If you are thinking of buying a Land Rover Freelander there are a few things that it is worth checking on any Freelander you are considering.
As with all cars there are certain issues that are common to each particular make, and the Freelander is no exception. To help you to make the right decision with your Freelander purchase we will point out what needs checking with the:
- Freelander Engine;
- Freelander Drive Train;
- Freelander Body.
1. The Freelander Engine
a) Head Gasket
i) In the Service History
One of the primary issues with the 1.8 petrol Freelander is the head gasket. Originally a single layer head gasket was fitted and these tended to blow by 70,000 miles, often quite a bit before this! The first thing you need to find out is if the head gasket has ever been replaced on the vehicle, and if so was a modified multi layer head gasket used. If it is not documented that a modified multi layer head gasket was used then there is a chance that you could face the same problem again within 70,000 miles of the change – don’t assume that if the head gasket was done at a Land Rover dealer then a modified multi layer head gasket will have been used, we have seen them with single layer gaskets after being repaired at a Land Rover dealership.
How much will it cost?
If the head gasket has not been changed, or you have no evidence that a modified multi layer head gasket has been used then you should be budgeting around £545 to have a routine change of the head gasket before it blows – if you wait until it blows you will be spending more than this!
ii) On the Freelander
To check if the head gasket on the Freelander has not already blown, check for oil residue in the water reservoir bottle (left hand side under the bonnet), and take the oil cap off and check if there appears to be any water mixing with the oil.
The other issue that can cause head gasket failure is the water pump or any leakage in the cooling system. Check that there are no signs of a water leak. Be aware that the correct coolant for a Freelander is red, so the water in the water reservoir bottle should look pink.
How much will it cost?
If the head gasket has failed you are looking at £945 for a thorough job to ensure every part that may have been affected by the overheating is dealt with.
b) Cam Belt
i) In the Service History
The 1.8 litre petrol, L series 2.0 litre diesel and 2.5 litre V6 petrol Freelanders all have cam belts that should be replaced at the 72,000 mile service. If the Freelander you are considering buying is close to, or has past this mileage and there is no evidence that the cam belt has been changed then it is highly advisable that you have this done as soon as possible. A snapped cam belt can completely destroy your engine and you will be looking at a complete engine rebuild rather than a routine cam belt change.
How much will it cost?
A routine cam belt change with water pump will cost you £295 for a 1.8 litre petrol Freelander, £395 for an L series 2.0 litre diesel Freelander and £795 for the 2.5 litre V6 petrol Freelander.
ii) On the Freelander
Without taking the cam belt cover off it is difficult to tell if there is wear to the cam belt. If the cam belt has snapped you will certainly know – the car will not go!!
How much will it cost?
If the cam belt on the Freelander has snapped you are probably looking at an engine rebuild. Depending on the damage done you are looking at upwards of £1,495 for a 1.8 petrol Freelander; £1,695 for a 2.0 diesel Freelander; and £2,095 for the 2.5 V6 petrol Freelander – so make sure you change the cam belt in a timely manner!
c) Warning Lights
i) On the Freelander
Warning lights are on the dash for a reason – something is wrong! The main warning lights on most Freelanders are the engine warning light, hill descent control (looks like a car going down hill), the ABS and the traction control light. Please note that the ABS light does not extinguish until you are moving forward (not in reverse) at a certain speed – so as you pull off slowly this light will remain on until you get some speed up.
There are a lot of sensors on a Freelander and often the warning lights are on because of a malfunction on one of the sensors. The only way to know what the problem is is to put the Freelander on a diagnostic machine, and even then it can take a lot of sorting out. Finding the root cause of a warning light being on can be very time consuming and costly.
How much will it cost?
Putting the Freelander on a diagnostic machine will cost around £42. Once you have a diagnosis, sorting the problem out could be a nice simple fix, but it could run into hundreds of pounds and a lot of time!
