range rover 2.5 diesel - my first - help!

[duggser]

Just about to purchase '01 2.5 diesel range rover. Need assistance please, whether it's the right move? Worried about reliability, cash flow outgoing to mend expensive faults! Thirsty! Suspension probs! Haven't heard too many positives, but its a dream car. Only 30K. Coming from a dealer, but they have bad reputation too. Help on specs, engine, (bmw or other) quality of drive, handling, comfort, etc., would be sincerely appreciated!

[BLUETHUNDER]

All the P38,s are comfortable to drive.As with anything that relies on a lot of electronics,then you can expect at some point problems.Common problems interior wise are HEVAC can cause problems.Check that the aircon works and that by operating the buttons either side gives you the required temp you want.If you get either really hot,or really cold,then this points to a stuck blend motor or at worst blend motor failure.Air suspension wise,when switching on and with the engine running the suspension should find its ride height within 5-8 seconds.Anything longer than this can point to a worn compressor.Check that all the door locks function properly.If you find that one is still in the lock position and the others are open then this looks like a door regulater failure.Not cheap at £110 each.The 2.5BMW engine is a good engine and bullet proof but it struggles with the bulk of the RR.You would be best off getting it chipped or fitting a plug in power box.All these problems ive listed are worst case scenarios.One with none of these problems will reward with a great vehicle to own and drive.Good luck

[duggser]

Thanks for reply. Just if you could clarify the "chipped" statement? What is involved, price, etc. I've been chatting with mechanic mate and he seconded your statement on the bulk and struggling engine with a 2.5 deisel. He suggested looking at X5. Have a worrying feeling the RR could be like driving a slugish transit! I'm not looking for 0-60 instant power or that, but what is the performance? Good, bad or please don't say it "shocking"! Thanks again.

[_Deejay_]

The standard 2.5 is really sluggish. I test drove one and the 1.6litre Astra estate I drove there in felt like a Cerbera in comparison.

However, I've also driven a chipped car (plug-in box, cost 400 quid) and it transformed it to the extent that as a passenger it didn't feel much different to my 4.6v8.

D

[BLUETHUNDER]

duggser said:

Thanks for reply. Just if you could clarify the "chipped" statement? What is involved, price, etc. I've been chatting with mechanic mate and he seconded your statement on the bulk and struggling engine with a 2.5 deisel. He suggested looking at X5. Have a worrying feeling the RR could be like driving a slugish transit! I'm not looking for 0-60 instant power or that, but what is the performance? Good, bad or please don't say it "shocking"! Thanks again.

As as been said above you can go down the plug in box route,which seems what a lot of people are doing.Or go the full hog and get a performance chip installed in the E.C.U about £4-£500.And then you can add a larger intercooler to that for bigger B.H.P figures.With that sort of package you are looking around £1,500.Jeremy J Fearn are past masters of this type of conversion.In terms of performance the X5 3.0d is in a different league to the RR.Sports car like acceleration.But is seriously let down(my opinion)by its on road ride.It was a pleasure to get back in to a RR again.