Time to change or spend on my 2.5 P38

I'm beginning to wonder if my current P38 is up to the job I ask of it: it's my daily transport and I do 10,000+ miles each year which includes 3 or 4 holidays towing my 1900 kg caravan. It's now on 139,000 miles and I believe it's original gearbox, (I've owned it 5 years and done 50,000 miles and had gearbox oil and filter changed about 15,000 miles ago).
So do I change (for another RR) or do I wait and spend whatever I need to on this when it breaks (or preferably before)? What is sensible? (I realise of course owning these cannot ever be considered sensible )Spending 10-15k on another one or spending 3-4k on the P38? I've had very little grief from it in 5 years to date but eventually I know I will need to spend.
My first Hol this yr with new caravan did make it work very hard, resulting in a large ( but now cured) oil leak.

Sorry for long post but you know how you eventually get fed up with thinking about it? A few thoughts from the experts might help

Better the Devil you know............

If it's not going rusty which being a 38 it probably isn't, keep it. Could make it concours for less than changing it if you wanted to..

Saint.V8 said:

Better the Devil you know............

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I must admit that I have thought that also. But am I asking too much of it when towing? I don't like the idea of it breaking down on the way! (The ear ache would be unbearable )

blackstrat said:

If it's not going rusty which being a 38 it probably isn't, keep it. Could make it concours for less than changing it if you wanted to..

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It is in pretty good nick and does not show it's age. And if I could be sure it was 'up to the job' would gladly keep it and upgrade where necessary.

A TD6 would make you feel like your not even pulling a trailer on the back

2.0_hippo said:

A TD6 would make you feel like your not even pulling a trailer on the back

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....until the gearbox goes 'pop'

Saint.V8 said:

....until the gearbox goes 'pop'

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just like the 2.5 P38 ?

2.0_hippo said:

just like the 2.5 P38 ?

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Gotta love these motors haven't you??

Saint.V8 said:

Gotta love these motors haven't you??

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oh yes !

with all the sh!t they give us we still love them

when mines working it brings a smile to my face whenever i drive it

The DHSE is more than capable of what you're asking until, as has been said, the gearbox goes.. Personally I'd say keep it, and when the gearbox goes replace with the stronger version, a Datatek guide for which I'm sure will be out soon! - I'd expect that will be a lot cheaper than the inevitable L322 box replacement... and yours certainly sounds like a nice example

Saint.V8 said:

....until the gearbox goes 'pop'

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2.0_hippo said:

just like the 2.5 P38 ?

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The P38 box only goes pop if it's not serviced or the diesel is chipped overloading it and a replacement is a third of the cost of a box on the L322. Look at the post by A5OPY.
the L322 is a bigger heap of **** than the P38, poor interior trim, riddled with leaks and electronic problems, one airspring for the front costs more than a whole set for a P38, weak gearboxes and suspension etc etc.

I had a similar situation about a year ago - wondering whether to change to a newer L322 but decided to stick with my P38. I do 20k+ miles a year & glad i stuck with it, never left me stranded. I just keep mine looking mint & keep everything working as it should.

martynv8 said:

I had a similar situation about a year ago - wondering whether to change to a newer L322 but decided to stick with my P38. I do 20k+ miles a year & glad i stuck with it, never left me stranded. I just keep mine looking mint & keep everything working as it should.

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I will not downgrade to an L322 before hell freezes over

martynv8 said:

I had a similar situation about a year ago - wondering whether to change to a newer L322 but decided to stick with my P38. I do 20k+ miles a year & glad i stuck with it, never left me stranded. I just keep mine looking mint & keep everything working as it should.

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I think to be quite honest I had already decided the best option was to keep what I had, but it's nice and reassuring to get others opinions
It's also a lot easier to save up the money required for repairs than 10-15k for an L322 + extra for gearbox etc.
I think I'll invest in a faultmate though, could come in handy.

Thanks guys!!

lenb said:

I think to be quite honest I had already decided the best option was to keep what I had, but it's nice and reassuring to get others opinions
It's also a lot easier to save up the money required for repairs than 10-15k for an L322 + extra for gearbox etc.
I think I'll invest in a faultmate though, could come in handy.

Thanks guys!!

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Before you buy a Faultmate, look at the Nanocom, same diagnostics in a small package that doesn't need a laptop and does almost as much as a Faultmate.

Datatek said:

Before you buy a Faultmate, look at the Nanocom, same diagnostics in a small package that doesn't need a laptop and does almost as much as a Faultmate.

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Ok will do

I changed from a 55 plate D3 to a 06 L322 with the BMW 3.0ltr engine two years ago and it's been fine. I tow a twin axle caravan every season and last year went to Holland as well as sites in the UK. I look after the vehicle, I do not go off road or experiment with it. I use it as an ordinary vehicle.
I also have a P38 which I've had for four years, I use it as a alternative vehicle at times but it doesn't tow the caravan. Again as with the L322 it gets looked after and treated with respect and again no problems except I have just replaced the MAF and all's well at present.
It would be wrong for me to say they have been totally faultless, the L322 does have occasional computer clitches but they do correct themselves.
I think IMO if you want a L322 then you have to spend time looking for a good one that has been well cared for. Do not buy the first you see or the cheapest, go with an open mind to view them and do not fall in love with it. If in doubt walk away.
If the budget allows, go to a main dealer, and you'll have the LR warranty for peace of mind.
The bottom line is if you do buy a L322 don't bugger around with it, as it will bite you back at a cost, look after it.
This message probably goes against the grain to some members who enjoy the off road bit, but as I said IMO.