The Range Rover 12 H999AA is a 4,999 cc, V8 naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 2010 and 2016. It features dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), variable valve timing (VVT), and direct fuel injection. In standard form it delivered 270 kW (375 PS) and 510 Nm of torque, providing smooth high-end power for luxury SUV performance.
Fitted to the L322 Range Rover and early L405 models—including the HSE and Autobiography trims—the 12 H999AA was engineered for refined cruising, effortless overtaking, and quiet operation. Emissions compliance was achieved through precise combustion control and a dual exhaust aftertreatment system, meeting Euro 5 standards across all production years.
One documented concern is premature wear of the timing chain tensioners, which can lead to timing misalignment and engine damage if unaddressed. This issue is referenced in Land Rover Service Bulletin SIB 08 12 14. The root cause is linked to oil pressure fluctuations during cold starts. From 2014, revised tensioners and guides were introduced to mitigate the failure mode.
All production years 2010–2016 meet Euro 5 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The Range Rover 12 H999AA is a 4,999 cc V8 naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for full-size luxury SUVs (2010–2016). It combines DOHC architecture with variable valve timing and direct injection to deliver smooth, linear power and refined operation. Designed to meet Euro 5 emissions standards, it balances performance with regulatory compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 4,999 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (ULP 95 RON min) | |
| Configuration | V8, DOHC, 32‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 95.5 mm × 87.0 mm | |
| Power output | 270 kW (375 PS) @ 6,500 rpm | |
| Torque | 510 Nm @ 3,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Direct injection (Bosch HDEV5) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 | |
| Compression ratio | 11.3:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain (dual‑stage tensioners; wear‑prone pre‑2014) | |
| Oil type | Land Rover STJLR.03.5027 (SAE 5W‑30) | |
| Dry weight | 215 kg |
The naturally aspirated V8 delivers smooth, linear power ideal for relaxed highway cruising but requires strict adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals using Land Rover–approved 5W‑30 to maintain timing chain integrity. Pre‑2014 engines are susceptible to tensioner wear due to marginal oil pressure at cold start; revised parts per SIB 08 12 14 should be installed during any chain service. Direct injection demands high‑quality fuel (95 RON minimum) to prevent injector coking. The engine is interference-design—timing failure risks catastrophic valve/piston contact.
Oil Specs: Requires Land Rover STJLR.03.5027 (5W‑30) specification (Land Rover SIB 08 12 14). Equivalent to ACEA C3 but with OEM-specific additives.
Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to all 2010–2016 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678). No Euro 6 variants exist.
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Power output assumes 95 RON fuel (Land Rover TIS Doc. V8‑4999‑A).
Land Rover Technical Information System (TIS): Docs V8‑4999‑A, SIB 08 12 14, SIB 06 09 13
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Engine test code
The Range Rover 12 H999AA was used across Land Rover's L322 and early L405 platforms with longitudinal mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced mounts in the L405 and revised cooling ducts in the L322—and from 2014 the facelifted L405 retained the same engine but with updated timing components, creating partial interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the left-side engine block near the cylinder head (Land Rover TIS V8‑4999‑A). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine family ('H' for 12 H999AA). Pre-2014 models use silver timing covers with older tensioner design; post-2014 units feature black timing covers and updated guides. Critical differentiation from supercharged variants: 12 H999AA lacks intercooler piping and has a single throttle body. Service parts for timing systems require production date verification—kits for engines before 06/2014 are incompatible with later units due to tensioner redesign (Land Rover SIB 08 12 14).
The 12 H999AA's primary reliability risk is timing chain tensioner wear on pre-2014 builds, with elevated incidence in cold climates and short-trip driving. Land Rover internal quality data from 2015 indicated a measurable rate of chain-related repairs before 100,000 km in early units, while UK DVSA records show no significant emissions-related MOT failures due to robust aftertreatment design. Cold-start cycles increase tensioner stress, making oil quality and warm-up procedure 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-H999AA.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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RANGE-ROVER Official Site
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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
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