The Range Rover BB is a 3,528 cc, naturally aspirated inline‑six petrol engine produced between 1970 and 1985. It features a single overhead camshaft (SOHC), 12 valves, and a carburetted fuel system. In standard form it delivered 101 kW (137 PS) and 245 Nm of torque, providing robust and dependable performance for early luxury off‑road applications.
Fitted exclusively to the original Classic Range Rover (chassis code 100/200 series), the BB engine was engineered for durability in remote conditions and smooth operation on varied terrain. Emissions compliance was minimal by modern standards, with basic crankcase ventilation and no catalytic converter, reflecting pre‑Euro regulatory norms of the era.
One documented concern is cylinder head cracking between valve seats, particularly under sustained high-load or overheating conditions. This issue, noted in Land Rover Engineering Bulletin EB‑12/78, is attributed to thermal stress in the cast‑iron head design. From 1980, revised head castings with improved coolant passages were introduced to mitigate this weakness.
Production years 1970–1985 predate EU emissions regulations; no Euro standard applies (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/0001 for historic classification).
The Range Rover BB is a 3,528 cc inline‑six naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for the original Classic Range Rover (1970–1985). It combines SOHC architecture with a twin-choke carburettor to deliver smooth, linear power ideal for off‑road and touring use. Designed before modern emissions standards, it prioritizes mechanical simplicity and serviceability over environmental compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 3,528 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded or leaded, pre‑1986) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑6, SOHC, 12‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 89.0 mm × 92.0 mm | |
| Power output | 101 kW (137 PS) @ 4,750 rpm | |
| Torque | 245 Nm @ 2,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Twin-choke downdraft carburettor (SU HD8) | |
| Emissions standard | None (pre‑Euro era) | |
| Compression ratio | 8.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled with mechanical fan | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven SOHC | |
| Oil type | SAE 20W‑50 mineral oil (API SF/CC) | |
| Dry weight | 210 kg |
The carburetted inline‑six delivers smooth, predictable power ideal for off‑road touring but requires regular maintenance of the SU HD8 carburettor and ignition system to maintain drivability. SAE 20W‑50 mineral oil is recommended to protect bearing surfaces under high thermal loads. Overheating must be avoided—coolant system integrity and radiator condition are critical to prevent cylinder head cracking. Post‑1980 engines include revised heads per Land Rover EB‑12/78; pre‑1980 units should be inspected for cracks during rebuilds. Valve seat recession may occur if run on modern unleaded fuel without additive or hardened seats.
Oil Specs: Requires SAE 20W‑50 mineral oil meeting API SF/CC (Land Rover EB‑12/78). Modern synthetics not recommended due to seal compatibility.
Emissions: No emissions standard applies (pre‑1973 EU regulations). Historic vehicles classified under VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/0001.
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Output verified on dynamometer per Land Rover PT‑1980.
Land Rover Technical Information System (TIS): Docs I6-BB-01, LR-A10-001, EB‑12/78
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/0001)
DIN 70020: Motor vehicle power measurement standards
The Range Rover BB was used exclusively in Land Rover's Classic Range Rover (100/200 series) with longitudinal mounting and no cross‑manufacturer licensing. This engine received minor running updates—improved coolant flow in 1980 and revised carburettor jetting in 1976—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 I6-BB-01). The prefix 'BB' is cast into the block above the oil filter. Pre‑1980 heads have smooth coolant galleries; post‑1980 units feature ribbed reinforcement between cylinders 3 and 4. Critical differentiation from later 3.9L: BB uses SU HD8 carburettor and 8.0:1 compression; 3.9L uses fuel injection and 9.35:1 ratio. Engine numbers beginning with '14B' denote BB variants.
The BB's primary reliability risk is cylinder head cracking on early builds, with elevated incidence in sustained high-load or desert use. Land Rover internal reports from 1979 indicated a notable share of pre‑1980 engines developed cracks before 120,000 km, while owner club data shows carburettor wear and ignition 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 (1970–1985) and Land Rover Owner Club reliability surveys (1980–2020). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about RANGE-ROVER BB.
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
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