Land Rover Range Rover
Jaguar-developed V8 (4.4L), not a BMW M62 — more robust and longer-lived than its predecessor. Timing chain with plastic guides and VANOS seals need attention over time. Check the PCV system regularly. More reliable than many Land Rover diesels when properly maintained.
Range Rover V8 4.4: original character preserved
The BMW M62 in the Range Rover L322 is the epitome of British premium refinement: gentle V8 sound, cultured response, no rush. Buyers looking for an L322 who can do without diesel will find the more emotional engine here. Plan for VANOS maintenance.
Engine Weaknesses 4
The BMW M62 uses a very long single-row timing chain with plastic guides. The guides can break and shed fragments into the sump. Sunken fragments can block the oil pump pickup — engine damage possible.
Symptoms: Cold start rattling (chain tensioner), plastic particles in engine oil, check engine light, misfires
The VANOS units (BMW variable camshaft timing) deteriorate over time. Seals become porous, the cam phasers clatter and tick. The engine loses power and responsiveness at low RPM.
Symptoms: Tactile diesel-like clatter from the cylinder head at low RPM, power loss in the lower rev range, P0011/P0021
All M62-equipped L322s were delivered with a 105°C thermostat. The thermostat and coolant hoses are prone to premature wear. Heater hose connectors frequently break.
Symptoms: Coolant loss, overheating, broken heater connections, coolant warning light
The M62 PCV crankcase ventilation system deteriorates over time. Deposits and blockages lead to increased oil vapour passing into the intake and elevated oil consumption.
Symptoms: Elevated oil consumption (>0.5L/1000km), puffs of blue smoke under acceleration, oil film in the intake hose
Vehicle Weaknesses 8
Wabco or Hitachi compressor loses output pressure due to worn piston rings. Vehicle drops after parking, slow rise, compressor runs continuously. Repair kits available; new compressor approx. 700–900 euros. Regarded as the most common fault on the L322.
Steel body rusts at the rear wheel arches, sills and tailgate. Water collects at the lower tailgate edge and leads to blistering and rust-through. Sill area and running boards are also typical problem zones.
ECUs are located under the front seats and in the engine bay — immediately at risk when water enters through a leaking windscreen or sunroof. Cascading fault messages from air suspension, gearbox and ABS are often a consequence of floor dampness.
ZF 6HP automatic shows gear kick, delayed engagement and torque converter issues when oil changes are skipped. Sensor no longer detects park position. Gearbox oil should be changed every 60,000 km.
Handbrake drum seizes from corrosion; countersunk drum screws corrode and are almost impossible to remove. Actuator module jams with worn drums. Fault code C1A00, brake force sensor shows extreme values. Specialist tool required to release.
Electric steering column adjustment uses plastic components that break when operated. Repair is possible at lower cost using alternative parts. After that, no electric adjustment is possible; steering effort and steering itself are undamaged.
Wiring harness for the rear parking sensors in the rear bumper corrodes from moisture. Control unit fails or sensors themselves drop out. Corroded contacts in the bumper area are the most common cause of PDC failure.
Air conditioning condenser and connecting hoses lose refrigerant due to age and vibration. Air conditioning only blows warm air. Topping up without finding and fixing the leak is only a short-term remedy.
Reports & Tests
On the Range Rover L322, cooling system, electrics and air suspension are reliable money pits.
594 owner complaints filed with NHTSA (2002–2012). Most reported: Powertrain (220), Airbags (56), Body Structure (51).