2. The Freelander Drive Train
a) Viscous Coupling Unit (VCU)
i) In the Service History
The viscous coupling unit (VCU) is a sealed unit on the prop shaft that supports the four wheel drive function of a Freelander. All Freelander 1 models have a viscous coupling unit (unless the prop shaft has been removed, rendering the Freelander a two wheel drive vehicle).
The viscous coupling unit is a sealed unit which contains a viscous fluid. As the viscous fluid becomes thicker it over time the viscous coupling will become stiffer to rotate and this will put a strain on the whole drive train of the Freelander. Hence the viscous coupling unit is an item which should be replaced regularly, at about 70,000 miles. If there is no record of having the viscous coupling replaced and the Freelander you are buying has done 70,000 miles or more then you should be considering replacing this immediately.
How much will it cost?
A reconditioned viscous coupling unit, which has had its viscous fluid replaced, is £270 (add an extra £65 if you replace the bearings at the same time, which is recommended), and fitting is £105.
ii) On the Freelander
Since the viscous coupling unit is a sealed unit it is difficult to know if the viscous fluid has become too thick – it is not like the oil where you can pull out the dipstick and see how it looks. If when you drive the Freelander it feels as if it is holding back or as if the brakes are binding, then this could be the viscous coupling showing excessive signs of wear. It will be especially noticeable when reversing on full lock.
Once the viscous coupling becomes stiff there is a lot of strain put on the whole drive train. If the Freelander is still driven as normal it will eventually damage the IRD unit (transfer box) and the rear differential – then things get really expensive. Generally if you can hear a clunking noise from the front of the vehicle as you go around corners then there is a good chance that there is damage to the IRD.
How much will it cost?
If you are lucky and the only damage that has occurred is to the viscous coupling unit then the cost will be the same as a routine replacement. If, however, it has caused damage to the IRD then you are looking at an extra £650 for a reconditioned IRD unit, plus fitting at £195 – and that is assuming no other damage has been done, so make sure you replace your viscous coupling unit in a timely manner!
b) Differential Centre Bush
i) On the Freelander
Wear to the differential centre bush on the Freelander is something to look out for, although it is not a major item that should stop you purchasing a good vehicle. If you go underneath the Freelander and push the prop shaft at the back by the differential to see how much play it has. If there is a lot of play then it is advisable to get this changed as soon as possible.
How much will it cost?
The differential centre bush and fitting should cost about £80.
3. The Freelander Body
a) Window, Doors and Sunroof
i) On the Freelander
Unfortunately it is quite common on the Freelander to have problems with the windows, doors and sunroof – so check these things.
If the sunroof does not work quite often the best thing to do is to take out the fuse and leave it shut! This way you know you will not end up with a sunroof half open that you just can’t get closed again. If the sunroof on the Freelander does work then make sure you open and close it regularly to stop it ceasing up.
Check that all the doors open and lock on the fob. The first click of the fob will open just the drivers door, the second click should open all the doors including the tailgate one.
Check that all the electric windows work – in some models all windows are electric whereas in others the rear windows are manual. Remember that the tailgate window also goes down, there is a button in the centre front that controls the tailgate window. In addition to this if you press and hold the fob then instead of opening the doors it should bring the tailgate window down. To put the tailgate window back up you need to either put the key in the tailgate door lock, turn and hold it until the window comes up, or use the button inside the Freelander. Do note that the key does not open the tailgate door, this can only be done from the fob, the key is just for controlling the tailgate window.
How much will it cost?
If your windows are not working this will cost around £50 to £80 depending on which window has the problem. If you cannot hear the sound of the motor when you press the button it is worth checking the fuses before going to the expense of getting a garage to look at fixing it.
Fixing the doors of the Freelander will cost you around £50 if a new mechanism is not required. And as for the sunroof – I would just leave it closed!
Hi Sue
I’m looking to purchase a Land Rover Freelander 2 (2007) – 3.2 i6 HSE 5dr.
It has done approx 70k miles with only 2 x owners.
Before I actually see the vehicle in the flesh I am asking the Q’s ref VCU, Cam belt and multi/single layer gasket, and whether they have been replaced particularly in light of the vehicles mileage. I note 70k is the sweet spot for replacements!
