The £1k P38 Range Rover 4.6 HSE
Discussion
I bought a 1999 4.6 HSE with 145k on the clock about two years ago, a mate had p/xd his disco and saw it and had to buy it. I told him he was a deranged lunatic and should get help. He didn't really need it so it sat in the carpark. Then he asked me if I wanted it, £1250 to me he said. I insured it and drove it off making the mistake of not seeing a shrink first. The throttle cable was as dry as a bone, pulling away was um, interesting as you couldn't give it a little bit of gas. The viscous coupling was seized too (£200). Been using it as a daily drive ever since, love it but I always had the feeling something would go wrong. So far: sprag clutch inverted (recon gearbox from breakers £200), MAF £80, head gaskets replaced £350, transfer box chain 200 odd, drivers door actuator (£60). I thought I was doing well then read this thread. The shed must have known, now I have the chequebook up (flap motor I think) and the bloody eas light came on this morning. Oh and one lambda is dead. Apart from that It's been great, like driving about in your front room. At 15mpg.
Ive told this tale before, but many years ago I had a gf whose father bought a new RR, every couple of years.
I recall him buying the P38 and it being so bad/unreliable and prone to water leaks that not even the main dealership could resolve it.
It actually had to go back to the factory to be overhauled. Remember this is when it was brand new !!
anyway, good luck with it !
I recall him buying the P38 and it being so bad/unreliable and prone to water leaks that not even the main dealership could resolve it.
It actually had to go back to the factory to be overhauled. Remember this is when it was brand new !!
anyway, good luck with it !
I have had loads of Land Rovers and Range Rovers in the past and from personal experience and what you are saying it appears that you have bought the proverbial money pit!!! I'd get shot ASAP before it bankrupts you.
Probably be worthwhile investing in a Rovacom system, you will probably need it (if you keep the car that is).
Probably be worthwhile investing in a Rovacom system, you will probably need it (if you keep the car that is).
Update time. Pics to follow.
Air suspension Fixed!
Turned out to be a very long winded and complex fix which involved the precarious removal of a 10amp fuse, followed by the nerve racking replacement. Problem solved
Doors locking and unlocking - Problem identified!
Still occurring, but I think I've linked it to the dodgy sunroof. The car thinks the sunroof is always open and the message "Sunroof Not Set" always appears. Whenever I try and open the sunroof, the door locks go a bit mental. They're fine (if not a bit less mental) when I don't touch it. I'll have to remove the glass and check the little plastic bracket that so often fails on these. Job for a dry day in case it goes tits up
Alarm going off - blissfully ignored!
Since I chopped the cable after a rude, early morning awakening - the alarm hasn't sounded. So it can stay that way for now.
Radio - Fix identified!
Quote from Clarion to fix the radio display for £95 quid. It was down on my list of priorities. But after nearly a month of driving it without any music, it's slowly creeping its way up
Climate Control - Ignored!
The Service Book icon is still appearing and I'm pretty sure it's either the blend motor or the vent flap motor to blame. Either way, it blows hot and cold, the air con works and the screens de-mist. so in the interest of shedding, it works perfic :P
I'm going to book it in for the wheel bearing/hub to be replaced next week as the rumbling is turning into a thudding
...
There are various other things that need sorting, but all in all I am thoroughly enjoying wafting around in the beast
Air suspension Fixed!
Turned out to be a very long winded and complex fix which involved the precarious removal of a 10amp fuse, followed by the nerve racking replacement. Problem solved
Doors locking and unlocking - Problem identified!
Still occurring, but I think I've linked it to the dodgy sunroof. The car thinks the sunroof is always open and the message "Sunroof Not Set" always appears. Whenever I try and open the sunroof, the door locks go a bit mental. They're fine (if not a bit less mental) when I don't touch it. I'll have to remove the glass and check the little plastic bracket that so often fails on these. Job for a dry day in case it goes tits up
Alarm going off - blissfully ignored!
Since I chopped the cable after a rude, early morning awakening - the alarm hasn't sounded. So it can stay that way for now.
Radio - Fix identified!
Quote from Clarion to fix the radio display for £95 quid. It was down on my list of priorities. But after nearly a month of driving it without any music, it's slowly creeping its way up
Climate Control - Ignored!
The Service Book icon is still appearing and I'm pretty sure it's either the blend motor or the vent flap motor to blame. Either way, it blows hot and cold, the air con works and the screens de-mist. so in the interest of shedding, it works perfic :P
I'm going to book it in for the wheel bearing/hub to be replaced next week as the rumbling is turning into a thudding
... There are various other things that need sorting, but all in all I am thoroughly enjoying wafting around in the beast
Mikeyplum said:
Replied Slow - sorry for the delay
Phone is playing up so won't let me email a picture so just gonna put it here. Don't think it's ever been on a car, just dirty from sitting outside. Got 2 more in the same condition, got 3 range rovers in my house all came with one in the boot yet it's smaller than the wheels on them so utterly useless.
Slow said:
Phone is playing up so won't let me email a picture so just gonna put it here. Don't think it's ever been on a car, just dirty from sitting outside. Got 2 more in the same condition, got 3 range rovers in my house all came with one in the boot yet it's smaller than the wheels on them so utterly useless.
Looks ideal. Sent you a PM, think we can sort something out. 
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