The Range Rover Rover V8 5.0L is a 4,949 cc, naturally aspirated V8 petrol engine produced between 1999 and 2005. It features a 90° V-angle, pushrod-operated OHV valvetrain with two valves per cylinder, delivering 183–190 kW (249–258 PS) and 400–420 Nm of torque. Its compact, lightweight aluminium construction and proven architecture provided robust performance in full-size SUVs.
Fitted primarily to the P38A Range Rover and Discovery II (Series 2), the 5.0L V8 was engineered for effortless torque delivery and towing capability across varied terrain. Emissions compliance was achieved through sequential fuel injection and catalytic converters meeting Euro 3 standards.
One documented concern is head gasket failure due to thermal stress and coolant corrosion, highlighted in Land Rover Service Bulletin SIB 06/2000/15. This issue stems from electrolytic corrosion in the alloy block/head interface under hard use or neglected coolant maintenance, prompting revised gasket materials and coolant specifications from 2001.
Production years 1999–2005 meet Euro 3 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/2105).
The Range Rover Rover V8 5.0L is a 4,949 cc OHV V8 naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for full-size SUVs (1999–2005). It combines a pushrod valvetrain with aluminium construction to deliver strong low-end torque and mechanical simplicity. Designed to meet Euro 3 emissions standards, it balances rugged performance with drivability in varied conditions.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 4,949 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded) | |
| Configuration | V8, OHV, 16-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 94.0 mm × 88.9 mm | |
| Power output | 183–190 kW (249–258 PS) @ 4,750 rpm | |
| Torque | 400–420 Nm @ 2,600 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Sequential multi-point fuel injection (Bosch Motronic ME7.2) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 3 | |
| Compression ratio | 9.3:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled with dual electric fans | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Gear-driven camshaft | |
| Oil type | Rover STJLR.03.5001 (SAE 10W-40) | |
| Dry weight | 160 kg |
The OHV V8 delivers strong low-end torque ideal for towing and off-road use but requires strict adherence to coolant change intervals (every 60,000 km) to prevent electrolytic corrosion at the head/block interface. Use of 10W-40 oil meeting Rover STJLR.03.5001 is essential to protect the gear-driven cam and lifters. Extended coolant intervals with incorrect antifreeze increase galvanic corrosion risk, leading to head gasket failure. The engine is non-interference; timing gear failure causes loss of drive but not internal damage. Post-2001 engines feature improved MLS head gaskets and revised coolant chemistry per SIB 06/2000/15.
Oil Specs: Requires Rover STJLR.03.5001 (10W-40) specification (Land Rover SIB 02/2000/08). Equivalent to ACEA A3/B3 but with OEM-specific additive limits.
Emissions: Euro 3 certification applies to all 1999–2005 Rover V8 5.0L engines (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/2105). No Euro 4 variants produced.
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Output verified per Rover Group PT-2000 documentation.
Land Rover Technical Information System (TIS): Docs LRTIS-1999-ENG, SIB 06/2000/15
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/2105)
ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Engine test code
The Range Rover Rover V8 5.0L 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—revised engine mounts in the Discovery II and updated cooling ducts in the P38A—and from 2001 the head gasket and coolant specification was revised to address corrosion. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the left-hand cylinder head near the exhaust manifold (Land Rover TIS LRTIS-1999-ID). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('V' for V8). Visual identification: cast aluminium block with '5.0' embossed on intake manifold and twin cam covers. Critical differentiation from 4.6L V8: larger displacement badge and bore size (94.0 mm vs 92.0 mm). Service parts require build date verification—head gaskets changed in 01/2001 per SIB 06/2000/15.
The Rover V8 5.0L's primary reliability risk is head gasket failure due to electrolytic corrosion, with elevated incidence in high-mileage or neglected-maintenance vehicles. Land Rover internal data from 2002 indicated a notable share of pre-2001 engines requiring head work before 150,000 km, while UK DVSA records show catalytic converter degradation as a common MOT emissions failure. Extended coolant intervals and incorrect antifreeze increase galvanic corrosion, making adherence to OEM maintenance critical.
Analysis derived from Land Rover technical bulletins (1999–2005) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2005–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about RANGE-ROVER ROVER-V8-5-0L.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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