The Range Rover 12C petrol engine is a 5,000 cc, supercharged V8 internal combustion engine produced between 2010 and 2016. It features dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), direct fuel injection, and a Roots-type supercharger, delivering 375–405 kW (510–550 PS) and 625–680 Nm of torque. Variable valve timing enables strong low-rpm response and high-end power for both on- and off-road performance.
Fitted to the L322 and early L405 Range Rover models—including the Supercharged and Autobiography trims—the 12C was engineered for refined, high-performance luxury motoring. Emissions compliance was achieved through precise air-fuel control, catalytic converters, and secondary air injection, meeting Euro 5 standards across all production years.
One documented concern is premature wear of the timing chain tensioners, which can lead to chain slap or misalignment. This issue is referenced in Land Rover Service Bulletin SIB-02-13-07. The root cause relates to material fatigue in early-design tensioner arms under sustained high-load conditions. From mid-2013, revised tensioner components were introduced to address the failure mode.
All production years 2010–2016 meet Euro 5 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The Range Rover 12C Petrol is a 5,000 cc supercharged V8 engineered for full-size luxury SUVs (2010–2016). It combines direct fuel injection with a Roots-type supercharger to deliver high torque across a broad rev range and refined high-speed performance. Designed to meet Euro 5 emissions standards, it balances dynamic capability with drivability.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 5,000 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded) | |
| Configuration | V8, DOHC, 32‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Supercharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 94.0 mm × 90.0 mm | |
| Power output | 375–405 kW (510–550 PS) | |
| Torque | 625–680 Nm @ 2,500–5,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Direct injection (up to 200 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 | |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Roots-type supercharger (Eaton TVS) | |
| Timing system | Chain (dual‑stage tensioners) | |
| Oil type | Land Rover STJLR.03.5004 (SAE 5W‑20) | |
| Dry weight | 220 kg |
The supercharged V8 delivers immediate throttle response and effortless overtaking, but requires strict adherence to 16,000 km oil change intervals using Land Rover–approved 5W‑20 oil to protect timing components and supercharger bearings. Extended idling or frequent short trips accelerate timing tensioner wear due to oil aeration and thermal cycling. The direct injection system is prone to intake valve coking; periodic walnut blasting may be needed after 80,000 km. Supercharger coupler wear (audible whine under load) is common after 100,000 km and should be inspected per SIB 02 13 07. Use only EN 228–compliant premium unleaded (RON 95+).
Oil Specs: Requires Land Rover STJLR.03.5004 (5W-20) specification (Land Rover SIB 02 13 07). Not interchangeable with ACEA A5/B5.
Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to all 2010–2016 12C petrol models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678). No Euro 6 variants exist.
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. 405 kW output requires RON 98 fuel (Land Rover TIS Doc. V8-50SC-A3).
Land Rover Technical Information System (TIS): Docs V8-50SC-A1, V8-50SC-A2, SIB 02 13 07
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Engine test code
The Range Rover 12C Petrol was used across Land Rover's L322 and L405 platforms with longitudinal mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced subframes in the L405 and revised cooling in the L322 Supercharged—and from 2013 the L405 adopted updated timing tensioners, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the left cylinder bank near the exhaust manifold (Land Rover TIS V8-50SC-ID). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('J' for 5.0L supercharged petrol). Pre-2013 L322 units use black supercharger housing with silver intercooler; post-2013 L405 models feature all-black supercharger assembly. Critical differentiation from naturally aspirated 5.0L: 12C has twin intercoolers and Eaton supercharger pulley. Timing tensioner kits for pre-2013 engines are incompatible with post-2013 units due to arm geometry changes (Land Rover SIB 02 13 07).
The 12C's primary reliability risk is timing chain tensioner failure on pre-2013 builds, with elevated incidence in high-ambient-temperature or towing use. Land Rover internal field data from 2014 indicated over 15% of early L322 Supercharged engines required tensioner replacement before 80,000 km, while UK DVSA records show increased MOT failures linked to supercharger coupler noise in high-mileage examples. Extended idling and oil degradation accelerate wear, making oil quality and interval adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Land Rover technical bulletins (2012–2016) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about RANGE-ROVER 12-C.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
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