P38 2.5 Dse auto, ideal first car?
Discussion
Ive found myself in a slightly odd situation where buying my girlfriend a range rover is the best option. The reason behind this is as i am looking to buy a race car which will need to be trailered to and from track days. This means i need a good tow vehicle as my s4 b5 isnt something i want to be towing with. My girlfriend is 21 and insurance is a big factor in deciding her first car and i thought i would do a quote on a range rover which is what i was thinking of buying and found it to be one of the cheapest vehicles to insure for her. This also solves the problem of having the range rover parked up for a lot of the year. I understand some pretty solid man maths are at play here! I hear theyre pretty terrible reliability wise but is there anything i can arm myself with diagnostic wise or what to look for? Also reaching out to see if im missing something obvious in my rose tinted glasses here.
Why an auto for a first car? Surely a manual would be better.
The diesel auto is the slowest of the p38’s. If mpg isn’t an issue the V8’s go better.
They are a type of car that will respond well to fettling. If you are prepared to do this yourself. There is no real reason why they can’t be a good vehicle overall.
Get one on air not converted to coil springs. Will be better for towing.
Having something like a Nanocom or similar to be able to plug in and connect with the control systems would be a worthwhile investment.
The diesel auto is the slowest of the p38’s. If mpg isn’t an issue the V8’s go better.
They are a type of car that will respond well to fettling. If you are prepared to do this yourself. There is no real reason why they can’t be a good vehicle overall.
Get one on air not converted to coil springs. Will be better for towing.
Having something like a Nanocom or similar to be able to plug in and connect with the control systems would be a worthwhile investment.
Buy a Range Rover, definitely (in fact buy mine 
) but DO NOT buy the 2.5 diesel. They really, honestly, are glacially slow. The first time I went in one, (and it was only about a year old) I thought there was something wrong with it, but no, that's how they are. They probably have enough torque to tow a race car but you'll need the length of a runway to hit 50mph.
For context, I've owned 3 Range Rovers, 2 Landies and a Discovery, so I'm not beating up the brand. But the 2.5D is awful.
) but DO NOT buy the 2.5 diesel. They really, honestly, are glacially slow. The first time I went in one, (and it was only about a year old) I thought there was something wrong with it, but no, that's how they are. They probably have enough torque to tow a race car but you'll need the length of a runway to hit 50mph.For context, I've owned 3 Range Rovers, 2 Landies and a Discovery, so I'm not beating up the brand. But the 2.5D is awful.
Reason behind the diesel comment is fuel economy (thought lpg could be a solution) and the other one is insurance again. Doubles the price for the 4.0 v8 (didnt bother trying the 4.6)
I was thinking a helping hand with a remap for the diesel to breathe a bit of fresh air into it, though speeding about isnt my concern in the slightest, hopefully that however would help with towing. And one of the main reasons behind the p38 was the air suspension for comfort and towing abilities. Might have to speak to my dyno man to see what he thinks he can do!
I was thinking a helping hand with a remap for the diesel to breathe a bit of fresh air into it, though speeding about isnt my concern in the slightest, hopefully that however would help with towing. And one of the main reasons behind the p38 was the air suspension for comfort and towing abilities. Might have to speak to my dyno man to see what he thinks he can do!
My P38 2.5DSE counts as one of the nicest cars I've ever owned. However, even with a 'chip' fitted by our local indie there's no getting away from it that the BMW engine a tad underpowered for a chunky old Rangie.
Still, the air suspension, imperious driving position and all that leather and wood more than make up for the performance shortcomings, at least for OAP me - I'm not sure I'd have felt the same at age 21 though!
Still, the air suspension, imperious driving position and all that leather and wood more than make up for the performance shortcomings, at least for OAP me - I'm not sure I'd have felt the same at age 21 though!
52classic said:
My P38 2.5DSE counts as one of the nicest cars I've ever owned. However, even with a 'chip' fitted by our local indie there's no getting away from it that the BMW engine a tad underpowered for a chunky old Rangie.
