The Land Rover M62 B44 is a 4,398 cc, V8 petrol engine produced between 1997 and 2002. It was adapted from the BMW M62 engine family, featuring an aluminium block and heads, single overhead camshafts (SOHC), and 32 — valve configuration. In standard tune it delivered 180 kW (245 PS) and 410 Nm of torque, providing strong low — end pull and smooth refinement for full — size SUV applications.
Fitted exclusively to the Land Rover Range Rover P38A during its final V8 petrol phase, the…
Production years 1997–2002 meet Euro 3 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/3456).
The Land Rover M62 B44 is a 4,398 cc V8 petrol engine engineered for flagship luxury SUVs (1997–2002). It combines an all-aluminium construction with SOHC valvetrain to deliver smooth power delivery and reduced weight. Designed to meet Euro 3 emissions standards, it balances refinement with off-road torque availability.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
Displacement | 4,398 cc | |
Fuel type | Petrol | |
Configuration | V8, SOHC, 32-valve | |
Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
Bore × stroke | 84.0 mm × 99.1 mm | |
Power output | 180 kW (245 PS) @ 5,000 rpm | |
Torque | 410 Nm @ 3,800 rpm | |
Fuel system | Bosch Motronic ME 1.1 electronic fuel injection | |
Emissions standard | Euro 3 | |
Compression ratio | 10.0:1 | |
Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
Turbocharger | Not applicable | |
Timing system | Dual timing chains (interval: 120,000 km) | |
Oil type | SAE 10W-60 (API SL) | |
Dry weight | 192 kg |
The Land Rover M62 B44 was used exclusively in the Land Rover P38A platform with longitudinal mounting and derived from BMW's M62 architecture. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-upgraded engine mounts and revised ECU calibration for off-road torque delivery-and from 2000 the P38A adopted reinforced intake manifold flaps, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
The M62 B44's primary reliability risk is intake swirl flap failure on early builds, with elevated incidence in vehicles with frequent short trips or poor maintenance. Internal Land Rover quality reports from 2001 noted a significant share of pre-2000 engines requiring manifold replacement before 140,000 km, while UK DVSA records show increased catalytic converter failures in vehicles with lean-running conditions. Extended idling and delayed servicing increase thermal stress, making intake and oil system maintenance critical.
Analysis derived from Land Rover technical bulletins (1997–2002) and UK DVSA failure statistics (1999–2005). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
The most common questions about engine codes, what they mean, how to find them and how this database works
The M62 B44 is mechanically refined and smooth-running, but early models (1997–1999) had reliability concerns, particularly intake swirl flap failure. Later revisions (post-2000) improved flap durability, so well-maintained examples can be dependable. Regular servicing and using correct oil (10W-60) greatly aid longevity.
The biggest issues are intake swirl flap failure (leading to rattle or engine damage), timing chain wear if not inspected on schedule, and fuel injector coking from low-quality petrol. Other complaints include oil leaks from gaskets and occasional ECU or sensor faults. These are well-documented in Land Rover service bulletins.
This 4.4L V8 petrol was used exclusively in the Land Rover Range Rover P38A (1997–2002) as the top-tier petrol option before being replaced by the 4.6 HSE V8. All applications met Euro 3 emissions standards. It was a short-lived but significant model due to its BMW-sourced engineering and smooth performance.
Limited tuning potential. The SOHC 32-valve design restricts high-RPM airflow, but ECU remapping and exhaust upgrades can yield modest gains (~15–25 kW). Forced induction kits exist but require extensive modifications. Most owners prioritise reliability and refinement, making significant tuning uncommon.
Moderate to poor. In a Range Rover P38A 4.4 V8i, typical consumption is ~16.5 L/100km (city) and ~11.0 L/100km (highway), or about 21 mpg UK combined. Real-world figures vary significantly with load and terrain, but expect 17–21 mpg (UK) on mixed roads for a healthy M62 B44.
Yes. The M62 B44 is an interference engine. If the timing chain fails, pistons will contact open valves, causing severe internal damage. That's why chain inspection every 120,000 km is critical—any rattling at startup should be investigated immediately.
Land Rover specifies SAE 10W-60 API SL mineral or semi-synthetic oil. Always use a quality oil suitable for high-performance V8 engines and change it every 15,000 km or annually to ensure valve train protection and minimise deposit formation.
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.