Vehicle Segment:
Rugged, utilitarian off-road vehicle, iconic for its go-anywhere capability.
Key Competitors Era:
Jeep Wrangler, Toyota Land Cruiser (earlier models), Mercedes-Benz G-Class.
Vehicle Heritage:
The Defender represents the quintessential Land Rover, embodying decades of off-road prowess and durability.
Engine Systems:
300Tdi Engine, Engine Tuning, Fuel System (Tdi), Cooling System (Tdi), Manifold and Exhaust System
Drivetrain Systems:
Clutch, Manual Gearbox, Transfer Gearbox, Propeller Shafts, Rear Axle and Final Drive, Front Axle and Final Drive
Chassis Systems:
Steering, Front Suspension, Rear Suspension, Brakes, Wheels and Tyres, Chassis and Body
Electrical Systems:
Electrical Systems, Instruments, Heating and Ventilation, Air Conditioning, Wipers and Washers
Maintenance Procedures:
General Maintenance, Engine Tuning, Lubricant and Fluid Replacements, Filter Changes, Scheduled Servicing
Repair Procedures:
Engine Rebuild, Gearbox Overhaul, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake System Repairs, Axle Servicing, Body Panel Repair
Diagnostics Troubleshooting:
Troubleshooting guides for various systems, fault diagnosis, diagnostic data interpretation
Installation Adjustment:
Component installation, calibration, adjustments as per manufacturer specifications
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive coverage from basic maintenance to major component overhauls and rebuilds, suitable for professional mechanics and experienced DIY enthusiasts.
Binding Type:
Staple-bound or perfect bound (typical for workshop manuals)
Paper Type:
Durable, high-quality paper stock suitable for workshop environments, often with laminated section dividers or covers.
Print Quality:
Professional print quality with clear diagrams, illustrations, and text.
Engine Type:
Direct injection, turbocharged, intercooled diesel
Displacement:
2495 cc (2.5 Liters)
Compression Ratio:
19.5:1 ± 0.5:1
Valve Operation:
Overhead Valve (OHV), pushrod operated
Horsepower Typical:
111 hp @ 4000 rpm (varies slightly by market)
Torque Typical:
265 Nm (195 lb-ft) @ 1800 rpm (varies slightly by market)
Fuel Injection:
Direct injection via rotary or inline fuel injection pump (Bosch/Lucas)
Wheelbase Typical:
90 inches (2286 mm) / 110 inches (2794 mm)
Body Styles:
Station Wagon, Hard Top, Soft Top, Pick-Up, Double Cab Pick-Up
Curb Weight Typical:
Approx. 1800-2000 kg (varies by body style and configuration)
Towing Capacity Typical:
3500 kg (braked trailer)
Crash Test Info:
Defender models from this era were not typically subjected to modern NCAP-style crash testing. Focus was on structural integrity for off-road use.
Braking System:
Front: Ventilated discs, Rear: Solid discs. ABS often optional or standard depending on market and specification.
Seat Belts:
Three-point inertia reel seatbelts for front occupants, lap belts for rear where fitted.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 6,000 miles or 12 months (check manual for exact specification based on oil type used).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 12,000 miles or 12 months, more frequently in dusty conditions.
Fuel Filter Replacement:
Every 12,000 miles or 12 months.
Coolant Change:
Every 24,000 miles or 24 months.
Engine Oil Specification:
API CD/CE/CF or higher, SAE 15W-40 or 10W-40 (check manual for precise grades and API ratings).
Coolant Specification:
Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Specific Land Rover coolant may be recommended.
Gearbox Oil Specification:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 for LT77 and R380 gearboxes (check manual for specific gearbox type).
Transfer Case Oil Specification:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 (check manual for specific recommendations).
Axle Differential Oil:
API GL-5, SAE 80W-90 or 85W-140 for front and rear axles.
Common Wear Items:
Clutch, suspension bushings, wheel bearings, exhaust system components, diesel injectors, glow plugs.
300Tdi Specific:
Potential for cylinder head cracking under extreme heat, coolant leaks from the back of the cylinder head, turbocharger issues, injector pump wear.
Rust:
Significant concern for Defenders, especially chassis, bulkhead, door bottoms, and rear crossmember.
Manufacturer Origin:
United Kingdom
Defender Lineage:
Evolved from the Land Rover Series I, II, and III. The 'Defender' nameplate was introduced in 1983 for the 90/110 models.
Production Period Defender:
1983-2016
300Tdi Introduction:
Introduced in 1994 as an upgrade to the previous Tdi engines, featuring an intercooler.