Starter motor compatability

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I would like to refresh this old thread, I drive a 2001 Discovery 2 with the 4.0 V8.
The starter motor is beginning to do that "stuck pinion whine" - she starts on first turn of the key but that whine...
So I looked for a new starter motor, to have on the shelf "just in case".
I couldn't find one listed as "Discovery 2 V8", so I ordered a "Range Rover 4.0/4.6" instead.
As far as I know, same engine, same starter motor, right?
The reply came after I paid via PayPal, "sorry, wrong starter motor, not compatible with Discovery2"
To say I am surprised is an understatement.
Are they trying to trick me into buying a more expensive kind, or are Discovery V8 and Range Rover V8 starter motors really different?
 
Well, it seems I was right, the same item is listed with two or more ID numbers, so all's well that ends well.
Similar with parts, but when started DIY servicing of my D1 I replaced the serpentine belt, so off the the main dealer parts department for a belt, they found two part numbers for the D1 3.9:( “can u get the number of the one thats fitted” so up with the bonnet and then back in with the number “great, but that belt has a Range Rover part number” Ok so I’ll take one of those then. That was 18 years ago.
So maybe LR did a mix and match.
 
Well, IMHO, if the engine block is the same, unless radical states of tune are considered, most/all components should be the same for the same model year.
Looking at the 4.0 V8, if one model declares 183 bhp, another 185 bhp and another yet 190bhp, chances are it's all in the twists and turns of the exhaust manifold and the shape/size of the air filter.
But water pump, oil filter, starter motor and other ancillaries are all the same, it's a matter of logic applied to logistics.
OK, the day I will buy myself a TVR, I'm ready to pull my hair out of frustration for hand made, one off parts, but as long as I'm within the confines of BLMC and/or JRT, I should be safe and sound.

Thanks, all !
 
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