Hi All

I've been a lifelong BMW user and currently have a E92 335D (twin turbo M57 engine) modified to 422bhp and 835nm torque. Looking to sell this and move into something more luxurious, comfortable and practical, and a Range seems to fit the bill. Can't get myself to buy an X5.

Couldn't decide between a RRS and a FFRR but i test drove a 4.2 SC FFRR today and i loved the way it looked and rode, so i think i prefer the FFRR to the RRS. It really was comfortable in the car, and i felt like i was very high up. Was a bit strange at first but in the end i started to like it.

My budget really depends on how much i can get for my car but i'm probably looking at between £8-10k. I think for that i should be able to get a 2005-7 SC with 90k plus miles. Just a bit confused on the SC spec. On the wiki it says the SC was introduced from 2006 but i've seen 2005 ones. Does this mean that all the info on the wiki related to 2006 applies to all 4.2 SC? i.e all 4.2 supercharged models are 2006?

I test drove one today. Did sway a lot more than my BMW (which has coilovers) but i guess thats normal for a car this big?

Is there anything i should watch out for? Is a 100k mile plus 4.2 a ticking time bomb or if its been maintained should they last a while? What are the thoughts on buying one with an LPG system fitted?

I've read a lot of info on this site as a guest, especially the buying guide. It's quite informative. Any other advice would be appreciated.

Last edited by Mob17 on 26th Mar 2017 5:52pm. Edited 1 time in total

The problem here comes from the model year's vs the actual time it was built and also the delay in registering. So the MY06 vehicles started to be built from mid 2005, hence why there are SC models on a 55 and even an 05 plate if you look hard enough. MY07 came in from mid 2006 which brought about the interior improvements and MY07.5 brought in the key change (around December 06/Jan 07)

Essentially from my research mechanically there is no difference between any of the 4.2 S/C models (save from changes to the handbrake etc)

However you cannot trust the registration plate to be an indication of when it was built, I have just bought an MY07 machine on a 56 plate but I have equally seen and MY06 machine with an 07 plate! 2005 E60 M5
2006 L322 4.2 SC
2020 Tesla Model S Long Range
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2004 L322 4.4 Vogue, 2019 NP300 Navara, 2016 NP300 Navara, 2002 L322 4.4 HSE, 2006 (MY07) L322 S/C ,2001 330Ci Sport Track Car, 2005 650i Coupe, 2001 P38 Vogue, 2003 530i Sport Touring, 1999 P38 4.6 HSE, 2002 E39 M5, 1995 300zx TT Slicktop, 1997 M3 Evo, 1992 300zx TT Targa, 1998 323i Coupe

Thanks. Is there a way to find the month/year of build? For my BMW i just plugged the VIN into realoem.

So i guess there aren't major differences between MY05-07?

Also, is there a drain plug and dipstick on these cars?

Hi, I own an 05 plate sc which in essence is MY06. The 6 speed auto box also didn't appear until MY06 but again it's coupled to my 4.2 lol so have to agree with quaveys comment.

As for your other questions mileage didn't concern me and still doesn't on 111k I'm more concerned about the history. The 4.2 seems to be a solid unit which is backed up by not seeing many problems on here.

I avoided LPG partly because I have no idea what I'd be looking at and partly because it's one more thing that "could" go wrong. I'd sooner spend a little more on fuel and enjoy the FFRR as intended than worry about issues with an LPG system. But having never ran one I'm not speaking from significant exoeriance

Other than the stuff you would have already read in the buyers guide there isn't anything to add.

Happy hunting

P.s. You will soon get used to the body roll

Mob17 wrote:

Thanks. Is there a way to find the month/year of build? For my BMW i just plugged the VIN into realoem.

So i guess there aren't major differences between MY05-07?

Also, is there a drain plug and dipstick on these cars?

You punch your vin in here: https://topix.landrover.jlrext.com/topix/vehicle/lookupForm

But even then mine comes up as 2006. V5 should have the info?

No there aren't major differences

Yes on the drain plug and dipstick

Thats good to hear re the reliability and it having a dipstick!

With the body roll, i am assuming that improved on the lower height setting?

Also, when reving the engine should i be concerned if there's a bit of white smoke puffing out?

Really can't wait until i find one. Just not sure if i should buy private or trade, as with trade there is some of protection for 6 months in terms of faults?

The lower height setting only activates above 100mph which is not something I do regularly but yes it will.

As for the smoke it will kick out a fair bit of moisture in the form of condensation on a cold morning until warm, more than I've seen on any other car but it is normal.

Private or trade? Again all a matter of preference really, for me I'd rather be thorough on an insoaction and dig into the history and get better value than pay extra for what is often a pretty useless warranty. Most won't pay out for anything other than actual malfunction and wear and tear is often not covered. Unless it's a reputable trader it is also easier for them to acquire stamps which is not proof of work. But that's just the synic in me

I'd personally forget about LPG, it has has no future (like diesel!).

Many fuel stations have dropped selling it completely, its already quite hard to find now. It was a good idea but sadly it's now rubbing shoulder with Betamax..... 2006 4.2 SC
2019 Renault Zoe Dynamique Nav

Rockyd31 wrote:

The lower height setting only activates above 100mph which is not something I do regularly but yes it will.

