Land Rover Defender 110 2.8i Engine ReplacementCompare Prices & Get Quotes
Get quotes today from trusted UK Land Rover Defender 110 2.8i engine specialists. Compare prices on reconditioned, rebuilt and used engines to find the most reliable and cost-effective solution for your rare BMW-powered classic Defender.
Supply & Fit Available
12-Month Warranty
Nationwide Delivery
100+ Suppliers
From £2,500 to £4,500 [ESTIMATED - using BMW M52 family averages]
Used from £800 · Reconditioned from £1,800 · Common codes: M52B28
From £800
Tested, bare/short engine
From £1,800
Rod bearings addressed, tested
From quote
Upgraded bearings, full teardown, revised valvetrain
Secure enquiry - no spam, no pressure. Genuine quotes only from vetted UK Land Rover Defender 110 2.8i specialists.
3 Simple Steps3 Simple Stepsto Finding the Best Land Rover Defender 110 2.8i Replacement Engineto Finding the Best Land Rover Defender 110 2.8i Replacement Engine
Most replacements completed within 3-5 days.
Variant HistoryLand Rover Defender 110 2.8i - Engine History & Specs at a Glance
When the Land Rover Defender 110 2.8i was introduced in the late 1990s, it represented a unique, limited-production collaboration during BMW's ownership of the brand, bringing the smooth and robust BMW M52 inline-six engine to the iconic off-roader.
Variant HistoryLand Rover Defender 110 2.8i - Engine History & Specs at a Glance
When the Land Rover Defender 110 2.8i was introduced in the late 1990s, it represented a unique, limited-production collaboration during BMW's ownership of the brand, bringing the smooth and robust BMW M52 inline-six engine to the iconic off-roader.
Land Rover Defender 110 2.8i
Fuel TypePetrol
Engine Size Range2.8L (2793cc)
Power Output Range190hp (140kW)Engine History Timeline
M52B28 (2.8L Petrol) 190hp, introduced exclusively for the South African market (with limited UK imports), offering a refined alternative to the traditional Rover V8 and TDi units.
End of 2.8i production concluding this rare chapter before the wider rollout of the TD5 and subsequent Puma engines across the Defender range.
Key Specs Snapshot
Fuel TypePetrolEngine Size Range2.8L (2793cc)Power Output Range190hp (140kW)Years Produced1997-2001Every engine fitted to the Land Rover Defender 110 2.8i is covered below, with UK rebuilt pricing and known failure points.
Land Rover Defender 110 2.8i Engine Codes - Specifications & Replacement CostLand Rover Defender 110 2.8i Engine Codes - Specifications & Replacement Cost
2.8L Petrol (1997-2001)
Power Output190hpYears Fitted1997-2001
Compatible Trim Levels
- Defender 110 2.8i Limited Edition
- Defender 110 Station Wagon 2.8i
- Defender 110 Hard Top 2.8i
Find your exact engine code, specs and UK replacement cost guide.
Used
Tested, ready-to-fit engine
£800-£1,500
Reconditioned
Addressed known issues, tested
£1,800-£3,000
Rebuilt
Full teardown, upgraded internals
£2,500-£4,500
Common Failure
Cooling system leaks (expansion tank, water pump, radiator hoses) and VANOS unit wear are commonly reported issues, typically emerging between 80,000 and 120,000 miles.
The Land Rover Defender 110 2.8i (M52B28) is widely regarded as one of the most robust engines fitted to the classic Defender, but age-related wear on cooling and valvetrain components is inevitable. Rebuilt engines sourced through EnginesMarket include upgraded components addressing these original failure points, backed by a minimum 12-month unlimited-mileage warranty.
Why the Land Rover Defender 110 2.8i M52B28 Suffers Thermal Stress
Affected Vehicles
Land Rover Defender 110 2.8i (M52B28, 1997-2001)
Typical Failure Mileage
80,000-120,000 miles
Root Cause
Plastic cooling components (expansion tanks, water pump impellers, thermostat housings) become brittle with age and heat cycles, leading to coolant loss and potential head gasket failure.
Why It Happens
Plastic cooling components (expansion tanks, water pump impellers, thermostat housings) become brittle with age and heat cycles, leading to coolant loss and potential head gasket failure.
Dealer (parts + labour)
£600-£1,000
Specialist (parts + labour)
£400-£700
What it involves
Replacing the water pump, thermostat, expansion tank, and all major hoses with upgraded materials.
Suitability
Viable preventative maintenance if caught before overheating causes head damage.
1 - 2 daysDealer (parts + labour)
£3,500-£5,500
Specialist (parts + labour)
£2,500-£4,500 [ESTIMATED]
What it involves
Supply & fit, upgraded components addressing the original failure point, 12-month warranty.
Suitability
The right call if overheating has warped the cylinder head or caused catastrophic failure.
