Hi, first post, so please be gentle! I am in the early stages of looking for a Range Rover. Something around 2004ish. Any advice as to what to look for, look out for, avoid, would be very welcome. I have been told that the air suspension system can be troublesome and expensive to repair. True or false? Does anyone have experience of Rangies which have been converted to LPG? I have heard stories about overheating problems caused by an LPG conversion. Lastly, for now, any info about electronic body control units and the central locking/immobiliser faults that it can cause? Anything else?
Looking to buy a Range Rover
- Thread starter Tony1066
- Start date
This site contains affiliate links for which LandyZone may be compensated if you make a purchase.
Datatek
Well-Known Member
- Posts
- 45,764
- Location
- Near Poitiers SW France
2004 would be an L322, IMO they are a nightmare.
EAS is not a problem on any Range Rover provided it's maintained.
Unless you have deep pockets you would be better off going for a 2002 P38, either way I think the diesels are better especially if you travel to Europe on holiday.
+1, although my preference is for the petrol on LPG (& my LPG system has never missed a beat in the 50k miles i've done so far). LPG'd V8's need the cooling system in top condition. Many are put off P38 V8's due to the very expensive potential slipped cylinder liners fix. The BMW V8 in the L322 fairs well on LPG but can suffer VANOS failue (so i hear). The later Jag V8 is no good with LPG - think this is 2005 onwards though.
L322 Diesel gearboxes are made of soft cheese.
Last edited:
- Posts
- 16,482
Have to kind of agree with the above...
The L322 is a magnificent machine, but they can be troublesome and if you can't DIY your own repairs you better have deep pockets.
The M62 engine in the 2002-2005 L322's is a great engine although they can cause grief with the PCV valve and as MV8 says, VANOS can start to rattle....won't harm the engine, but will reduce power a tad and be noisy.
That being said the biggest issue on the L322's (aside electrical niggles and water leaks) is the gearboxes...they are a real weak point!
My 2003 L322 on LPG is grand, and again aside from the current electrical diagnostic niggle it has runs very well on LPG.
As with all Rangies, regardless of LPG or not, keep the cooling system tip top and they'll be OK.
The L322 is a magnificent machine, but they can be troublesome and if you can't DIY your own repairs you better have deep pockets.
The M62 engine in the 2002-2005 L322's is a great engine although they can cause grief with the PCV valve and as MV8 says, VANOS can start to rattle....won't harm the engine, but will reduce power a tad and be noisy.
That being said the biggest issue on the L322's (aside electrical niggles and water leaks) is the gearboxes...they are a real weak point!
My 2003 L322 on LPG is grand, and again aside from the current electrical diagnostic niggle it has runs very well on LPG.
As with all Rangies, regardless of LPG or not, keep the cooling system tip top and they'll be OK.
ukadamwest
Well-Known Member
- Posts
- 2,990
- Location
- Surrey
We have two P38's, both 2001 vintage. Deliberately chosen 1. to avoid the L322 issues and 2. because prior to april 2001 as date of first reg it sits on the old road tax band.
Both of ours have been converted to LPG mutli point system (BRC) and have had zero problems with either.
The EAS is thrown up as a problem due to people who skimped on the repairs in the past. The rubber shocks (or air bags) being rubber rot along with teh constant flexing, so as one goes, the compressor starts working overtime to pump in lost air... its rubber on the same car so all 4 will perish close as dammit.. so they replace 1 air bag.. then another goes and bingo the compressor is working over time, untill all four have been replaced individually and the compressor is now knackered.
Both of our have had all corners done at the same time with arnott bags when the first showed signs of going. never had a problem with them at all (i also have the datatak EAS cable cheap as cjips and well worth the pennies to purchase) airbags are very easy to replace and is a good and satisfying DIY job.
The EAS system is not only a safety feature (the whole car squats down at motorway speeds) it gives a good ride and is self levelling ( if towing or with stuff in the back)
Generally i've had very few issues with both P38's and underatke preventative maintenance, if something is going, you know its going so see to it before failure.
There's plenty of brains and experience on this forum and all are always keen to pitch in and help another rangie owner.
Despite being a british car, i've had very little in the way of electrical gremlins and neither has leaked electricty over the driveway (yet).
NB: the wife was a little miffed when i got yet another P38, after she drove about in it the first time, it's hard to get out of it now (though that might have something to do with two guys calling out 'sweeeeeet' at her as she drove past them in it)
All things aside, we wouldn't be without either of the P38's and there's really no other 4x4 we would change them for. one thing to remember the land rover product is a very capable car both on and off road and is not an SUV and to work on access wise they are pretty good.
Both of ours have been converted to LPG mutli point system (BRC) and have had zero problems with either.
The EAS is thrown up as a problem due to people who skimped on the repairs in the past. The rubber shocks (or air bags) being rubber rot along with teh constant flexing, so as one goes, the compressor starts working overtime to pump in lost air... its rubber on the same car so all 4 will perish close as dammit.. so they replace 1 air bag.. then another goes and bingo the compressor is working over time, untill all four have been replaced individually and the compressor is now knackered.
Both of our have had all corners done at the same time with arnott bags when the first showed signs of going. never had a problem with them at all (i also have the datatak EAS cable cheap as cjips and well worth the pennies to purchase) airbags are very easy to replace and is a good and satisfying DIY job.
The EAS system is not only a safety feature (the whole car squats down at motorway speeds) it gives a good ride and is self levelling ( if towing or with stuff in the back)
Generally i've had very few issues with both P38's and underatke preventative maintenance, if something is going, you know its going so see to it before failure.
There's plenty of brains and experience on this forum and all are always keen to pitch in and help another rangie owner.
Despite being a british car, i've had very little in the way of electrical gremlins and neither has leaked electricty over the driveway (yet).
NB: the wife was a little miffed when i got yet another P38, after she drove about in it the first time, it's hard to get out of it now (though that might have something to do with two guys calling out 'sweeeeeet' at her as she drove past them in it)
All things aside, we wouldn't be without either of the P38's and there's really no other 4x4 we would change them for. one thing to remember the land rover product is a very capable car both on and off road and is not an SUV and to work on access wise they are pretty good.
Well said
Put in the maintenance and they're great cars! I gave up mine because I just didn't have the time to keep up the checks anymore, but it was definitely the best car I've ever had and I can't see myself feeling more fondly towards another!
Personally I would go for the diesel because it is more reliable and offers a better fuel economy, but a *good* *really important that
* petrol on LPG will be a good own too. DO NOT query the relative mpg figures here... The EAS is, as said, only bad if it isn't looked after (granted then it can be really quite bad hunting down issues) but if it is in good shape it makes the car so much nicer; much more comfortable and versatile.
The electronics are very good provided they're in good shape; a damp BECM or failing fusebox will cause havoc, but a good setup leads to a nice luxury environment - it even tells you when to top up washer fluid and change bulbs!
I would always take a P38 over and L322 as I don't think the latter offers up enough extras to compensate the extra cost of purchase and upkeep. However SaintV8 has had a seemingly delightful example of 1 for.. 2 years now? so again, regular maintenance and you can have the best car in the world
wil2813
Well-Known Member
- Posts
- 2,324
drive them both & decide,had my 322 over 3 years & still love it. if your set on a l322 go for it. I needed a new work vehicle recently & considered a 38 for chugging about in but after driving one again I decided against it and purchased a d2 v8 es lpg much more space for my work needs
