The Range Rover L-Series 2.5L diesel engine is a 2,495 cc, inline‑four turbo‑diesel internal combustion engine produced between 1994 and 2006. It features a single overhead camshaft (SOHC), indirect fuel injection via a Bosch VE rotary pump, and a fixed-geometry turbocharger, delivering 65–85 kW (88–116 PS) and 230–270 Nm of torque. Mechanical simplicity and robust cast-iron construction enabled strong durability in off-road and fleet applications.
Fitted to the P38A Range Rover and Discovery Series II—including base and Commercial variants—the L-Series 2.5L was engineered for reliability and serviceability in global markets with variable fuel quality. Emissions compliance was achieved through exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and oxidation catalysts, meeting Euro 2 standards across all production years.
One documented concern is premature head gasket failure due to thermal stress at the fire ring, which can lead to coolant contamination and overheating. This issue is referenced in Land Rover Service Bulletin SIB-01-98-03. The root cause relates to insufficient clamping force and metallurgical mismatch between the aluminium head and cast-iron block. From 1999, revised multi-layer steel (MLS) head gaskets and torque-to-yield (TTY) head bolts were introduced to address the failure mode.
All production years 1994–2006 meet Euro 2 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/2105).
The Range Rover L-Series 2.5L Diesel is a 2,495 cc inline‑four turbo-diesel engineered for utility and off-road SUVs (1994–2006). It combines indirect injection with a fixed-geometry turbocharger to deliver rugged low-end torque and mechanical reliability. Designed to meet Euro 2 emissions standards, it prioritizes serviceability and tolerance to poor fuel quality over refinement.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,495 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, SOHC, 8‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 90.5 mm × 97.0 mm | |
| Power output | 65–85 kW (88–116 PS) | |
| Torque | 230–270 Nm @ 2,000–2,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch VE rotary injection pump (indirect) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 2 | |
| Compression ratio | 21.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Fixed-geometry turbocharger (Garrett T2) | |
| Timing system | Gear-driven camshaft | |
| Oil type | Land Rover STJLR.03.5001 (SAE 15W‑40) | |
| Dry weight | 210 kg |
The L-Series 2.5L delivers rugged, low-rev torque ideal for towing and off-road use but requires strict adherence to 10,000 km oil change intervals using Land Rover–approved 15W‑40 mineral oil to protect main bearings and turbocharger journal. Extended idling or chronic short trips accelerate cylinder glazing due to low combustion temperatures. The indirect injection system is tolerant of poor fuel quality but demands clean, water-free diesel meeting EN 590 standards. Head gasket integrity is critical—any coolant loss or white exhaust smoke should trigger immediate inspection per SIB 01 98 03. Pre-1999 engines should be upgraded to MLS gasket and TTY bolts during any top-end service.
Oil Specs: Requires Land Rover STJLR.03.5001 (15W-40 mineral) specification (Land Rover SIB 01 98 03). Not interchangeable with ACEA A3/B3.
Emissions: Euro 2 certification applies to all 1994–2006 L-Series 2.5L diesel models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/2105). No Euro 3 variants exist.
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. 85 kW output requires EN 590-compliant diesel (Land Rover TIS Doc. L25D-A3).
Land Rover Technical Information System (TIS): Docs L25D-A1, L25D-A2, SIB 01 98 03
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/2105)
ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Engine test code
The Range Rover L-Series 2.5L Diesel was used across Land Rover's P38A and Discovery Series II platforms with longitudinal mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced sump in the Discovery and upgraded cooling in the P38A—and from 1999 the L-Series adopted MLS head gaskets, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the left side of the block near the injection pump (Land Rover TIS L25D-ID). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('D' for 2.5L diesel). Pre-1999 units use composite head gaskets with standard head bolts; post-1999 models feature MLS gaskets with torque-to-yield bolts. Critical differentiation from 200Tdi/300Tdi: L-Series has single camshaft, Bosch VE pump with mechanical governor, and no intercooler. Head gasket kits for pre-1999 engines are incompatible with later units due to bolt and gasket design changes (Land Rover SIB 01 98 03).
The L-Series 2.5L's primary reliability risk is head gasket failure on pre-1999 builds, with elevated incidence in high-ambient-temperature or towing use. Land Rover internal field data from 2000 indicated over 20% of early P38A diesel engines required head gasket replacement before 120,000 km, while UK DVSA records show increased MOT failures linked to coolant leaks in high-mileage examples. Extended idling and oil degradation accelerate wear, making oil quality and interval adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Land Rover technical bulletins (1998–2004) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2000–2010). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about RANGE-ROVER L-SERIES-2-5L.
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