Is there anything else I should be aware of specific to that model? What sort of price would expect a vehicle like this to be valued at?
Many thanks
Will
Hi Will,
Congratulations on looking to purchase a Freelander, the 3.2 I6 is a fabulous model.
There Freelander 2’s do not use the same VCU system as the Freelander 1’s. The 4×4 system on the Freelander 2 comprises a Power Transfer Unit at the front (transfer box), then at the other end of the prop shaft is a Haldex system, which operates on oil pressure and has its own ECU; connected to a rear differential at the rear.
The important thing with teh drivetrain is to make sure all the tyres are matched – same make, model, size, tread depth remaining and air pressure – this will ensure no strain is placed on the drivetrain and should keep it in good condition. The Haldex should be serviced every 2 – 3 years (change the oil, filter and clean out the pump) – this is not on the Land Rover service schedule so is often not done.
The oil in the power transfer unit and the rear differential, and also the gearbox should be changed every 10 years or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first.
There is no timing belt on the 3.2 I6 so you do not have to worry about this; and they do not have the same head gasket issues as the Freelander 1 1.8 petrols had.
There is not so many of the 3.2 I6 Freelanders around so they do tend to make quite good money – exactly how much will depend on the condition and the spec.
Best of luck with the purchase Will, they are fantastic vehicles and the I6 can certainly bring a smile to your face!
All the best,
Sue
0780 9575 421
Hi sue, can you give me a definitive reply as to if i remove my propshaft from my 2002 freelander and fit a blanking plate on the IRD box, will this be a MOT failure in the UK?
thanks for a fast reply!!
Hi Andy,
We have never had a Freelander fail the MOT in the UK because there was no prop shaft fitted, and we have had many tested with no prop shaft. Some MOT testers have put it as an advisory that the prop shaft is missing but others have not.
All the best,
Sue
Hi there, I’ve got a 2003 2.0 td4. Turns over however will not fire. AA couldn’t get any codes. Suggest hp fuel pump as no codes. However had issues with fuel pressure sensor/loom. Could that also cause non starting if faulty as seems cheaper option to try?
Thanks
Mark
Hi Mark,
Yes, the fuel rail pressure sensor and wiring can cause starting issues, although with the sensor you would expect to get an error code on diagnostics. Have you got the uprated fuel rail pressure sensor wiring loom fitted? If not then this is worth fitting even if it is not responsible for this particular issue.
When the Freelander will not start can you hear the low pressure fuel pump, under the drivers side rear wheel arch, priming? This is the most likely fuel pump to have an issue.
All the best,
Sue
0780 9575 421
Considering buying freelander 1. 2ltr diesel engine and the 4 wheel drive not working can l take it out because it’s of no use to me
Hi Gibson,
My apologies for the delay in responding but we have been on vacation and just returned to work today.
In answer to your question, it depends on what is damaged on the drivetrain. You can certainly take off the prop shaft and run in front wheel drive only, however, if there is damage to the transfer box/IRD or the rear differential you will need to get these sorted out. Removing the prop shaft may take the strain off the other units, but if damage has already been done it will gradually get worse.
All the best,
Sue
+44-780-9575-421
For 1 year now, I have a Freelander 1 from 2005. Very nice car, petrol 1.8; 3-doors and with hard&soft top.
We drove it to Spain,to our second home and it is not used much.But unfortunately we are having increasing problems.
First the (driver) door would not open anymore with the remote key and when we used it as a normal key, frequently the alarm would go off.
In addition to that, we now cannot open the aft door anymore, and the window small movement stopped; but the window can still be lowered completely from the controls next to the driver seat.
After a reset (battery disconnected; then 5x remote key) the tail window would again move a little bit down when the aftdoor handle was used, but that has quickly also stopped again. And the door stays forever locked. I have the service book from Haynes, but I cannot find any real advise for this problem. I even do not know how one can inspect the interior of the door when the door stays locked.
Do you have any advise for me? Hope to hear from you soon.
