What 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.

How 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.

Land Rover Defender 110 2.8i SPECIALISTS

Land Rover Defender 110 2.8i Engine Replacement Compare 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.

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Land Rover Defender 110 2.8i Engine

from£2,500 to £4,500...

Usedfrom £800
Reconditionedfrom £1,800
Common codesM52B28

Land Rover defender-110 2.8i Used Engine — M52B28

Land Rover defender-110Used Engine — M52B28

Land Rover defender-110 2.8i Reconditioned Engine — M52B28

Land Rover defender-110Reconditioned Engine — M52B28

Land Rover defender-110 2.8i Rebuilt Engine — M52B28

Land Rover defender-110Rebuilt Engine — M52B28

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How it works

3 Simple Steps to Finding the Right Replacement Engine

Clear information first, then the right engine and specialist for your exact vehicle.

Variant History

Land 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.

1997
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.
2001
End of 2.8i production, concluding this rare chapter before the wider rollout of the TD5 and subsequent Puma engines across the Defender range.

Every engine fitted to the Land Rover Defender 110 2.8i is covered below, with UK rebuilt pricing and known failure points.

Engine Codes & Pricing

Land Rover Defender 110 2.8i Engine Codes Specifications & Replacement Cost

Find your exact engine code, specs and UK replacement cost guide.

M52B28 — 2.8L Petrol (1997-2001)

Power Output: 190hp
Years Fitted: 1997-2001

Can’t find your exact engine code?-> Get quotes for M52B28 Land Rover Defender 110 2.8i engine replacement

-> Get quotes for M52B28 Land Rover Defender 110 2.8i engine replacement

Common failure points and repair options

Cooling System Leaks & Overheating

Affected: 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.

Repair options

Repair tier	Dealer price	Specialist price
Cooling System Overhaul	£600-£1,000	£400-£700
Full Replacement - rebuilt/reconditioned engine	£3,500-£5,500	£2,500-£4,500 [ESTIMATED]

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.

VANOS Unit Wear & Oil Leaks

Affected: Land Rover Defender 110 2.8i (M52B28, 1997-2001)
Typical failure mileage: 90,000-150,000 miles

Root cause

The single-VANOS system's internal seals degrade over time, causing a loss of low-end torque, rough idle, and occasional check engine lights, compounded by age-related valve cover gasket leaks.

Repair options

Repair tier	Dealer price	Specialist price
VANOS Rebuild & Seal Kit	£400-£800	£300-£600
Full Replacement - rebuilt/reconditioned engine	£3,500-£5,500	£2,500-£4,500 [ESTIMATED]

Our recommendation

-> Compare rebuilt M52B28 Land Rover Defender 110 2.8i engine prices

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.

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FAQ

Land Rover Defender 110 2.8i Engine ReplacementFrequently Asked Questions

Everything Land Rover Defender 110 2.8i owners usually ask before choosing a rebuilt, reconditioned or used replacement engine.

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.

-> Compare Land Rover Defender 110 2.8i engine replacement prices today.

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.

-> Check if your Land Rover Defender 110 2.8i qualifies for a rebuilt engine quote.

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.

-> View rebuilt Land Rover Defender 110 2.8i engine options.

Why Choose Us

Compare Land Rover Defender 110 2.8i Engine Prices Today

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.

100+100+ Land Rover Defender 110 2.8i engines supplied through our network

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