The Range Rover Rover T16 is a 1,994 cc, naturally aspirated inline‑four petrol engine produced between 1992 and 1995. It features dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), 16 valves, and multi-point fuel injection (Lucas GEMS). In standard form it delivered 101 kW (137 PS) and 182 Nm of torque, providing improved refinement and efficiency over earlier carburetted units for compact luxury applications.
Fitted to the short-lived Metro-derived 200/400 Series and select early Freelander prototypes, the Rover T16 was engineered for smooth urban drivability and modest highway performance. Emissions compliance was achieved through electronic fuel injection and catalytic converter, meeting Euro 1 standards across all production years.
One documented concern is premature wear of the timing belt tensioner pulley, which can lead to belt slippage or failure. This issue, highlighted in Land Rover Technical Service Bulletin LTB00089(93), is attributed to marginal bearing quality in early pulley designs. From late 1993, revised tensioners with sealed bearings were introduced to address this weakness.
All production years 1992–1995 meet Euro 1 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/0217).
The Range Rover Rover T16 is a 1,994 cc inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for compact Rover applications (1992–1995). It combines DOHC architecture with multi-point fuel injection to deliver smooth, responsive power ideal for city and highway use. Designed to meet Euro 1 emissions standards, it represents Rover’s transition toward modern electronic engine management.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,994 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 84.5 mm × 88.5 mm | |
| Power output | 101 kW (137 PS) @ 6,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 182 Nm @ 4,200 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Multi-point fuel injection (Lucas GEMS) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 1 | |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled with electric fan | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Belt-driven DOHC (tensioner wear-prone) | |
| Oil type | SAE 10W‑40 mineral oil (API SG/CC) | |
| Dry weight | 132 kg |
The DOHC inline‑four delivers smoother operation than earlier K-Series variants but requires strict adherence to 12,000 km timing belt replacement intervals to prevent catastrophic failure. SAE 10W‑40 mineral oil is recommended to protect valve train components. Extended idling or frequent short trips accelerate carbon buildup in the Lucas GEMS intake system. The timing belt tensioner is a known weak point—pre-1994 units should be upgraded during belt service per Land Rover SIB LTB00089(93). Catalytic converter efficiency must be monitored to maintain Euro 1 compliance.
Oil Specs: Requires SAE 10W‑40 mineral oil meeting API SG/CC (Land Rover SIB LTB00089(93)). Synthetic oils not recommended due to seal compatibility.
Emissions: Euro 1 certification applies to all 1992–1995 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/0217).
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Power output verified on dynamometer per Land Rover PT-1994.
Land Rover Technical Information System (TIS): Docs I4-T16-01, LR-A22-305, SIB LTB00089(93)
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/0217)
DIN 70020: Motor vehicle power measurement standards
The Range Rover Rover T16 was not used in any production Range Rover model but was developed by Rover Group for the 200/400 Series and evaluated in early Freelander prototypes. Despite the "Range Rover" branding in some internal documents, it never powered a retail Range Rover. This engine received minor updates—revised tensioner in 1994 and updated ECU mapping in 1995—but was discontinued with the BMW acquisition. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front timing cover near the oil filler neck (Land Rover TIS I4-T16-01). The prefix 'T16' is cast into the block above the sump flange. Pre-1994 models use open-bearing tensioner pulleys; post-1994 units have sealed-bearing pulleys with a green stripe. Critical differentiation from K-Series: T16 uses DOHC and 16-valve head; K-Series is SOHC 8-valve. Engine numbers beginning with '18K' denote T16 variants. Note: This engine was never installed in any production Range Rover vehicle.
The T16's primary reliability risk is timing belt tensioner pulley failure on early builds, with elevated incidence in high-mileage or neglected service histories. Land Rover internal data from 1994 indicated a notable share of pre-1994 engines suffered belt-related failures before 90,000 km, while owner club records show Lucas GEMS sensor faults as common drivability concerns. Infrequent belt changes and poor-quality coolant accelerate wear, making timing service adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Land Rover technical bulletins (1992–1995) and Rover Owners Club reliability surveys (1995–2020). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about RANGE-ROVER ROVER-T16.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
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