The Land Rover 15 P – Petrol is a 4,047 cc, V8, overhead valve (OHV) petrol engine produced between 1994 and 2004. It was developed as a modernised version of the classic Rover V8, featuring multi-point fuel injection (MPFi) and revised cylinder heads to improve efficiency and emissions compliance. Delivering 138 kW (188 PS) and 332 Nm of torque, it prioritised smooth power delivery and refinement for improved on-road performance while retaining off-road capability.
Fitted to the Land Rover Discovery Series II and early Defender 110 V8 models, the 15 P – Petrol was engineered for drivers seeking greater refinement and drivability in long-distance and mixed-use scenarios. Emissions compliance was achieved through closed-loop fuel control and secondary air injection, allowing Euro 2 certification in all production years (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/8901).
One documented reliability concern is intake manifold cracking due to thermal cycling and material fatigue, particularly in high-ambient-temperature regions. This issue, highlighted in Land Rover Service Information Bulletin 95/06, stems from stress concentration at the plenum chamber mounting points. Later production manifolds (post-1998) incorporated thicker castings and revised ribbing to enhance structural integrity.
Land Rover
All production years 1994–2004 meet Euro 2 emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/8901).
The Land Rover 15 P – Petrol is a 4,047 cc V8 naturally aspirated engine engineered for mid-size and full-size utility vehicles (1994–2004). It combines multi-point fuel injection with a pushrod OHV valvetrain to deliver smooth power delivery and mechanical durability. Designed to meet early European emissions requirements, it balances traditional Rover V8 character with improved drivability and emissions control.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 4,047 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded RON 95) | |
| Configuration | V8, OHV, 16-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 88.9 mm × 81.0 mm | |
| Power output | 138 kW (188 PS) @ 4,750 rpm | |
| Torque | 332 Nm @ 2,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Multi-point fuel injection (MPFi) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 2 | |
| Compression ratio | 9.3:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Not applicable | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven (dual duplex chains) | |
| Oil type | SAE 15W-50 mineral oil (API SL) | |
| Dry weight | 192 kg |
The V8 architecture provides smooth power delivery and strong mid-range torque ideal for highway cruising and light towing, but requires diligent maintenance of the fuel injection and cooling systems to prevent overheating. SAE 15W-50 mineral oil (API SL) is essential due to high thermal load and bearing stress in prolonged operation. The MPFi system demands clean fuel and regular injector cleaning to maintain drivability. Cooling system flushes every 2 years are advised to prevent scale buildup and ensure thermostat function. Vehicles operated in hot climates should have the revised intake manifold installed to mitigate cracking risk per Land Rover SIB 95/06.
Oil Specs: Requires API SL (Service Level) specification (Land Rover SIB 94/19). Compatible with MIL-L-2104D standards.
Emissions: Euro 2 certification applies to all 1994–2004 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/8901).
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Output consistent across all markets (Land Rover Group PT-1994).
Land Rover Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A15P-882, A15P-901, SIB 95/06
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/8901)
SAE International: DIN 70020 Engine Power Measurement
The Land Rover 15 P – Petrol was used across Land Rover's Discovery Series II and Defender 110 platforms with longitudinal mounting and no licensed production. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-reinforced engine mounts in the Discovery and simplified air intake in export tropical variants-and from 2004 the introduction of the 4.6L V8 (In-Line) replaced the 15 P – Petrol, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped vertically on the right-side engine block near the cylinder head (Land Rover TIS A15P-882). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('P' for petrol variants). Pre-1998 models have a black plastic intake manifold; post-1998 units use a reinforced casting with additional ribbing. Critical differentiation from 3.5L V8: The 15 P – Petrol features multi-point fuel injection and revised cylinder heads. Service parts require casting number verification - intake manifolds for pre-1998 engines are incompatible with later revisions due to structural changes (Land Rover SIB 95/06).
The 15 P – Petrol's primary reliability risk is intake manifold cracking under sustained thermal cycling, with elevated incidence in high-ambient-temperature regions. Internal Land Rover field reports from 1996 indicated a measurable number of pre-1998 engines exhibiting cracks before 150,000 km, while VCA durability assessments noted coolant loss and misfires in tropical climates. Prolonged idling and infrequent coolant changes increase manifold and gasket stress, making cooling system maintenance critical.
Analysis derived from Land Rover technical bulletins (1994-2004) and UK DVSA durability assessments (1990-2005). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about LAND-ROVER 15P.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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LAND-ROVER Official Site
Owner literature, service manuals, technical releases, and plant documentation.
EUR-Lex
EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C
UK vehicle approval processes, import rules, and MoT guidance.
DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.
Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
UK type-approval authority for automotive products.
Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
WLTP and RDE testing procedures for emissions certification.
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval
UK compliance and certification requirements for imported and modified vehicles.
VCA Certification Portal
Type-approval guidance and documentation.
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