Range Rover 3.0 td V6

[430 MANN]

Good evening. My first post on the Land Rover forum.

I am interested in buying a Range Rover 3.0 td V6, but have been put off by my local dealer who said the engine was not up to the job even though it is a BMW unit. Can you please give me your own thoughts and experiences. It will be used to tow a Brian James Motor Shuttle.

I have been informed that a Discovery 3 would be another alternative. Is this right?

[ChrisRS]

The Range Rover doesn't use the TDV6, it uses a 6 cylinder BMW unit which isn't really up to the job, the Discovery 3 uses the TDV6 which is a Land Rover unit, i believe it's also used in Jaguars.

If the budget allows, the Land Rover TDV8 is a MUCH better engine

[cayman-black]

Try one for your self first. I think it is a good engine and is up to the job. TDV8 better still, but alot more money.

[430 MANN]

As I thought I would get. A difference of opinion from people in the know
I can go to a v8 but would prefer to save a little money and go the v6 route.
Has anyone heard of major issues?

[grand-one]

The Range Rover uses a straight 6 diesel 3.0, not the TDV6 as used in the Discovery and Range Rover Sport. I have owned my current Range Rover 3.0 TD6 2 years now and had it 'chipped' by JE Engineering in the midlands. It made a huge difference to the way it goes and has helped fuel consumption marginally. The engine does seem a little cruder and noisier than the TDV6, but from experience seems to be strong with no issues. Done 50k in mine in 2 years with just routine servicing. TDV8 is awesome but prices reflect this.

[ChrisRC]

The dealer is pretty much correct. We've had various (proper) Rangies and I recall trying an early 3.0 diesel. Oh dear, it stuggled a bit. If you want a Rangie, but don't want to go for a TDV8, then why not try an older (but still 2005 and onwards) petrol? When we got our TDV8 in August, our spotless 60k Vogue Supercharged car (one of the first 05 plate cars) went for £22k-23k, I think? A lot of car for money

[charliedaker]

Got a TD6 and towed all sorts (horses, cars, tractors etc) upto the 3500kg tow limit. Its absolutely fine. The Disco would be just as good 2 i would imagine. If you can afford the TDV8 then i am sure this will be even more capable.

HTH

[Jem0911]

You can look at getting the STRAIGHT six or TD6 chipped or mapped.
Superchips
JE Engineering
DMS
all do good jobs on that BMW engine.

500 ftlb of torque
220 odd BHP.

Worth considering.

[430 MANN]

Thank you for the replies so far. The option of the v8 petrol concerns
me with regards the fuel consumption. It must be terrible when towing?

[Jem0911]

LPG is your way forward with a 4.4 V8 averaging 12-17mpg equiv on LPG would be short of double maybe 28-30mpg.

[welshbikerduck]

I remember when the 3.0 BMW was introduced and everyone was raving of how great it was and how awful the previous 2.5 was, now the TDV8 is out the same people are churning out the same line.

The truth is (IMHO)the old 2.5 was underpowered however the later 3.0 BMW unit was certainly know sports package but was by no means underpowered. I owned a TD6 and was happy enough with the performance. it was capable of topping a ton with ease, remember it is a large 4x4 not a coupe or hot hatch. Throwing it around was never in the design brief of that car. I now own the TDV8 and yes it is a million miles away from the older TD6, but that is not to say the TD6 was underpowerd or even a bad car It wasn't, just the TDV8 is so much better.

If finances allow get the TDV8, the engine is amazing. If not get the TD6 you will still be very happy with it.

[Whizz65]

Bought one in May, goes well for its size and tows a big caravan with ease. Really nice, eats the miles and a really nice drive.
Very pleased with it, use to have a Toyota Land cruiser and the RR is so much better.
Oh the kids love the heated seats in the back!

if you want sports car performance don't buy any RR! get yourself a TVR!

[cerberaperv]

I agree with Whizz.

I`ve just bought a 55 vogue se 3.0TD6 and it`s not as slow as I expected. It`s powerful enough to do safe overtaking and it`s sooooo comfy. The features in it are endless and now I keep asking myself how have I managed to live without them!
For the days I want to go quick I also own a Cerbera, but in this weather the RR will definately get more use.

[Whizz65]

Like wise my Chimaera is tucked up in the Garage, wouldn't be without either of the cars

[budrover]

My TD6 seems to have enough power for it to whisk along.

If you do chip one... have a couple of grand put to one side to buy a new gearbox, the diesel gearbox isnt the same as the petrol unit and prone to failure !