As for the smoke it will kick out a fair bit of moisture in the form of condensation on a cold morning until warm, more than I've seen on any other car but it is normal.

Private or trade? Again all a matter of preference really, for me I'd rather be thorough on an insoaction and dig into the history and get better value than pay extra for what is often a pretty useless warranty. Most won't pay out for anything other than actual malfunction and wear and tear is often not covered. Unless it's a reputable trader it is also easier for them to acquire stamps which is not proof of work. But that's just the synic in me

SKOT wrote:

I'd personally forget about LPG, it has has no future (like diesel!).

Many fuel stations have dropped selling it completely, its already quite hard to find now. It was a good idea but sadly it's now rubbing shoulder with Betamax.....

Thats interesting. I guess its like Rocky said its just another thing that could go wrong. I will just have to accept the lower mpg, it will be worth it hopefully

Going by the posts on here the 4.2 SC is very reliable, perhaps the most reliable FFRR. Things will wear over time like any car. Air suspension is one item. Some air springs last 7 years, some have original springs on 2002 models, most seem to last about 10 years. Rears seem to last longer than front springs. I replaced my front springs at about 9 1/2 proactively, as was going on a trip.

The 4.2 SC sounds like an amazing vehicle, other than fuel consumption. ______________________________
Vogue tdv8 08MY poverty pack - wow

Mob17 wrote:

Hmm i thought you could lower the car from the switch on the dash?

Re the smoke, so should there be zero when engine is all warmed up?

Think my thoughts have changed after reading your comments about private. Might look at both now.

By the way, whats the best way to check that the air suspension is in good condition, as i believe the airbags leak over time?

You can lower and raise the car on the dash but the lower setting is for access when parked and I often use it in the multi-storie car parks where head room is tight. The raised position is for off road, both positions will automatically lower or raise to the normal road height above a certain speed with the exception of the squat above 100mph which is automatic.

Smoke will disappear once warm less the usual emissions that should be there.

Difficult to test the suspension without diagnostics but if you raise the suspension all the way (you will feel it move) and then switch off engine, walk around you should hear a leak. I'd then leave it in that setting while I went to look through all the history and see if the stance has changed while you have been away (ie has it dropped on a corner) when you get back in you should then feel it move to correct the height if it has dropped but was not visible to the naked eye. (Though this is just my thoughts).

I'd certainly look at private, can't hurt. I intend to keep mine for a long time so will spend the money on parts and save on the labour. That way I know what is being put in and the quaility of parts used. I would however be put off by invoices showing cheap parts, non branded oils etc and with gaps in the history

Thanks for that Rocky. So just to be clear, you can set the height to low, but after a certain speed it raises automatically? What speed does it do this?

At the moment my budget can get me a 2005/6 4.2 SC or a 2007 3.6 TDV8. Not too fussed on power, and it seems like the diesel may do a bit better on fuel?

When in reduced height a warning sounds at about 45kmh to slow down or will raise. It then proceeds to normal height.

If lots of hp is not your thing but economy is important then the tdv8 is the choice. It will use about 2/3 the fuel of a SC 4.2.

The SC gets rated on here as a very reliable motor. Engine servicing will probably be cheaper than the tdv8. The 3.6 gets a bit of a bashing for doing turbos and EGR valves. However, the number failing appears to be still small compared to the number out there. Sticking to engine servicing schedules using correct spec oil seems to be very important for the tdv8. ______________________________
Vogue tdv8 08MY poverty pack - wow

My concerns with the TDV8 were the potential repair costs would rapidly out weigh the fuel savings should anything go wrong.

Not to say that the S/C can't create big bills but there have been a few reports of the TDV8's leaking oil via turbo seals into the intercoolers where it pools. Not actually such a huge issue until the engine drinks it all and potentially causes hydraulic locking. Amongst other unique issues!

My thoughts were, they both are the same to tax, although fuel economy is better its not exactly an eco box, I managed 23mpg out of my S/C on a 270 mile trip on Tuesday night without really trying. From what I have been told a TDV8 might have done 30 but I'd have had to work really hard for it. (I would be inclined to agree, I have an NP300 Navara which they claim will do 44mpg average, more like 35 and if I were to drive the Nav like I did the S/C I'd have been lucky to get much more than 30. I work hard to get 35mpg from it!). My annual mileage in the S/C will be very low so the actual difference is pretty minimal. Lastly a Range Rover should really have a Petrol V8! 2005 E60 M5
2006 L322 4.2 SC
2020 Tesla Model S Long Range
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2004 L322 4.4 Vogue, 2019 NP300 Navara, 2016 NP300 Navara, 2002 L322 4.4 HSE, 2006 (MY07) L322 S/C ,2001 330Ci Sport Track Car, 2005 650i Coupe, 2001 P38 Vogue, 2003 530i Sport Touring, 1999 P38 4.6 HSE, 2002 E39 M5, 1995 300zx TT Slicktop, 1997 M3 Evo, 1992 300zx TT Targa, 1998 323i Coupe