Still, the air suspension, imperious driving position and all that leather and wood more than make up for the performance shortcomings, at least for OAP me - I'm not sure I'd have felt the same at age 21 though!
Don't get me wrong, I had a 4.6 Vogue SE and it was a lovely lovely thing - it's the engine I'm challenging, not the car and it's design!Still, the air suspension, imperious driving position and all that leather and wood more than make up for the performance shortcomings, at least for OAP me - I'm not sure I'd have felt the same at age 21 though!
If money were no object the 4.6 would be the obvious choice. However im not particularly wealthy, itll be driven everday and insurance is killer. Perhaps in a few years time I may opt for the petrol but I think for now the diesel with maybe a remap will have to do. I feel the talk of unreliability is maybe not the biggest issue as I am fairly handy and the parts aren't too expensive and I believe they aren't the hardest to work on.
I also feel as a tall 2 tonne lump itll be safer than her getting around in a little French box and also a lot nicer which she completely agrees with! I myself am also 21 and to use as a tow car for the race car for me seems perfect. (makes me look good!) As I say I don't know why but its literally half the price of any jeep, shogun, pickup, large estate or anything on insurance. Quite excited about the whole idea! ive noticed they range rather largely in price. 2k seems to buy an alright one but I suppose the proofs in the pudding.
I also feel as a tall 2 tonne lump itll be safer than her getting around in a little French box and also a lot nicer which she completely agrees with! I myself am also 21 and to use as a tow car for the race car for me seems perfect. (makes me look good!) As I say I don't know why but its literally half the price of any jeep, shogun, pickup, large estate or anything on insurance. Quite excited about the whole idea! ive noticed they range rather largely in price. 2k seems to buy an alright one but I suppose the proofs in the pudding.
You're right to say the P38 is amazing value Michael. I am well into the third year with mine and it is 'so far so good.' (touching wood!) No unexpected issues besides stuff that I would consider consumable anyway. Battery, brake pads etc. I have replaced the rear air bags - easy DIY - and junked the viscous fan for an electric one, which makes it a lot quieter and presumably delivers a couple of extra BHP for me.
My advice is to buy one from a good home. Mine was bought privately from the second owner and came with a plausible maintenance history. Clearly the owner's P&J. Best surprise is that they can be looked after at home with basic tools. There seem to be plenty available around the 2K mark, good straight cars as well, but you don't have to look far to find people who will label the P38 as a money pit either!
Fuel consumption is not great by today's standards. Just once I have managed 30mpg on a run, but high 20s is the norm and low 20s with our caravan in tow. I'll settle for that.
My advice is to buy one from a good home. Mine was bought privately from the second owner and came with a plausible maintenance history. Clearly the owner's P&J. Best surprise is that they can be looked after at home with basic tools. There seem to be plenty available around the 2K mark, good straight cars as well, but you don't have to look far to find people who will label the P38 as a money pit either!
Fuel consumption is not great by today's standards. Just once I have managed 30mpg on a run, but high 20s is the norm and low 20s with our caravan in tow. I'll settle for that.
Can i ask did you use a conversion (kit) or did you do a home brew for the electric fan? Im not all that great with electrics but i can get by but rewiring isnt something id been too keen on but i know from seeing a few videos the difference cant be underestimated. Different engine i know but on a 350hp v8 Chevy engine it was worth 30hp! There is a video on youtube which shows it. Lots of benefits from having electric, noise, economy, performance, reliability, ability to change when it cuts in and so on.
Fan is 16" and came off ebay from 'boltonbits.' Came as a kit with a variable stat and a sensor for the top hose. I made a bit of a meal out of fitting it inside the existing radiator shroud to give it an OE look. Old fan comes off easily but AIRC there's a left hand thread involved somewhere. Several guides in the net though.
Thing is that because the car is quieter, it does what it does with a lot less fuss and feels more powerful. I think the old fan takes about 5 BHP.
Thing is that because the car is quieter, it does what it does with a lot less fuss and feels more powerful. I think the old fan takes about 5 BHP.
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