P38, What are the bad points?

robert. · May 26, 2012

Hi everyone,

My brother is thinking of changing his 01 Freelander for a '96 P38 2.5 (BMW engine).
In brief, what would be its most common bad points to look out for? I havea 300Tdi Disco, and I'm forever trying to keep on top of the rust. Is the P38 the same in that sense?
He will be going first thing in the morning to see it and purchase it if its fine, has a full years MOT.

Thank's!

TCubed · May 26, 2012

The body is mostly Aluminium, so short of beneath the tailgate it's usually ok for rust.
Check that everything electronic on it works is the main thing. Head gasket's worth checking on that engine. Check all the EAS stuff.

Andrealouisea · May 26, 2012

Where do I start!
Electrics - Make sure EVERYTHING works as it should (remote central locking included)
Air suspension - check the airbags are good and that it rises and falls as it should
Climate Control - Beware the book and ! symbol on the HEVAC
Wet carpet on the drivers side means the heater matrix O Rings are shagged
Run the engine, then switch it off again to check that it's not suffering hot start problems

And that's just for starters!! Lol!!

robert. · May 26, 2012

Thank's for the replies!
The "list" actually wasn't as bad as I was expecting it to be.
Are there any rust "hot spots" underneath (boot floor, wheel arches, body mounts...)?

Clarky130 · May 26, 2012

robert. said:
Thank's for the replies!
The "list" actually wasn't as bad as I was expecting it to be.
Are there any rust "hot spots" underneath (boot floor, wheel arches, body mounts...)?

Nope. It's a bizarre thing when you compare them to Discos.... they just don't rust. As already mentioned, bottom of the lower tailgate is the only weak spot really.

Plenty other stuff goes wrong, so don't worry, you'll be kept busy!!!

dogsbody · May 26, 2012

With the newest P38's now over 10 years old the trick seems to be to buy one from someone who's cared for it. It's servicing them that makes the difference and I don't just mean engine oil etc. Suspension bags and compressor, brake accumulator, gearbox fluid, radiators and cooling fans seem to be more the things that make a reliable car.

Stufer · May 26, 2012

Clarky130 said:
Nope. It's a bizarre thing when you compare them to Discos.... they just don't rust. As already mentioned, bottom of the lower tailgate is the only weak spot really.

Plenty other stuff goes wrong, so don't worry, you'll be kept busy!!!

Agree, I've had a Merc ML320 and a vw golf, both rusted to hell. Nothing on the P38

Stu

Datatek · May 27, 2012

It would be easier to list the good points, I can think of 3, cheap to buy, comfortable, cheap spares.

robert. · May 27, 2012

Thank's again for the replies. Just an update. Went and seen the Range Rover in question. As soon as the bonnet was lifted up, I noticed that the owner had pre-heated the engine up (usually not a good sign). Turned the key, and after about 5 sec it fired up. Engine was very noisy and uneven with a bit of white smoke coming from the exhaust. Turned it off and checked the expansion bottle which had some oily deposits on the inside. Told the owner that the head gasket was away, which he had denied. What surprises me is that it has a full years MOT yet the air suspension is non functional (stuck to the ground like a ferrari). Will not go up at all.
I just walked away from the vehicle at this point.
Search continues...

gemsdad · May 27, 2012

robert. said:
Thank's again for the replies. Just an update. Went and seen the Range Rover in question. As soon as the bonnet was lifted up, I noticed that the owner had pre-heated the engine up (usually not a good sign). Turned the key, and after about 5 sec it fired up. Engine was very noisy and uneven with a bit of white smoke coming from the exhaust. Turned it off and checked the expansion bottle which had some oily deposits on the inside. Told the owner that the head gasket was away, which he had denied. What surprises me is that it has a full years MOT yet the air suspension is non functional (stuck to the ground like a ferrari). Will not go up at all.
I just walked away from the vehicle at this point.
Search continues...

good man,there are plenty of p38's to look at.

P38, What are the bad points?

robert.

New Member

TCubed

Active Member

Andrealouisea

Active Member

robert.

New Member

Clarky130

New Member

dogsbody

Very senior member

Stufer

Well-Known Member

Datatek

Well-Known Member

robert.

New Member

gemsdad

NOT BOTHERED.

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