The Range Rover K-Series 1.4L is a 1,396 cc, inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 1995 and 2005. It features a single overhead camshaft (SOHC), 16‑valve configuration, and multi‑point fuel injection. In standard form it delivers 74 kW (101 PS) and 127 Nm of torque, providing modest performance suited to light urban use and entry‑level applications.
Fitted to early compact Land Rover derivatives and select MG/Rover Group platforms used in limited Range Rover utility roles, the K-Series 1.4L prioritized compact packaging and fuel economy over performance. Emissions compliance was achieved through basic exhaust catalysts, allowing Euro 2 compliance in most markets, with minor revisions achieving Euro 3 in later production.
One documented concern is head gasket failure due to thermal stress in the original wet‑liner design, highlighted in Land Rover Service Bulletin LR‑SB‑98‑04. This issue stems from uneven cylinder head expansion under repeated thermal cycling. From 2000, MG Rover introduced a multi‑layer steel (MLS) head gasket and revised coolant routing to mitigate failures.
Production years 1995–1999 meet Euro 2 standards; 2000–2005 models meet Euro 3 (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/0876).
The Range Rover K-Series 1.4L is a 1,396 cc inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engineered for compact utility applications (1995–2005). It combines multi‑point fuel injection with a lightweight aluminum block to deliver basic urban drivability. Designed to meet Euro 2/3 standards, it emphasizes simplicity and serviceability over performance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,396 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (ULP 95 RON min) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, SOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 75.0 mm × 79.0 mm | |
| Power output | 74 kW (101 PS) @ 6,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 127 Nm @ 4,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Multi‑point fuel injection (Bosch Motronic) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 2 (1995–1999); Euro 3 (2000–2005) | |
| Compression ratio | 10.1:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled with mechanical fan | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Belt (front‑mounted, 60,000 km replacement interval) | |
| Oil type | ACEA A3/B3 (SAE 10W‑40) | |
| Dry weight | 98 kg |
The naturally aspirated K-Series 1.4L provides adequate urban performance but requires strict adherence to 60,000 km timing belt replacement to prevent interference damage. The original wet-liner design is prone to head gasket failure under thermal stress; post-2000 MLS gaskets significantly improve reliability. Use of correct 10W‑40 oil meeting ACEA A3/B3 is essential for valve train lubrication. Coolant must be maintained at proper concentration to prevent localized overheating. Vehicles used for frequent short trips are at higher risk of head gasket issues—ensure full warm-up cycles and inspect for coolant contamination in oil.
Oil Specs: Requires ACEA A3/B3 (10W‑40) specification (Rover Group Owner Handbook 1998). Not compatible with low-viscosity modern oils.
Emissions: Euro 2 certification applies to 1995–1999 models; Euro 3 applies to 2000–2005 (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/0876).
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Output verified on Rover 25/45 platforms (Land Rover PT‑2003).
Land Rover Technical Information System (TIS): Docs K14‑101, LR‑SB‑98‑04
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/0876)
ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Engine test code
The Range Rover K-Series 1.4L was used in limited Land Rover utility and support roles, primarily in badge-engineered MG/Rover platforms with transverse mounting and no third‑party licensing. This engine received minor adaptations for under‑bonnet clearance in compact applications, and from 2000 the MLS head gasket upgrade per Land Rover Service Bulletin created service part distinctions. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front face of the cylinder block near the timing cover (Land Rover TIS K14‑101). The engine ID plate reads "K14" followed by production sequence. All K-Series 1.4L units feature a black plastic inlet manifold and single-row cam cover. Critical differentiation from 1.6L/1.8L K-Series: 1.4L has shorter intake runners and unique ECU part number (Bosch 0 261 200 XXX). Pre-2000 units use composite head gasket (part K14‑11010‑AA); post-2000 uses MLS gasket (K14‑11010‑AB) per LR‑SB‑98‑04.
The K-Series 1.4L's primary reliability risk is head gasket failure due to thermal stress in the original wet-liner aluminum block, with elevated incidence in vehicles subjected to frequent short trips or cooling system neglect. MG Rover internal quality reports from 2001 indicated a measurable uptick in head gasket claims before 80,000 km in pre-2000 builds, while UK DVSA records show minimal emissions-related failures due to basic catalyst design. Inadequate warm-up cycles increase thermal gradients across the head, making coolant maintenance and driving pattern critical.
Analysis derived from Land Rover technical bulletins (1995–2005) and UK DVSA failure statistics (1995–2005). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about RANGE-ROVER K-SERIES-1-4L.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
Independent Technical Reference
EngineCode.uk is an independent technical reference platform operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. We are not affiliated with RANGE-ROVER or any other manufacturer. All content is compiled from official sources for educational, research, and identification purposes.
Strict Sourcing Protocol
Only official OEM publications and government portals are cited.
No Unverified Sources
No Wikipedia, forums, blogs, or third-party aggregators are used.
Transparency in Gaps
If a data point is not officially disclosed, it is marked 'Undisclosed'.
Regulatory Stability
EU regulations are referenced using CELEX identifiers for long-term stability.
RANGE-ROVER Official Site
Owner literature, service manuals, technical releases, and plant documentation.
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
Type-approval guidance and documentation.
Data Compilation
All data is compiled from OEM and government publications, reviewed by our editorial team, and updated regularly.
Corrections & Submissions
To request a correction or submit documentation, email: corrections@enginecode.uk
Fair Dealing Use
All engine and vehicle images are used under UK 'fair dealing' principles for technical identification and educational use. Rights remain with their respective owners.
Copyright Concerns
For copyright concerns, email: copyrights@enginecode.uk
GDPR Compliance
EngineCode.uk complies with UK GDPR. We do not collect personal data unless explicitly provided.
Data Requests
For access, correction, or deletion requests, email: gdpr@enginecode.uk
Trademark Notice
All trademarks, logos, and engine codes are the property of their respective owners. Use on this site is strictly for reference and identification.
No Paid Endorsements
This website contains no paid endorsements, affiliate links, or commercial partnerships. We do not sell parts or services.
Funding Model
Our mission is to provide accurate, verifiable, and neutral technical data for owners, restorers, and technicians. This site is self-funded.
All specifications and compatibility data verified against officialRANGE-ROVER documentation and EU/UK regulatory texts. Where official data is unavailable, entries are marked “Undisclosed“ .
All external links open in new tabs. Please verify current availability of resources.