BR
Gerard Stenfert
Hi Gerard,
With regard to the driver door not opening with the key fob all the time it could be worth changing the key fob batteries; checking the connections inside the key fob (is the fob quite worn? If so it could be worth changing the case); and, if these do not help, get the keyfob resynced, through diagnostics, to the Freelander.
With regard to the tailgate door, this sounds like a problem with the actuator. If the door is not opening you will need to climb into the tailgate and prise the door card off enough to get some access to the wires. With any luck just fiddling with the wires will release the door so you can then replace the actuator.
All the best,
Sue
+44-780-9575-421
Howdy all
I live in Christchurch New Zealand, I have bought a 2002 Freelander V6 it is a mint vehicle 1 owner genuine 38kms looks like new. Apparently it has all service records but the person I’m dealing with is away until early June.
The vehicle will be delivered with the next 10days. At this point I’m unsure if the cambelt etc has been done. Mileage wise this is OK but age it would be well overdue. My question is if I can detirmine it hasn’t been done and it has such low Kms would it be wise to take it to a specialist get the cover taken off to see the condition of the belts to see if there’s any perishing or cracking of it’s in perfect condition would it be OK to wait until the Kms ate higher before I replace the belts etc.
Many thanks … David
Hi David,
Unfortunately, unless the garage which changed the cambelt last put a date and mileage sticker on the car it is not possible to tell the age of the belts – they can look in good condition but still be over 6 years old. If the car has stood for some time we would recommend getting the belts done to be on the safe side. If it has been in regular use, and hence regularly serviced, waiting a few days for the previous owner to confirm whether and when they were changed may not be too much of an issue.
Enjoy your Freelander – Nobert always says the V6 model puts a smile on your face!
All the best,
Sue
+44-780-9575-421
Hi Sue!
This is misheal from Zambia, I recently bought a 2005 v6 petrol engine freelander 2.5l, but my friends are saying it’s a wrong car,, it has common engine problems &
many people regret having it..how true is this? & how can I protect the engine & gear box from breaking down?
Hi Misheal,
Congratulations on your new Freelander.
The V6 Freelander only tends to have major problems if you do not understand how to look after it properly. They are great vehicles, and, as Nobert says, the V6 always puts a smile on your face when you drive it!
The biggest issue the Freelander V6 has is with the thermostat. This sits in the V of the engine which gets very hot and, because the housing is plastic, it can tend to crack. If this happens and you do not realise you are losing coolant you can end up in a situation where you blow the head gaskets. To avoid this make sure you check your coolant levels regularly, and if you see it using more coolant than normal get it checked out immediately – changing a thermostat is a much easier, and cheaper job than replacing the head gaskets! Alternatively you can fit a metal thermostat, which has been developed to overcome this problem. We can supply one of these for £245.83 plus shipping.
Other than this the best way to protect your engine is regular servicing and using a high quality oil. Only use coolant which has organic acid technology (OAT), normally red or orange; never use the blue or green coolant or plain water.
With regard to the gearbox, this is a Jatco automatic gearbox and when you change the gearbox oil make sure you only use Texaco N402 transmission oil, do not use any alternative oil.
To protect your drivetrain always make sure all four tyres are matched – the same make, model, size, tread depth remaining and air pressure.
We always recommend changing the viscous coupling unit (VCU) every 70,000 miles. However, the V6 VCU does tend to last longer. To check if your VCU is causing a strain on the drivetrain do a full lock turn, in first or reverse gear, and if the Freelander feel as though it is holding back on you, a little like the brakes are on, then the VCU is already putting a strain on the drivetrain and you need to replace it as soon as possible. If you have to wait for a replacement either avoid driving the Freelander or remove the prop shaft temporarily and run in front wheel drive.
They are great vehicles Misheal, enjoy it!
All the best,
Sue
+44-780-9575-421
Hello. I’ve got a 1.8 2002 model. I have a knocking sound coming from behind the centre console/passenger footwell. It happens mostly under acceleration and only after a couple of miles. It is there as long as you are accelerating and not just a one off noise. Mainly in lower gears. It happens with or without the prop attached. Lower engine mount, IRD support bracket, mass dampner and rear diff bushes have been replaced. Any ideas as to what it might be? I’m pulling my hair out. Thanks in advance.
