p38 paranoia!!!!!!

I have recently aquired an early 4.6 hse in addition to a classic. I have been aware of the issues that the p38 can suffer from, but have ignored all common sense, otherwise I would never of bought one.

The idea was to maybe sell the classic, however I just cant bring myself to do this.
I also do not want to part with the new arrival either.

Obviousely I now check out all the things that could and will go wrong.
I have had to replace the heater o rings, however this was catered for in the purchase price.

The main concern is the block problems, cost wise.
Even though this Range has only covered 56 k and got nearly upto date mdsh, I cant help feeling that at some stage I am going to be looking at the wrong end of about 3 grand.

Is there an average mileage at which this may occur, or can I just keep up regular servicing and wait for it to happen anyway?.
Also, is anyone using an extended warranty company, as I believe there are a few around that will give you cover.

Any experiences greatly appreciated.

I have to say, one of the main reasons I bought my 4.0 over the 4.6 was engine reliability.

From what I have been told and others can correct me on this if I'm found to talk out my backside, is that the 4.6 was a tad too far when they decided to increase the engine capacity and caused a lot of grief in the process.

The last stable engine P38 wise was the 4.0 litre. Even now a new RR L322 comes in a more sensible 4.2.

Both the 4.0/4.6 are unfortunately notorious for blowing head gaskets. Not to mention P38 electrics are fairly poor when you know what the cost of a P38 when it was new.

At least you can be a little smug that you didnt buy a 2002-2003 L322 RR, they stink! Well it was BMW's first attempt I suppose to create a new designed RR....its what I call a money pit.

Hi.
A local good engine refurbisher to me offers top hat liners and recessed heads for around 1800 pounds. Mine had 19,000 on it when i bought it and did 65,000 odd miles collecting paper ( full ) and towing a trailer full before the liner went, but didnt have any gasket issues. I did this in under two years and did not spend any money apart from service items. If looked after they are great cars, just dont buy cheap parts.

Cheers, Nick.

adamforeman said:

I have to say, one of the main reasons I bought my 4.0 over the 4.6 was engine reliability.

From what I have been told and others can correct me on this if I'm found to talk out my backside, is that the 4.6 was a tad too far when they decided to increase the engine capacity and caused a lot of grief in the process.

Click to expand...

Personally I disagree with this because the increase in capacity from 4.0 to 4.6 was achived by changing the stroke, not the bore. There were also 3 grades of blocks, graded according to the thickness of metal behind the liners. The 4.6 use the best and possible the middle grades, but never the worst. The 4.0 use the worst grade and possibly the middle.

Cheers,
Chris.

This doesn't hold water as TVR used the Buick/Rover V8 in 5ltr form, and the new RR uses the BMW V8 and NOT the RV8.

The RV8 is a simple engine and easy to work on once you strip off the complicated bits.

BTW, I've had a 3.5 Hi compression RV8 a 5.0 RV8 in my Chimaera and now have a lovely bubbly 4.6 RV8 in my P38a

Tim