Range Rover Sport 306DT/276DT/368DT Engine SolutionsUK Specialists

Between £3,200 and £9,000 for a reconditioned unit supply-only, plus £900-£1,800 for professional fitting. The 3.0 SDV6 diesel costs £4,250-£6,800, while the 5.0 supercharged V8 (AJ133) ranges £4,700-£6,600.

• Reconditioned 3.0 diesel engines: £4,250-£6,800 supply-only
• Reconditioned 5.0 V8 petrol (AJ133): £4,700-£6,600 supply-only
• Used engines start lower but lack upgraded components
• Labour adds 12-16 hours at £90-£140/hour depending on region

Yes, if the body and chassis are sound. A £4,000-£7,000 reconditioned engine with upgraded components adds £3,000-£5,000 to resale value and delivers 80k-120k more miles - cheaper than buying another used Sport with unknown history.

• L320/L494 models worth £8,000-£15,000 justify reconditioned engines
• Upgraded crankshafts and timing chains address original design flaws
• Reconditioned engines carry 12-month unlimited mileage warranty
• Scrapping a sound Sport wastes a vehicle worth more than its repair cost

A narrow bearing design inherited from the 2.7 TDV6, combined with oil starvation or extended service intervals, causes bearing spin followed by crankshaft fracture. Once snapped, the engine seizes instantly - no rebuild is possible.

• Typically fails between 80,000-140,000 miles without warning
• Affects 306DT and 306PS engines in L320 (2010-2013) and L494 (2013-2019)
• No preventative fix exists - replacement is the only option
• Reconditioned units use upgraded crankshaft and heavy-duty bearings

3-7 days total. A reconditioned engine (already built) takes 1-2 days to fit. If your engine is being rebuilt from your old unit, add 5-10 days for strip-down, machining, and assembly before fitting.

• Supply-only reconditioned engine: delivered within 2-5 working days
• Fitting time: 12-16 hours labour at specialist workshop
• Used engine swap: fastest option at 1-2 days total
• Full rebuild on your existing engine: 7-14 days typical turnaround

The 4.4 SDV8 V8 diesel (448DT, 2014-2020) has the fewest failure reports. The 5.0 supercharged V8 is durable when maintained but suffers timing chain tensioner wear at 60k-80k miles. The 3.0 SDV6 has the highest failure rate.

• 4.4 SDV8: most reliable diesel, fewer crankshaft and turbo issues
• 5.0 supercharged V8: strong high-mileage performer with proper maintenance
• 2.0 Ingenium four-cylinder: avoid - timing chain stretch and turbo failures common
• 2018-2020 models with supercharged V6 or V8 are best used buys

Rattling noise on cold start that lasts 1-2 seconds, then fades as oil pressure builds. If ignored, the chain can skip teeth on camshaft sprockets - causing valves to contact pistons and catastrophic engine failure requiring full replacement.

• AJ133 engine timing chain tensioner failure typical at 60,000-80,000 miles
• Preventative chain replacement costs £1,200-£2,000 at specialist
• Full engine replacement after jumped timing: £4,700-£6,600
• Upgraded metal tensioners fitted to reconditioned units prevent recurrence

No. The engine mounts, wiring looms, ECU, fuel system, cooling system, and exhaust are completely different between petrol and diesel Sports. Converting is financially ruinous - sell your car and buy the fuel type you want instead.

• Petrol ECU cannot communicate with diesel injection system
• Fuel tank and lines are incompatible between fuels
• Dashboard wiring harness differs across fuel types
• DVLA reclassification for fuel type change is complex and rarely approved

120,000-180,000 miles for a well-maintained 3.0 SDV6 before major failure risk becomes significant. The 4.4 SDV8 regularly exceeds 150,000 miles with proper servicing. The 2.0 Ingenium diesel often fails earlier due to timing chain issues.

• Regular oil changes every 10,000-12,000 miles are critical for longevity
• SDV6 crankshaft failures most common between 80,000-140,000 miles
• SDV8 commonly reaches 150,000+ miles with fewer major failures
• Service history is more important than mileage when buying used

The P400e plug-in hybrid (2017-2022) adds complexity beyond standard petrol engines. Battery degradation, charging system faults, and rough running when battery depleted are reported. The combustion engine itself shares timing chain concerns with the 2.0 Si4.

• High-voltage battery degradation reduces electric range over time
• Engine runs rough when battery depleted - relies solely on 2.0 petrol unit
• PHEV engine replacement requires hybrid-trained technicians
• L461 P510e (2022+) has fewer reported issues but limited long-term data

Confirm the EGR cooler has been replaced with updated part LR086253, verify timing chain tensioner has been inspected, request DPF soot load data, and ensure the engine comes from a vehicle with verifiable service history - not just a "low-mileage" claim.

• EGR cooler leaks cause hydro-lock - updated cooler is essential on SDV6 units
• Request video of engine running from cold to check for timing chain rattle
• DPF exceeding 80% soot load indicates short-trip use and potential issues
• Always buy with minimum 12-month unlimited mileage warranty