Freelander 1.8 XEI Petrol 2005 - HELP!!!!

Hi I'm new to the site and need help/advice.

I purchased my Freelander 1.8 XEI 2005 2nd hand when it was 14 months old. Always had it serviced at landrover dealers. It has now done 18K and went into Landrover Dealers 28th Feb for 3rd service and MOT. On the Sunday previously I had a problem where the temp went into the red and the engine light on dash came on. Coolant level was on min level so topped up with water and all was fine. Mentioned this when I dropped it off for service.

On thursday PM rang garage and was told that it had flown through MOT but that it was a "very sick car". Mechanic had noticed that there was a noise coming from the engine but could not diagnose it but they were not happy for me to have my car back.

Today I have been told that it is apparently a lubrication problem which has caused a bearing to wear under the engine and that they will contact Landrover as it still has two weeks warranty.

After reading various websites I have since found out that there seems to have been numerous problems with others of the same year/model.

I will not get a new engine only a reconditioned one.

I believe that I have to inform DVLA can anyone advise me if just the new engine nr appears I am worried that it will now affect the resale value.

No-one at dealership can advise me what sort of warranty I will get after engine has been fitted so I am going to part ex it as soon as I have reg docs back.

All I ever wanted in life was to own a Freelander and can now honestly say that I WILL NEVER OWN ONE AGAIN due to poor customer service.

You would think that a Landrover engine would last more than 18K!!!!!!

I would appreciate any advice anyone can give me

yu just learnt the hippoo lesson the hard way - they are crap.

The problem you are describing isn't the classic K-series engine problem - they will always be known for head gasket failure.

Will your resale valure be affected? Yes, it will be improved bcause you are going to have a new engine which will almost certianly have the improved multi layer head gasket with steel dowells which has virtually eliminated head gasket failure.

My thinkng would be if you are otherwise happy with the car - get the new engine and stick with it.

Poylie369 said:

Mechanic had noticed that there was a noise coming from the engine but could not diagnose it but they were not happy for me to have my car back.

Today I have been told that it is apparently a lubrication problem which has caused a bearing to wear under the engine and that they will contact Landrover as it still has two weeks warranty.

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Think they have heads up @rses. For one they should pinpoint the noise straight away, they sound like numpty mechanics.

The big end bearing would only wear at 18k if it was extremely low on oil, or someone chucked sand into your engine.

hgf can happen at that mileage (esp 2002 MG range, duff batch???)

As for the bottom end, it is virtually bomb proof.

I would take it to another garage.

One, the big end bearings can be replaced,
two, it might not be hgf and they are just chancing their arm.

You need to find out why it dumped the coolant though,

My money is on the inlet gasket leaking coolant into one or more cylinders. This gives a thumping/knocking sound at peak torque cos a lazy piston is thumping on its bearing and not working/pulling its weight so to speak.

A leaky inlet gasket would also fit the description of 'very sick car', due to lumpy idle

Keep us informed

It's at a branch of Guy Salmon. When I purchased it I received 3 free service vouchers for any Landrover Dealer I do now think that the coolant level was never topped up upon servicing as it never dropped below the minimum level.

I have done my own investigations with DVLA as to what will show on the log book and have been advised that it will only show the new engine number. I have been left with no car for 6 days now which I think is appalling from Landrovers part.

For anyone else's info DVLA have advised me that when sending the log book V5 to register new engine a letter must also be obtained from the garage who are fitting the replacement engine and sent along with V5 to DVLA.

I LOVED my car but have now lost all faith and am worried that I will from now on be outlaying money.

Was going to purchase a top of the range Freelander later this year but I'm afraid Landrover have lost out on this now.

Just thought I would post an update.

Eventually got a hire car paid for by landrover whilst my "new" reconditioned engine is being fitted.

I have now been told that I will have no warranty on the work that has been carried out and that all warranty for the car will expire in two weeks when the 3 yr warranty is up.

I will be part exchanging my beloved BERTHA as soon as she arrives home as I do not want to take the gamble for the future.

Just wanted to say thanks to those who posted advice for me.

Poylie369 said:

Just thought I would post an update.

I have now been told that I will have no warranty on the work that has been carried out and that all warranty for the car will expire in two weeks when the 3 yr warranty is up.

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yu dont believe us - do ya ?

Hi all, i have a lovely looking Freelander 1.8 XEI Petrol 2004, had it under a month and engine seized on me, really dont know if to have recon put in or scrap it.........

Blippie said:

The problem you are describing isn't the classic K-series engine problem - they will always be known for head gasket failure.

Will your resale valure be affected? Yes, it will be improved bcause you are going to have a new engine which will almost certianly have the improved multi layer head gasket with steel dowells which has virtually eliminated head gasket failure.

My thinkng would be if you are otherwise happy with the car - get the new engine and stick with it.

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+1 on this. You should be celebrating cause your getting your head gasket failure fixed FOC. Very few of us have such great luck.

tednash said:

Hi all, i have a lovely looking Freelander 1.8 XEI Petrol 2004, had it under a month and engine seized on me, really dont know if to have recon put in or scrap it.........

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04 1.8 is worth between 1.5k and 2k tops if everything perfect. with a fecked engine it's scrap value. Do the sums and then decide.

Any ideas where i can have recon engine supplied and fitted in essex for my Freelander 1.8 XEI Petrol 2005, I have a lovely seized one here...Thanks.

Land Rover Engines - Reconditioned Landrover engines

http://www.replacementengines.co.uk/car-md.asp?part=reconditioned-landrover-freelander-engine&mo_id=605

tednash said:

Any ideas where i can have recon engine supplied and fitted in essex for my Freelander 1.8 XEI Petrol 2005, I have a lovely seized one here...Thanks.

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Any decent mechanic could fix/replace it. It's a very common engine that came in many MG's and Rovers as well as Freelanders. Having said that the labour charges alone could be more than the car is worth and a second hand engine will always be a risk. probably better off scrapping or breaking it unless you can do the work yourself.

Speak to Gratech, or Rst Mersey, or mj Witney for some prices