Segment:
Luxury SUV / Off-Road Vehicle
Target Audience:
Off-road enthusiasts, adventurers, owners seeking robust vehicle maintenance
Competitors 1995 1998:
Jeep Grand Cherokee (ZJ), Toyota Land Cruiser (FZJ80), Ford Explorer, Chevrolet Blazer
Vehicle Usp:
Legendary off-road capability, robust construction, distinctive British styling
Manual Value Proposition:
Empowers owners and technicians with detailed knowledge for DIY repairs and professional servicing
Engine Mechanical:
Yes (V8 gasoline, diesel variants)
Engine Management:
Yes (ignition, fuel injection, emissions control)
Transmission Manual:
Yes (manual gearbox, clutch)
Transmission Automatic:
Yes (automatic gearbox, torque converter)
Drivetrain:
Yes (transfer case, differentials, driveshafts, axles)
Suspension:
Yes (coil springs, air suspension - self-leveling suspension (SLS))
Steering:
Yes (power steering system)
Brakes:
Yes (hydraulic system, ABS, disc/drum components)
Electrical System:
Yes (charging system, starting system, lighting, accessories)
Body And Chassis:
Yes (frame, body panels, interior trim, exterior components)
HVAC:
Yes (heating, ventilation, air conditioning)
Safety Systems:
Yes (airbags, seat belts)
Routine Maintenance:
Yes (oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks)
Engine Repair:
Yes (cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft, timing systems)
Transmission Repair:
Yes (gearbox rebuild, clutch replacement, automatic transmission servicing)
Drivetrain Overhaul:
Yes (differential rebuild, transfer case servicing)
Suspension Rebuild:
Yes (shock absorber replacement, air spring servicing, linkage repair)
Brake System Service:
Yes (pad/shoe replacement, caliper/wheel cylinder overhaul, bleeding)
Electrical Diagnostics:
Yes (wiring diagrams, component testing, troubleshooting)
Bodywork Repair:
Yes (panel replacement, rust repair, trim fitting)
HVAC Servicing:
Yes (refrigerant charging, component replacement)
Troubleshooting:
Yes (diagnostic charts, symptom-based guides)
Component Replacement:
Yes (step-by-step guides for all major components)
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine/transmission rebuilds)
Diagnostic Level:
Advanced (includes wiring diagrams, sensor data interpretation)
Special Tools:
Yes (lists required special tools for specific procedures)
Engine Code Petrol:
3.9L V8 (3948cc) - Rover GEMS ECU, 4.0L V8 (3950cc) - Bosch/Lucas ECU
Engine Code Diesel:
2.5L I6 Turbo-Diesel (2498cc) - BMW M51 engine (later models/variants)
Horsepower 3.9L:
Approx. 182 hp @ 4750 rpm
Torque 3.9L:
Approx. 220 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm
Horsepower 4.0L:
Approx. 188 hp @ 4750 rpm
Torque 4.0L:
Approx. 235 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm
Horsepower 2.5L Td:
Approx. 136 hp @ 4400 rpm
Torque 2.5L Td:
Approx. 207 lb-ft @ 2100 rpm
Fuel Delivery V8:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type V8:
Unleaded Gasoline
Fuel Delivery Diesel:
Direct Injection, Turbocharged, Intercooled
Fuel Type Diesel:
Diesel Fuel
Transmission Type Standard:
5-speed Manual (R380)
Transmission Type Optional:
4-speed Automatic (ZF 4HP22)
Transfer Case:
Permanent 4-wheel drive with lockable center differential (LT230)
Gear Ratios Manual:
Detailed in manual, specific to R380 gearbox
Gear Ratios Automatic:
Detailed in manual, specific to ZF 4HP22 gearbox
Transmission Fluid Spec Auto:
Dexron III (or equivalent)
Transmission Fluid Spec Manual:
GL-4 or GL-5 (specific weight dependent on climate, refer to manual)
Length:
Approx. 4700-4760 mm (varies by model/bumper)
Height:
Approx. 1870-1950 mm (varies with suspension)
Seating Capacity:
5-7 seats (depending on configuration)
Cargo Volume Rear Seats Up:
Substantial, configuration dependent
Curb Weight:
Approx. 2000-2200 kg (varies by engine/features)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvw:
Approx. 2800-3000 kg
Towing Capacity:
Up to 3500 kg (braked)
Crash Test Ratings Era:
Limited comprehensive official ratings for this period, but designed with robust structure
ABS:
Standard on most models (Bosch ABS)
Traction Control:
Optional on some later models
Airbags:
Driver and passenger airbags (standard on most models post-1997)
Seat Belts:
3-point inertia reel seatbelts with pre-tensioners (front)
Rollover Protection:
Reinforced chassis and body structure inherent to Land Rover design
Audio System:
Factory fitted radio/cassette or CD player, often with amplifier systems.
Navigation:
Optional factory navigation systems available on some higher trims.
Cruise Control:
Available on most models
Hill Descent Control Hdc:
Introduced on Series II models, optional on some earlier models.
Connectivity Features:
Limited by era; primarily focused on vehicle systems rather than external connectivity.
Oil Change Interval Petrol:
Every 6,000 miles or 12 months
Oil Change Interval Diesel:
Every 6,000 miles or 12 months
Spark Plug Replacement V8:
Every 30,000 miles
Timing Belt Chain:
V8 engines use timing chains (designed for engine life). Diesel engine uses a timing belt, typically requires replacement every 60,000 miles or 4 years.
Engine Oil Spec V8:
API SG/SH, SAE 10W-40 or 20W-50 (depending on climate, refer to manual for exact specs)
Engine Oil Spec Diesel:
API CF/CF-2, SAE 15W-40 or 10W-40 (refer to manual)
Coolant Spec:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, mixture ratio 50/50 with distilled water
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Common Problems General:
Head gasket leaks (V8), coolant leaks (especially from plastic components), ABS warning lights, SLS system issues, rust (particularly on sills and rear arches), viscous coupling unit (VCU) failure in transfer case.
Engine Specific Issues:
GEMS ECU failures, distributor/rotor wear, rear main crankshaft seal leaks.
Drivetrain Specific Issues:
Centre differential wear, prop shaft U-joint wear.
Brand Legacy:
Land Rover has a long history of producing robust off-road vehicles, dating back to 1948.
Previous Generation:
Land Rover Discovery 1 (1989-1994)
Introduction Series Ii:
The Discovery Series II was introduced in late 1998 for the 1999 model year, but this manual covers the transition/earlier models from 1995-1998, essentially the tail end of the first generation and very early Series II production which shared some components/design elements before the full Series II rollout.
Manufacturing Location:
Solihull, West Midlands, United Kingdom
Ownership Changes During Period:
Rover Group was part of British Aerospace (BAe) and later sold to BMW during this period, influencing some engineering decisions (e.g., BMW diesel engine).
Off Road Acclaim:
Consistently recognized for its off-road prowess and durability in global markets.
Customer Satisfaction Era:
Mixed, often dependent on maintenance adherence and previous ownership. High satisfaction for capability, lower for reliability in some common failure areas.
Emissions Standards:
Meets relevant emissions standards for the model years (e.g., EPA, Euro standards).