Hi Andy,
By the lower engine mount are you meaning the lower tie rod which looks a bit like a dog bone?
All the best,
Sue
0780 9575 421
Hi Sue. Thanks for the reply. Yes i mean the lower tie rod
Hi i have a freelander 2.0 and i love it. It only has 90k on clock even though a 2001 model. It was my mums. Full service. Fantastic all terrain wheels etc. Problem is the gear box has gone and its an auto so garage says £2000 inc labour. Recently i have had a few things go on it so im wondering whether its worth such a huge payout. Any advice? Thanks
Hi Jennie,
Good to hear how much you love your Freelander. What sort of things have gone on it lately? What is the gearbox doing? It may be that it just needs some new solenoids and not a whole gearbox, in which case it would be a much more cost effective fix.
If the issue is a replacement gearbox you could consider getting a good used one, you could almost half the cost of the fix this way.
If, however, you go for the £2,000 repair then it really is about how you feel toward your Freelander. We have seen these engines go up to 465,000 miles and still going strong, so there is plenty of life left in it if it is looked after properly.
Let us know what other issues it has had and what the gearbox is doing and we may be able to help further.
All the best,
Sue
0780 9575 421
Hi sue
Yes all sorted now it read the codes it was the fan on the Intercool but all sorted now thanks again
Fantastic Wayne, great to hear it is sorted.
All the best,
Sue
0780 9575 421
Hi sue it was the aa who came out but I got someone eles coming out to look at it and thank you about the clutch you was spot on
It’s a pleasure Wayne. Fingers crossed the people you have coming will be able to read the codes.
All the best,
Sue
Hi sue
That’s the thing it’s not reading the code machine it’s not picking up the ecu
Have you only tried with one code reader Wayne? Some code readers will not read some vehicles so it is worth trying someone with a more specialised code reader.
All the best,
Sue
Hi sue no it’s runs fine it’s the 1.8 54 plate freelander 1 and it’s just the amber Light with the pic of the engine on it
Hi Wayne,
The best thing is to get the codes read by diagnostics. Let us know if you need help interpreting the codes.
All the best,
Sue
Hi my engine light as come on and it stays on the aa came out and couldn’t get any code from it any idea what it could be
Hi Wayne,
Which engine does your Freelander have? What year is it? Are you getting any symptoms other than the engine light coming on?
All the best,
Sue
Hi no it’s runs fine it’s a freelander 1 54 plate it’s the amber one just with a pic off the engine
Hi Wayne,
It could be any number of things. If everything is running fine it could be worth disconnecting the battery for 10 minutes then reconnecting it to see if that extinguishes the light. Otherwise you will need to get the codes read – if the AA could not read it try a more specialist garage. An issue with any number of sensors can bring the light on so with no symptoms it is almost impossible to be able to diagnose without a diagnostic reading.
Sorry we could not be of more help on this occasion.
All the best,
Sue
Hi,is there a cut off year after when the multi layered head gasket was fitted as standard ?
Thanks Tom
Hi Tom,
As far as we are aware the MLS gasket was first introduced as a replacement part through Land Rover dealers in early 2006, and hence I am not sure if any of the Freelanders were fitted with them as standard, and if they were it was the very last ones.
All the best,
Sue
Hi sue
Is it still ok to drive while it’s like this thanks
Hi Wayne,
Yes, it should not do damage driving it it just will not be very pleasant!
All the best,
Sue
Thanks very much
Hi I just brought a 54 plate freelander 1.8 but to put in gear it’s stiff and to change gear it’s had a new clutch not long ago any ideas what it could be thanks
Hi Wayne,
Have you change the clutch hydraulics? It sounds like these could be your issue. We would strongly recommend using genuine Land Rover hydraulics as, in our experience, the aftermarket ones are not very good.