1 - 2 daysAll prices are indicative UK market ranges based on current UK specialist supplier data.| Repair Tier | Dealer (Parts + Labour) | Specialist (Parts + Labour) | What It Involves | Suitability | Estimated Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Cooling System Overhaul Minor | £600-£1,000 | £400-£700 | Replacing the water pump, thermostat, expansion tank, and all major hoses with upgraded materials. | Viable preventative maintenance if caught before overheating causes head damage. | 1 - 2 days |
 Full Replacement - rebuilt/reconditioned engine Best Value | £3,500-£5,500 | £2,500-£4,500 [ESTIMATED] | Supply & fit, upgraded components addressing the original failure point, 12-month warranty. | The right call if overheating has warped the cylinder head or caused catastrophic failure. | 1 - 2 days |
Our Recommendation
Our Recommendation
For minor cooling leaks or VANOS seal degradation, targeted specialist repair is highly cost-effective and preserves the original engine. However, if the M52B28 has suffered catastrophic overheating or severe internal wear, a full rebuilt engine with upgraded cooling components is the most reliable long-term solution to protect your investment.
Don't Let Engine Failure Write Off Your Land Rover Defender 110 2.8i
Don't risk a catastrophic failure ruining your rare classic Defender. By comparing quotes through EnginesMarket, you secure a rebuilt or reconditioned M52B28 engine with upgraded components that address known weak points, backed by a comprehensive 12-month unlimited mileage warranty. Avoid main dealer premiums and benefit from nationwide supply and fit options tailored to your exact vehicle.
12-Month Minimum
UK Specialists Vetted
Best Price GuidanceImportant Information
Important Information
"All prices are indicative UK market ranges based on historical quote data and repair requests from our network of engine specialists. Dealer pricing is estimated based on published main dealer labour rates and genuine OEM parts pricing. Specialist pricing reflects actual quote data from EnginesMarket's UK network. Actual costs vary depending on damage severity, vehicle condition, variant, and workshop location within the UK. Use our free comparison tool to get tailored quotes for your specific Land Rover Defender 110 2.8i. Every engine supplied through EnginesMarket carries a minimum 12-month unlimited mileage warranty - always confirm exact terms with your chosen supplier."
Land Rover Defender 110 2.8i Engine ReplacementFrequently Asked Questions
Question 1How much does a Land Rover Defender 110 2.8i engine replacement cost-
A rebuilt Land Rover Defender 110 2.8i (M52B28) engine typically costs between £2,500 and £4,500 for supply only, while reconditioned units start from £1,800.
- Prices vary based on engine condition and whether you choose supply-only or nationwide supply & fit.
- Rebuilt engines include upgraded cooling components to prevent known M52B28 failures.
Question 2What are the common signs of M52B28 engine failure in a Land Rover Defender 110 2.8i-
Owners often report coolant loss without visible external leaks, a rough idle, or a noticeable loss of low-end torque.
- Overheating warnings or a sweet smell from the engine bay can indicate a failing water pump or expansion tank.
- Check engine lights related to the VANOS system are a common mid-life symptom.
Question 3Is it worth replacing the engine in a 1997-2001 Land Rover Defender 110 2.8i-
Yes, the 2.8i is a rare, limited-production model that holds strong collector value, typically ranging from £15,000 to £35,000+.
- A £2,500-£4,500 rebuilt engine investment is financially sound compared to the vehicle's overall worth.
- A professionally rebuilt M52B28 engine restores reliability and preserves the vehicle's unique factory specification.
Question 4How long does a Land Rover Defender 110 2.8i engine replacement take-
A standard supply and fit service for the Land Rover Defender 110 2.8i typically takes 2 to 3 days.
- This includes the physical engine swap, cooling system flush, and a thorough road test.
- Supply-only orders can be dispatched nationwide within 24-48 hours of quote acceptance.
Question 5What is the difference between a used and a rebuilt Land Rover Defender 110 2.8i engine-
A used M52B28 engine is a direct salvage pull with no guarantees beyond a short startup warranty.
- A rebuilt engine is fully stripped, cleaned, and fitted with new bearings, seals, and upgraded VANOS and cooling components.
- Rebuilt engines come with a minimum 12-month unlimited mileage warranty, offering far greater peace of mind for a rare vehicle.
Why Choose UsCompare Land Rover Defender 110 2.8iEngine PricesToday
100+ Land Rover Defender 110 2.8i engines supplied through our network
12-Month Warranty on every rebuilt Land Rover Defender 110 2.8i engine
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Don't overpay at the main dealer. Comparing quotes through EnginesMarket is 100% free and no-obligation, connecting you directly with vetted UK specialists who hold verified, warranty-backed replacement engines specifically for your rare Land Rover Defender 110 2.8i.
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