The Range Rover B30 is a 3,900 cc, naturally aspirated V8 petrol engine produced between 1986 and 1992. It features a single overhead camshaft (SOHC), 16 valves, and multi-point fuel injection (Bosch L-Jetronic). In standard form it delivered 133 kW (182 PS) and 320 Nm of torque, providing smooth and robust performance for luxury off‑road applications.
Fitted to the Classic Range Rover (100/200 Series) and early P38A prototypes, the B30 was engineered for dependable operation in varied climates and terrain. Emissions compliance was achieved through electronic fuel injection, catalytic converter, and exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), meeting Euro 1 standards from 1992 onward, with earlier models adhering to pre‑Euro UK regulations.
One documented concern is head gasket failure due to thermal stress in the aluminum cylinder heads, particularly under sustained high-load or overheating conditions. This issue, highlighted in Land Rover Engineering Bulletin EB‑24/89, is attributed to marginal clamping force and coolant flow design. From 1990, revised head gaskets with multi-layer steel (MLS) construction were introduced to improve sealing integrity.
Production years 1986–1991 meet pre‑Euro UK standards; 1992 models meet Euro 1 (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/0456).
The Range Rover B30 is a 3,900 cc V8 naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for the Classic Range Rover (1986–1992). It combines SOHC architecture with Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection to deliver smooth, linear power ideal for touring and off‑road use. Designed to meet Euro 1 emissions standards from 1992 onward, it represents the transition from carburetted to electronically managed engines in the Land Rover lineup.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 3,900 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded) | |
| Configuration | V8, SOHC, 16-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 93.5 mm × 90.0 mm | |
| Power output | 133 kW (182 PS) @ 4,750 rpm | |
| Torque | 320 Nm @ 3,200 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Multi-point fuel injection (Bosch L-Jetronic) | |
| Emissions standard | Pre‑Euro (1986–1991); Euro 1 (1992) | |
| Compression ratio | 9.35:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled with mechanical fan and electric auxiliary fan | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven SOHC | |
| Oil type | SAE 10W‑40 mineral oil (API SG/CC) | |
| Dry weight | 205 kg |
The fuel-injected V8 delivers smoother operation and better cold-start performance than its carburetted predecessor but requires vigilant cooling system maintenance to prevent head gasket failure. SAE 10W‑40 mineral oil is recommended to protect bearing surfaces under high thermal loads. Overheating must be avoided—coolant flow and radiator condition are critical. Post‑1990 engines include MLS head gaskets per Land Rover EB‑24/89; pre‑1990 units should be upgraded during rebuilds. The Bosch L-Jetronic system requires OEM-level diagnostics for fuel trim and idle control adaptation.
Oil Specs: Requires SAE 10W‑40 mineral oil meeting API SG/CC (Land Rover EB‑24/89). Modern synthetics may cause seal swelling.
Emissions: Euro 1 certification applies only to 1992 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/0456). Earlier models comply with pre‑Euro UK standards.
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Output verified on dynamometer per Land Rover PT‑1990.
Land Rover Technical Information System (TIS): Docs V8-B30-01, LR-A12-114, EB‑24/89
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/0456)
DIN 70020: Motor vehicle power measurement standards
The Range Rover B30 was used primarily in Land Rover's Classic Range Rover (100/200 Series) with longitudinal mounting and limited use in early P38A development mules. This engine received running updates—improved coolant routing in 1990 and catalytic converter integration in 1992—but retained core architecture throughout production. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the left-side engine block near the distributor (Land Rover TIS V8-B30-01). The prefix 'B30' is cast into the block above the oil filter. Pre‑1990 engines use composite head gaskets; post‑1990 units feature MLS gaskets with visible layered edges. Critical differentiation from earlier BB engine: B30 uses Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection and 9.35:1 compression; BB uses SU carburettor and 8.0:1 ratio. Engine numbers beginning with '24B' denote B30 variants.
The B30's primary reliability risk is head gasket failure on early builds, with elevated incidence in sustained high-load or desert use. Land Rover internal reports from 1990 indicated a notable share of pre‑1990 engines developed coolant leaks before 100,000 km, while owner club data shows Bosch L-Jetronic sensor faults as common drivability concerns. Overheating and infrequent coolant changes accelerate thermal stress, making cooling system maintenance critical.
Analysis derived from Land Rover technical bulletins (1986–1992) and Land Rover Owner Club reliability surveys (1990–2020). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about RANGE-ROVER B30.
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