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The Project
Range Rover (L322) arrives to the workshop for a recommission. Works include a full underside restoration, electrical and front and back bumper respray.
9th August 2023: The underside of the car has began to be stripped to identify the areas in need of repair and parts to be replaced.
9th November 2023: New front and back suspension installed, new brakes, boot floor replaced, and front/back bumpers removed to be resprayed.
22nd February 2024: Suspension rebalanced. Bumpers repainted and installed. One or two final engine checks and this will be ready to collect by the owner.
The iconic nameplate conjures images of wealthy country folk and Hollywood celebrities. In saying that, ownership isn’t as exclusive as you might think: the L322 generation Range Rover is arguably the bargain of the century.
Travel back to the late 90s and you’ll find Land Rover under BMW ownership and this third-generation Range Rover in development. The posh high-rider was revealed in 2001 featuring a 281bhp 4.4-litre V8 petrol and a 174bhp 3.0-litre diesel made by BMW, despite the British brand having been bought by Ford that very year. It retained those two engines until 2005 – a year after its BMW 5 Series electronics had been ditched for Jaguar ones.
Speaking of Jaguar, its 296bhp 4.4-litre V8 replaced the BMW unit, while the 4.2-litre V8 from the XK8 joined the line-up. With 385bhp, this supercharged lump is quite the powerhouse!
You want even more performance? For that, turn to the supercharged 5.0-litre, introduced in 2009. Thanks to 502bhp, it has a 0-60mph time of 6.0sec and a top speed of 140mph.
Other engines include a naturally aspirated 5.0-litre V8 with 375bhp, as well as a pair of Ford built diesel V8s – a 268bhp 3.6-litre and a 309bhp 4.4-litre.
The more alluring aspects of an L322 lie elsewhere. For instance, there’s a reason you see this SUV wafting around London, tackling muddy tracks and coping with the school run. It’s because they’re so extremely versatile yet such a joy to drive or be a passenger in.
Drive it on the road and you’ll swoon over the plush leather and comfortable, limousine-like ride, and the car’s tall but straight sides make it remarkably easy to place despite its width. You feel like royalty, with a high driving position and cool, calm and collected driving dynamics. What’s more, when the road disappears, the incredible four-wheel drive system and its talents will astonish.
The Range Rover is a sure-fire future classic
Engine: Listen for whining turbos and injector misfires on the 3.0 TD. The 3.6 TD can suffer turbo actuator issues. Check the water pump was replaced at the cambelt change. On 4.2-litre cars, listen for a rattle from the supercharger at idle. Inspect for exhaust wear and check the catalytic converter isn’t breaking up.
Cooling system: Look at the coolant expansion tank. The BMW 4.4 petrol suffers failed O-ring seals at the water jacket housing behind the engine. This can cause overheating and coolant leaks into the gearbox.
Gearbox: This is a big area for problems. Warning signs include stubborn changes accompanied by dashboard lights. Disregard the ‘sealed for life’ sticker: regular fluid and filter changes will help. On early cars, check it was recalled for fitment of a CV joint on the front propshaft.
Suspension and brakes: Check the air suspension scrolls at three height settings noiselessly, and that the bellows aren’t leaking (park the car and see if it sinks). Scrutinise workshop bills to see when the air compressor was checked or replaced. Listen for the front wishbones knocking under braking. Listen for the rear hub bushes clonking over bumps. Check brake disc and pad life.
Body: Inspect the underside for off-road damage and the tailgate for rust, in addition to damage from people sitting on it.
Trims range from well-equipped HSE to ultra-luxurious Autobiography. There are hundreds of used L322s for sale, most of them diesels. Those wanting the most confidence as they head into their Range Rover purchase should seek out examples that have not only a full service history but also proof of recall and technical service bulletin rectification, as well as drivetrain and suspension refurbishment.
23rd June 2023
9th August 2023
9th November 2023
22nd February 2024
Are you ready to start your restoration journey with us?
- 01833 630 011
- 07973 616 478