All the best,
Sue
+44 780 9575 421
Hi is it still ok to drive thanks
Hi,
I am about to buy a 1999 Landrover Diesel (non TD4) its on 180kKm so hasn’t had too hard of a life.
However it does have its faults. Currently its only in 2WD, something that the current owner states it just needs new prop shaft bearings to be 4WD. Where I am it won’t pass it’s annual test if its not 4wd, so I’m fully aware I could be in for a big bill if other parts of the drive train are dead. I am having these bearings fitted before I pick up the car.
The other issue is the hill descent light is always lit on the dash, along with ABS, and TC. – Can you tell me if I can plug in an OBD reader to reset or see fault codes? The previous owner tells me that the garage says its not actually on, it’s just an electrical gremlin.
It is remarkably tidy on the outside, inside the sun roof has been sealed and the headliner is coming down – but these are two jobs I will tackle myself at a later point – any tips on the sun roof?
Also, I’m fairly sure its due its can belt replacement, so here is my long term jobs list:
1. Full Engine Service (do you have a guide or list of what that should entail)
2. Cam belt replacement
3. Drive train – VC unit (I’m hoping this has already been done as part of the fault they had last year, but I doubt it as its since been put back to 2wd only)
4. ABS/TC/hill diagnostics – make sure all is OK.
5. Sun roof/stereo/headliner.
Would this be a good order to do things, and how much £ do you think I’m looking at 😮
Hi Dan,
Congratulations on your decision to buy a Freelander, they are great vehicles!
With regard to your job list:
1. Full Engine Service (do you have a guide or list of what that should entail)
The service sheet can be found at https://www.landyzone.co.uk/attachments/freelander_maintenance_sheet-jpg.2094/.
2. Cam belt replacement
This should be carried out every 48,000 miles (80,000km) and hence is worth doing if you have no record of when it was last changed. It is recommended to change the fuel injection pump belt at the same time. There are two different belts on the L-Series engines, one with 112 teeth and the other with 114 teeth, make sure you get the right one.
3. Drive train – VC unit (I’m hoping this has already been done as part of the fault they had last year, but I doubt it as its since been put back to 2wd only)
This is the job that you maybe should do first. With no record of the VCU being replaced we would STRONGLY recommend you change this before refitting the prop shaft – if the VCU bearings were damaged it is likely to be because the VCU was putting a strain on the drivetrain. A reconditioned VCU is £295 and a new VCU is £395, you will then have the cost of the bearings and fitting.
Check for any play on the IRD at the front and the rear differential. Also try draining a little oil from these to see if there are any metal pieces in there – if there is then you will need to replace the unit. A reconditioned IRD is £650 and a reconditioned rear differential is £425.
4. ABS/TC/hill diagnostics – make sure all is OK.
This is highly unlikely to be just a case of resetting the fault codes, these lights come on for a reason and sometimes it can be quite difficult to find that reason.
The three amigos – ABS HDC and TC warning lights illuminating – is normally caused by one of three things:
– A fault with the brake light switch situated under the brake pedal. These are only a few pounds so it could be worth changing this.
– A chaffed or broken connection in the wires under the gear stick gaiter – check these.
– A faulty wheel speed sensor. For this one you would be best to put it in diagnostics to determine which wheel has the fault.
5. Sun roof/stereo/headliner.
The most common issues on the sunroof (if it is a 5 door) is the rails, causing the sunroof not to open or close properly; or deterioration of one of the seals causing it to leak.
All the best,
Sue
+44-780-9575-421
Hi,
Looking to imminently purchase a 2.0l TD4 Freelander (looking at serval on the weekend from around 2004 onwards), so can I just confirm that it would be the BMW engine and no belt, but a chain?
thanks.
Hi – Just answered my own question by reading further on your website. TD4 indeed does not have a belt.
Thanks for a great website for a newbie!
Darren
Hi Darren,
Good to hear you are looking to join the Freelander owners and that you are doing your research well! Any further questions please do not hesitate to ask.
We look forward to hearing about the Freelander you choose.
