300tdi vs TD5

I am looking to buy a Defender and not sure if to buy tdi or td5.

I know tdi's are good for well over 100,000 miles, but what about a TD5.

Also servicing costs, are they much more expensive.

etc. etc.

Thanks for any advice

Sorry,

I know this has probably been asked a million times before, but quite a big decision I'm facing.

Cheers,

Adsey

Not an easy answer but :
300 tdi not so complex, a lot of issues can be dealt with by self or a reasonably competent garage. MPG better than TD5 in my experience, 30 + can be achieved whereas TD5 struggles to better 25.
Problems : All the tdi cambelt issues should be fixed by now, gearboxes are basically the same so same issues.
TD5 specific issues, oil in wiring loom causing misfires etc. oil pump failure due to bolt coming undone, (cannot be checked just happens with horrendous results, new engine needed) spares for engine like injectors need a mortgage, the basic issue is complexity and it's much more complex to fix and needs the computer if you get a problem. But some seem to run for a long time with no bother very much luck of the draw.
I ran a TD5 for a year at work with no real issues but preferred the way a 300 tdi drives especially when towing. I have a farmer friend who will not countenance a td5 to replace his 300 tdi so is now embarking on a rechassis to ensure longevity using a galv chassis, his has already passed 100k mileage but is 100% reliable. Also my local Landy fixer dislikes the td5 intensely and won't run one himself he has a 300 tdi as well as his humungous 4.6 V8 90 used for towing and playing in. This same guy also dislikes all Freelanders due to inherent faults but they do keep him busy and profitable !

Thanks,

Really appreciated.

Hi,

You missed the most expensive design fault with the TD5 and thats cylinder head shuffle. caused buy the plastic tubes locating the cylinder head to the block melting, which intern means the head moves. Not good and can cause valves to kiss the side of the cylinder. even worse.

Personally I would stick with the tried and tested 300.

B.

I would stay well clear of the TD5 personaly, I know of someone who has even put a 300tdi into a TD5 Disco because it gave him so much trouble.

done 100000km on my Td5. No major problem.

Known problems are oil in the ECU loom no matter how LR claims they don't happen on >2001 models. sad to say it still does.

Use high quality oil and the engine stays happy. service punctually. Td5 engines are a lil fussy to be dragged on servicing.

All land rovers leak water into them, from the SI to defender. still the same.

Td5 are fully electronic, so if you dunk the gas pedal into water too often, the thing just gives up, which leaves you in a limp home mode in the middle of no where.

Thanks guys,

Is there a way a swapping the plastic plugs for metal ones.

Didn't LR swap them at some point etc. etc.

Hi all,

This is my first post!

I have had a 2003 90 CSW for six months now and it runs great (touch wood) and allways returns 28-32MPG and I drive with a lead foot so I am finding the economy great.
I have a K&N filter in it and that is all the mods I have done.

I specificaly chose a TD5 as I am not a farmer and no mater how much I love taking it off road it still does most of its miles on the road, like nearly all of them.

I think you need to weigh up your requirements and make the choice on that, the TD5 engine has been going for some years now and seems ok, all engines have their problems.

I bet when the 300tdi came out loads of people were saying steer clear & stick with the 200tdi, Land Rovers seem to attract owners who fear electronics, I say its here to stay so dive in and enjoy the ride!!!

Cheers,
Jason.

PS, please don't all shout at me.....

Thanks jason,

I'm tempted just to "dive in" with the TD5, problems can go wrong with any engine as you say.

Anyone else, got any good / bad experiences with the TD5?

the differences between the 200 and the 300 were minor. just the electronics. which means the 200 is a better bet if youre stuck miles from anywhere.

the td5 is a very different animal.

you can see why the army etc are very wary of these modern vehicles.

and if i was travelling thro africa etc.. id rather have a 200tdi anyday.
its hard enough getting a td5 fixed in lancashire, ffs.

DONT TOUCH A TD5
GET A 300 OR EVEN BETTER THE 200.
200's are amazing engines, slightly less refined then the 300's but the 200 is like a tractor engine, you can throw anyhting at it and it will keep going.
the only thing in my opinion that speaks for a TD5 is the increased power.

Rob

Hi have to say I too am in favour of the 300 series too many fangled things to go wrong with the TD5. Also like the others have said parts are astronomical.

I used to own a 300Tdi 110 and traded it in for a TD5 130 Station Wagon built by Foley. I was always a fan of the Tdi because of it's no nonsense ruggedness, and even used to say I wouldn't have aTD5!

Well here I am. Mine has been chipped and intercooled by Jeremy Fearn (before I got it) and it goes like stink. It will cruise comfortably at 80-90mph and I have had 100mph out of it..(eventually!) and that's with a Brownchurch roofrack. I will try and put some pictures on later.

Anyway, I have had some problems. The throttle. There is a flat spot just above tick over, and when you are pulling away or in slow moving traffic, parking etc it is a real pain. You kangaroo up and down the road like a right numptey and it is crap off road. I'm putting a new clutch in next weekend, it's knackered and I believe this throttle problem might have worn it out quicker.

I have been to a J Fearn agent, who put the diagnostics on it and all the readings showed to be ok. Some folk say they all do this, Fly By Wire Throttle and all that, others say no, it shouldn't do it. I am also being told the chip I have has made it worse...

I want this to be sorted, it is spoiling an otherwise superb vehicle.(When I put some pictures on, I will talk a bit more about the spec on my Land Rover...)

Has anybody had a similar problem, or got any decent advice? Fuel pump? Airflow meter? Dirt in the sensor on the pedal?

Steve.

Today, I purchased a 2001 TD5 Hard Top (soon to be a station wagon). Done 52000 miles.

I'm concerned about these plastic dowels, as it has them.

Anyway, you might be seeing more of me on this forum depending on how reliable it is.

Nice one, I hope you enjoy it as much as I'm enjoying mine!!!

Only problems I have are the steering (I'm told it might be a uj in the steering colum) and the clutch master cylinder, engine seems fine - touch wood!!!

Cheers,

Jason

Hi,i`ve Just Got A Nice Little Td5/90,love It,sounds And Drives Great.it`s A 99, Looked Over All The Service History,nothing Worth Mentioning,so Fingers Crossed,well Everything Crossed After Reading All These Replies.time Will Tell

Buy steel dowels from landrover as fitted to the later TD5s and a new cylinder head gasket and the problem is no more. Should cost no more than £50 all in and a days work to change them. If you have a lathe you can make them yourself. They are only location dowels.
Landrover say you should not reuse the the head bolts but I've done so with no problems. New head bolts are only £30 odd quid so its your call.

i have a td5 and done 150k now no problems at all not one fault touch wood also with a td5 you dont have to worry about cambelts due to it running a chain so no ajusting and it is alot quiker on the road than a 300 tdi

thnaks chris