The V8 found in early third-generation Range Rovers, sourced from BMW during the period when the two companies shared ownership — genuinely smooth and powerful, with a documented history of expensive electronic and cooling-related issues as these vehicles have aged.
This engine itself has a reasonably solid mechanical reputation from its BMW lineage, but the vehicles it's fitted to have accumulated significant age, and the complex electronics and air suspension systems surrounding it have proven considerably less durable than the engine's core mechanicals. Independent specialists generally caution that at this point in these vehicles' lives, the engine is rarely the deciding factor — the surrounding electronic and cooling systems deserve at least as much scrutiny.
Not a guarantee, but a pattern seen consistently across owner forums and independent-garage reporting.
Age-related wear on cooling and electronic systems is now a bigger factor than mileage alone for vehicles of this vintage.
A documented history of proactive cooling system and electronic maintenance becomes increasingly important at this stage.
Have a Land Rover specialist inspect the vehicle comprehensively rather than focusing narrowly on the engine — at this age, the surrounding systems matter at least as much.
Check the air suspension system's condition specifically, per the guidance on its own dedicated page, since this is a near-universal consideration on vehicles of this era.
Budget realistically for electronic and cooling system work as part of the total cost of ownership, not as an unlikely exception.
Model-specific pages, with notes on how it behaves in that particular car.