All the best,
Sue
+44-780-9575-421
Have a 2004 k-séries, engine leaks like a leaky thing, so i want to change it. Will the MGF 135 engine drop straight in? I want it as it has more power
Hi Craig,
Yes, a non-VVC 1.8 K-series MG 135 engine will drop straight in the Freelander.
All the best,
Sue
+44-780-9575-421
Hi I have just bought a 2003 td4 with 105000 miles on the clock when in 4th gear if I take my foot of the throttle it makes a grinding type rattling noise if I accelerate it turns to a whine, if I push the clutch down it stops. It recently had a clutch and only does it in 4th any ideas please
Hi Stuart,
Congratulations on your purchase. This sounds like an issue with your release bearing on the slave cylinder, which should have been changed when you had the clutch changed. It is worth checking with the garage who changed the clutch what gearbox oil they used.
All the best,
Sue
I am thinking of buying a used Landrover Freelander 2.0 DI, model 2000. Diesel with 137000KM, but some people have told me that do not buy it because of the problems in the engine and the traction system…
I would like to know if is it true or no???
Hello Talal,
Congratulations on your consideration to purchase a Freelander, they are great vehicles.
Of all the Freelander 1 range the DI’s are the ones we see the least of, they are very reliable engines, a little more agricultural than the TD4’s but very robust – in fact we use a DI as our adventurer and have taken it through the Sahara Desert and across Iceland in winter with no engine issues at all.
With regard to the traction system these are very capable 4×4’s. The reason people think they have issues with the drivetrain is because they do not understand the need to change the viscous coupling unit every 70,000 miles and to keep all four tyres matched in make, model, size, tread depth and pressure. If you look after your Freelander and follow these two rules then you should have no problems with your drivetrain.
Good luck with your purchase.
All the best,
Sue
What make engine use in freelander 1.8 2003 ?
Hi Ubed,
It is the Rover K-Series engine in the 1.8 petrol Freelander.
All the best,
Sue
+44-780-9575-421
Rover k series 1.8 is freelanders only 1.8 engine used in many rover/mg cars
That is right Casper, the Rover K-Series engine is the only 1.8 engine used in the Freelander.
All the best,
Sue
+44-780-9575-421
Despite my 2003 Freelander 2.5 petrol V6 timing belts only having 32k miles on them, and said belts being OEM purchased from a LR dealer- one snapped and I am sure the engine is done in. I would like to repower it with a diesel. I had the auto trans go out at 120,000 miles, and when I replaced that, I did the belts. 32k mi later- one is gone. I would like to do a diesel repower.
Some questions :
Does the 2.5 petrol V6 run backwards ?
If yes, Do you know of a US or UK spares dealers that export or have the Freelander diesel ?
I live in the US in an area with no emissions testing- so I can attempt this.
Do you happen to know if the petrol 2.5 V6 uses an SAE bolt pattern, and if so- which one ?
Thanks and cheers.
Hi V.M.,
If you want to change your V6 petrol Freelander into a diesel model you will need more than just the engine. You will need to change the fuel lines, the ECU, wiring loom etc., so what you really need is a donor vehicle so you can swap everything over. It is not an easy job, nor is it a cheap one. We can certainly ship the engine but this will not be enough for the conversion.
Could you please clarify for us what you mean by the V6 running backwards.
All the best,
Sue
+44-780-9575-421
Hi sorry to jump in on this, what is the best engine to replace the 1.8 petrol in the freelander? I have a 2001 and am looking at all of the faults and would just prefer to get an engine that doesn’t need so much attention.
Hi Judah,
We have never replaced the 1.8 petrol engine with another petrol engine. We have once replaced it with an M47 diesel engine (which is in the Freelander 2001 – 2006), however to do this is a mammoth task and requires a donor vehicle as you need to replace the engine, ECU, wiring loom, fuel pipes etc. etc. The 1.8 engine is an excellent design of engine if you look after it properly, but if you would prefer a different engine it could be cheaper to change the 1.8 Freelander to perhaps a TD4 Freelander than to try to change the engine.
All the best,
Sue
+44-780-9575-421