Land Rover Defender 90 D300 Engine ReplacementCompare Prices & Get Quotes
Get quotes today from trusted UK Land Rover Defender 90 D300 engine specialists. Compare prices on reconditioned, rebuilt and used engines to find the most reliable and cost-effective solution for your modern L663 Defender.
Supply & Fit Available
12-Month Warranty
Nationwide Delivery
100+ Suppliers

From £5,500 to £8,500 [EM-QUOTE]
Used from £2,500 · Reconditioned from £4,500 · Common codes: DT306
From £2,500
Tested, bare/short engine
From £4,500
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 90 D300 specialists.
3 Simple Steps3 Simple Stepsto Finding the Best Land Rover Defender 90 D300 Replacement Engineto Finding the Best Land Rover Defender 90 D300 Replacement Engine
Most replacements completed within 3-5 days.
Land Rover Defender 90 D300 - Engine History & Specs at a Glance
When the Land Rover Defender 90 D300 launched as part of the new L663 generation in 2020, it brought cutting-edge Ingenium mild-hybrid diesel technology to the iconic short-wheelbase platform, combining 300hp performance with enhanced efficiency and torque.

Land Rover Defender 90 D300 - Engine History & Specs at a Glance
When the Land Rover Defender 90 D300 launched as part of the new L663 generation in 2020, it brought cutting-edge Ingenium mild-hybrid diesel technology to the iconic short-wheelbase platform, combining 300hp performance with enhanced efficiency and torque.
Land Rover Defender 90 D300
Engine History Timeline
DT306 (3.0L MHEV Diesel) 300hp, introduced as part of the all-new L663 Defender lineup, featuring an integrated 48V mild-hybrid system, twin-turbocharging, and advanced emissions controls.
present - Minor ECU and calibration updates; core DT306 architecture remains unchanged across model years.
Key Specs Snapshot
Every engine fitted to the Land Rover Defender 90 D300 is covered below, with UK rebuilt pricing and known failure points.
Land Rover Defender 90 D300 Engine Codes - Specifications & Replacement CostLand Rover Defender 90 D300 Engine Codes - Specifications & Replacement Cost
3.0L Diesel Mild Hybrid (2020-present)
Compatible Trim Levels
- Defender 90 D300 SE
- Defender 90 D300 HSE
- Defender 90 D300 X-Dynamic
- Defender 90 D300 First Edition (all include 48V MHEV system)

Find your exact engine code, specs and UK replacement cost guide.
Used
Tested, ready-to-fit engine
£2,500-£4,500
Reconditioned
Addressed known issues, tested
£4,500-£6,500
Rebuilt
Full teardown, upgraded internals
£5,500-£8,500
Common Failure
Timing chain tensioner wear and oil dilution from aggressive DPF regeneration cycles are commonly reported issues, typically emerging between 60,000 and 120,000 miles.


The Land Rover Defender 90 D300 (DT306) delivers strong performance but shares known weaknesses with other early Ingenium diesel units. Rebuilt engines sourced through EnginesMarket include upgraded timing chain kits and revised PCV systems addressing these original failure points, backed by a minimum 12-month unlimited-mileage warranty.

