the drivers foot well too make a nice steamy sauna for the BeCM . As long as you keep a good batery and alternator you should be right.

EAS - The suspension in the P38 is awesome when its working. I can put ski's on my roof, hit the button and crawl under a 1.9m Carpark. Using a cable and plug from Jaycar, an old PDA, a soldering iron and some free software I can now fix/calbirate/reset my EAS whereever I am, all for ~$20. Once again you just need to keep on top of the trouble signs.

Problems I have had:
Suspected Cracked block (needs new motor, looking at a Gen III 5.7 conversion)
Heater O-Rings
Broken Shock-Absorber
Suspect Gearbox is on the way
Ummmm Thats it for the moment

Considering the car has done 260000k's and most previous owners used it for towing, I don't think I can complain.

Check out Range Rovers forum which has everything on the P38 you can imagine.

As somebody once said:

"Ownership of a RR is like dating a Super Hot Super Model.

She drives you insane with her insecurities, but every time she steps out the shower, you forget about them.

She makes you want to throw her off a balcony with her never ending nagging about inane things, but you forgive her because you feel like a God amongst men when you and her show up to events and you are the envy of every man.

She can beat the crap out of any other girl when it comes to getting the last Prada bag on sale at Barney's, but heaven forbid there is a spider in the kitchen - she yells for you like the Mummy just came for her; yet you forgive her because when she holds you tightly in fear, it all makes sense again.

Being with her is exciting because you never know what each morning or day with her brings.

That gentlemen is why we date.... opps... I mean drive these cars! "

I still go to the kitchen window to have a perv into the garage. A RR look good anywhere. Mine will cost me money, but there is no-way she is going anywhere.

Hope this helps

Stu

Well Stu has wrapped it all up.

Nothing I can add to that.

Except maybe to comment on the standard sound system in the HSE. I have yet to come across a vehicle with a better sounding system (as standard of course).

Dave

I will now start looking a little harder. The one i was interested in got sold - damn for sitting on the fence.

Oh well another will come along.

Yes to most of the things you raised.

What about 4.0 V 4.6?

Cheers,
Remy

as for your question there isnt a standard 4x4 made that can match a range rover off road period full stop...simply the best....but im biased..lol