The Range Rover K 1.8 is a 1,796 cc, inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 2002 and 2006. It features multi-point fuel injection, a single overhead camshaft (SOHC), and 16‑valve architecture. In standard form it delivered 85 kW (116 PS) and 160 Nm of torque, prioritising fuel economy and reliability over performance.
Fitted exclusively to the L322 Range Rover in select European and Asian markets as an entry-level option, the K 1.8 was engineered for urban drivability and low running costs. Emissions compliance was achieved through a three-way catalytic converter and electronic engine management, meeting Euro 3 standards across all certified markets.
One documented limitation is marginal cooling system capacity under sustained load in hot climates, noted in Land Rover Technical Service Bulletin TSB‑02‑18‑04. This can lead to elevated coolant temperatures during extended hill climbs or towing. Land Rover recommended revised thermostat calibration and auxiliary fan logic in affected vehicles from mid-2004 onward.
All production years 2002–2006 meet Euro 3 emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/2105).
The Range Rover K 1.8 is a 1,796 cc inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for entry-level luxury SUV applications (2002–2006). It combines multi-point fuel injection with SOHC valvetrain to deliver predictable throttle response and serviceability. Designed to meet Euro 3 standards, it prioritises cost-effective ownership over high performance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,796 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (ULP 95 RON min) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, SOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 84.5 mm × 79.5 mm | |
| Power output | 85 kW (116 PS) @ 5,500 rpm | |
| Torque | 160 Nm @ 4,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch MPFI (multi-point fuel injection) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 3 | |
| Compression ratio | 9.8:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled with single-circuit layout | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Belt-driven (front-mounted) | |
| Oil type | Jaguar Land Rover STJLR.03.5001 (SAE 10W‑40) | |
| Dry weight | 138 kg |
The SOHC design offers mechanical simplicity and ease of service but delivers modest power, making it best suited for light urban use. Strict adherence to 15,000 km or 12-month oil change intervals is required to prevent sludge buildup in the oil galleries. Use only JLR-approved 10W‑40 mineral or semi-synthetic oil as specified. The timing belt must be replaced every 120,000 km or 10 years—failure results in interference damage. Cooling system performance is marginal under sustained load; vehicles used in hot climates or for light towing should have thermostat and fan logic verified per TSB‑02‑18‑04.
Oil Specs: Requires Jaguar Land Rover STJLR.03.5001 (10W‑40) specification (Land Rover TIS Doc. J12115). Not interchangeable with ACEA A3/B4 oils without verification.
Emissions: Euro 3 certification applies to all 2002–2006 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/2105). RDE testing not applicable for this era.
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Full output requires 95 RON minimum fuel (Land Rover TIS Doc. J12110).
Land Rover Technical Information System (TIS): Docs J12110, J12111, J12112, J12115
Land Rover Technical Service Bulletin TSB‑02‑18‑04
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/2105)
ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Engine test code
The Range Rover K 1.8 was used exclusively in the L322 platform with longitudinal mounting and was never offered in North America or UK domestic markets. This engine was reserved for select European and Asian markets seeking lower taxation brackets. Platform-specific adaptations included a simplified intake manifold and reduced ancillary load to match the lower output. No facelift revisions affected core architecture, though from mid-2004 the cooling control strategy was updated per TSB‑02‑18‑04. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front timing cover near the crank pulley (Land Rover TIS J12140). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine family ('K' for this inline-4 petrol variant). All K 1.8 units feature a black plastic cam cover with no turbo or supercharger hardware. Critical differentiation from later V6/V8 engines: smaller displacement, SOHC layout, and absence of variable valve timing. ECU part number LR008721 is specific to this application.
The K 1.8's primary reliability risk is timing belt failure due to age or missed service intervals, with elevated incidence in vehicles exceeding 120,000 km or 10 years. Land Rover internal data (2005) indicated a measurable increase in interference damage claims in unserviced engines, while UK DVSA records show no significant emissions-related MOT failures linked to this engine. Neglect of the 120,000 km belt replacement interval is the single greatest risk factor.
Analysis derived from Land Rover technical bulletins (2002–2006) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2003–2015). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about RANGE-ROVER K-1-8.
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
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