Why the Land Rover Defender 90 D300 DT306 Suffers Premature Wear
Affected Vehicles
Land Rover Defender 90 D300 (DT306, 2020-present)
Typical Failure Mileage
60,000-120,000 miles
Root Cause
Early-production DT306 units used a tensioner design prone to premature wear, leading to chain rattle, misfires, and potential catastrophic engine damage if ignored.
Why It Happens
Early-production DT306 units used a tensioner design prone to premature wear, leading to chain rattle, misfires, and potential catastrophic engine damage if ignored.
Dealer (parts + labour)
£1,800-£2,800
Specialist (parts + labour)
£1,200-£2,000
What it involves
Installing an updated OEM-spec timing chain kit with revised tensioner.
Suitability
Recommended at 60k miles on pre-2022 models as preventative measure.
Dealer (parts + labour)
£7,000-£10,000
Specialist (parts + labour)
£5,500-£8,500 [EM-QUOTE]
What it involves
Supply & fit, upgraded components addressing the original failure point, 12-month warranty.
Suitability
The right call if chain has already jumped or secondary damage (valve/piston contact) has occurred.
| Repair Tier | Dealer (Parts + Labour) | Specialist (Parts + Labour) | What It Involves | Suitability | Estimated Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Preventative Timing Chain Kit Minor | £1,800-£2,800 | £1,200-£2,000 | Installing an updated OEM-spec timing chain kit with revised tensioner. | Recommended at 60k miles on pre-2022 models as preventative measure. | |
Full Replacement - rebuilt/reconditioned engine Best Value | £7,000-£10,000 | £5,500-£8,500 [EM-QUOTE] | Supply & fit, upgraded components addressing the original failure point, 12-month warranty. | The right call if chain has already jumped or secondary damage (valve/piston contact) has occurred. |
Our Recommendation
Our Recommendation
For pre-2022 DT306 units with under 60,000 miles, a preventative timing chain upgrade is strongly advised. However, if chain noise, oil dilution, or misfires are already present, a full rebuilt engine with upgraded internals offers the best long-term reliability and preserves your high-value Defender investment.

Don't Let Engine Failure Write Off Your Land Rover Defender 90 D300
Don’t risk a costly chain failure ruining your premium L663 Defender. By comparing quotes through EnginesMarket, you secure a rebuilt or reconditioned DT306 engine with upgraded timing components and a verified MHEV-compatible calibration, all 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.
Important 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 90 D300. Every engine supplied through EnginesMarket carries a minimum 12-month unlimited mileage warranty - always confirm exact terms with your chosen supplier."
Land Rover Defender 90 D300 Engine ReplacementFrequently Asked Questions
Question 1How much does a Land Rover Defender 90 D300 engine replacement cost-
A rebuilt Land Rover Defender 90 D300 (DT306) engine typically costs between £5,500 and £8,500 for supply only, while reconditioned units start from £4,500.
- Prices include full MHEV system compatibility and updated timing chain components.
- Rebuilt engines come with a 12-month unlimited mileage warranty.
Question 2What are the signs of DT306 engine failure in a Land Rover Defender 90 D300-
Owners often report a metallic rattle on cold start (timing chain), sudden loss of power, or frequent “Check Engine” lights related to misfires or oil pressure.
- Oil analysis showing fuel dilution is a key early warning sign for urban-driven examples.
- Unusual turbo lag or smoke can indicate secondary damage from chain failure.
Question 3Is it worth replacing the engine in a 2020+ Land Rover Defender 90 D300-
Yes-modern Defender 90 D300 models retain very strong values, typically between £45,000 and £70,000.
- A £5,500-£8,500 engine investment protects a high-value asset and restores factory performance.
- Rebuilt DT306 engines include engineering fixes not present in the original unit.
Question 4How long does a Land Rover Defender 90 D300 engine replacement take-
A standard supply and fit service for the Land Rover Defender 90 D300 typically takes 3 to 4 days.
- This includes full engine swap, MHEV system recalibration, and road testing.
- Supply-only orders can be dispatched nationwide within 24-48 hours of quote acceptance.
Question 5Does the DT306 engine replacement retain the 48V mild-hybrid system-
Yes-every rebuilt or reconditioned DT306 engine supplied through EnginesMarket is fully compatible with the L663’s 48V MHEV architecture.
- The belt-integrated starter generator (BISG) and associated wiring remain untouched during replacement.
- Calibration files are preserved or reloaded to ensure seamless hybrid operation.
Compare Land Rover Defender 90 D300Engine PricesToday
150+ Land Rover Defender 90 D300 engines supplied through our network
12-Month Warranty on every rebuilt Land Rover Defender 90 D300 engine
Nationwide UK delivery
supply & fit available for your L663 Defender
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 Land Rover Defender 90 D300.
Enter your registration
and get matched with verified Land Rover Defender 90 D300 specialists.
