The Land Rover 306DT-Diesel is a 2,993 cc, inline-six turbo-diesel engine produced between 2004 and 2011. Developed in collaboration with Ford, it features common rail direct injection, a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT), and dual overhead camshafts (DOHC). In standard tune, it delivered 130 kW (177 PS) and 440 Nm of torque, providing strong low-end pulling power ideal for off-road and towing applications.
Fitted to key models including the Discovery 3 (L319), Range Rover Sport (L320), and early MY2006 Range Rover (L322), the 306DT-Diesel was engineered for drivers requiring robust performance and high torque delivery across diverse terrains. Emissions compliance was achieved through exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and a diesel particulate filter (DPF), enabling Euro 3 compliance for early builds and Euro 4 from 2006 onward.
One documented reliability concern is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure, highlighted in Land Rover Technical Service Bulletin TSB 05/014. Premature wear in the Bosch VP44 pump was linked to fuel contamination and inadequate filtration. From 2007, Land Rover introduced revised fuel system components and updated service intervals to improve durability in later production runs.
Production years 2004–2005 meet Euro 3 standards; 2006–2011 models comply with Euro 4 (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The Land Rover 306DT-Diesel is a 2,993 cc inline-six turbo-diesel engineered for full-size SUVs (2004-2011). It combines common-rail direct injection with a single variable-geometry turbocharger to deliver high torque at low RPMs and dependable off-road performance. Designed to meet Euro 3 (early) and Euro 4 (later) standards, it balances utility with evolving emissions requirements.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,993 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel | |
| Configuration | Inline-6, DOHC, 24-valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 89.9 mm × 79.5 mm | |
| Power output | 130 kW (177 PS) @ 3,600 rpm | |
| Torque | 440 Nm @ 1,800–2,600 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch VP44 high-pressure rotary pump (up to 1,600 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 3 (2004–2005); Euro 4 (2006–2011) | |
| Compression ratio | 18.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single variable-geometry turbo (Garrett GT1749V) | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven (double-row primary, single-row secondary) | |
| Oil type | Land Rover Specification STJLR.03.5004 (SAE 15W-40) | |
| Dry weight | 225 kg |
The inline-six configuration provides smooth power delivery and high torque ideal for off-road and towing, but requires strict adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals using Land Rover STJLR.03.5004 (15W-40) oil to prevent turbo and chain wear. The Bosch VP44 fuel pump is sensitive to water and particulate contamination, necessitating use of ultra-low-sulfur diesel (ULSD) meeting EN 590 and regular fuel filter replacement. Cold starts should be avoided immediately after refueling in cold climates to reduce fuel system strain. Post-2007 models feature improved fuel filtration and revised EGR calibration, reducing DPF clogging risks. EGR and DPF systems require periodic regeneration monitoring to prevent limp mode.
Oil Specs: Requires Land Rover STJLR.03.5004 (15W-40) specification (Land Rover TSB 07/022). Supersedes ACEA B4 standards.
Emissions: Euro 3 certification applies to 2004–2005 models only (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678). Euro 4 compliance from 2006 onward.
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Output consistent across fuel grades meeting EN 590 (Land Rover TIS Doc. LR-A31005).
Land Rover Technical Information System (TIS): Docs LR-A30120, LR-A31005, TSB 05/014, TSB 07/022
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Land Rover 306DT-Diesel was used across Land Rover's L319/L320 platforms with longitudinal mounting and shared design elements with Ford's 3.0L diesel in select North American markets. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-shorter accessory belts in the L319 and revised EGR routing in the L322-and from 2007 the Discovery 3 mid-cycle update adopted enhanced fuel filtration, creating interchange limits. Partnerships allowed shared VP44 pump calibration data between Land Rover and Ford engineering teams. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped horizontally on the left-side engine block near the exhaust manifold (Land Rover TIS LR-A30120). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('H' for 3.0 TDV6). Pre-2007 models have silver valve covers with ribbed timing covers; post-2007 units use black valve covers. Critical differentiation from later TDV6 variants: Original 306DT-Diesel uses Bosch VP44 rotary pump with mechanical actuation, while 2010+ models use common-rail systems. Service parts require production date verification - fuel filters for pre-2007 engines are not compatible with post-update units due to housing redesign (Land Rover TSB 07/022).
The 306DT-Diesel's primary reliability risk is Bosch VP44 high-pressure fuel pump failure, with elevated incidence in vehicles using non-compliant fuel or extended service intervals. Internal Land Rover quality reports from 2008 indicated a significant portion of pre-2007 engines required pump replacement before 150,000 km, while UK DVSA records show DPF-related MOT failures are common in urban-driven examples. Infrequent long-distance driving and cold climates increase fuel system stress, making fuel quality and filter maintenance critical.
Analysis derived from Land Rover technical bulletins (2005-2012) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2010-2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about LAND-ROVER 306DT.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
Independent Technical Reference
EngineCode.uk is an independent technical reference platform operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. We are not affiliated with LAND-ROVER or any other manufacturer. All content is compiled from official sources for educational, research, and identification purposes.
Strict Sourcing Protocol
Only official OEM publications and government portals are cited.
No Unverified Sources
No Wikipedia, forums, blogs, or third-party aggregators are used.
Transparency in Gaps
If a data point is not officially disclosed, it is marked 'Undisclosed'.
Regulatory Stability
EU regulations are referenced using CELEX identifiers for long-term stability.
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.
Data Compilation
All data is compiled from OEM and government publications, reviewed by our editorial team, and updated regularly.
Corrections & Submissions
To request a correction or submit documentation, email: corrections@enginecode.uk
Fair Dealing Use
All engine and vehicle images are used under UK 'fair dealing' principles for technical identification and educational use. Rights remain with their respective owners.
Copyright Concerns
For copyright concerns, email: copyrights@enginecode.uk
GDPR Compliance
EngineCode.uk complies with UK GDPR. We do not collect personal data unless explicitly provided.
Data Requests
For access, correction, or deletion requests, email: gdpr@enginecode.uk
Trademark Notice
All trademarks, logos, and engine codes are the property of their respective owners. Use on this site is strictly for reference and identification.
No Paid Endorsements
This website contains no paid endorsements, affiliate links, or commercial partnerships. We do not sell parts or services.
Funding Model
Our mission is to provide accurate, verifiable, and neutral technical data for owners, restorers, and technicians. This site is self-funded.
All specifications and compatibility data verified against officialLAND-ROVER documentation and EU/UK regulatory texts. Where official data is unavailable, entries are marked “Undisclosed“ .
All external links open in new tabs. Please verify current availability of resources.
