I thought I had narrowed down what I wanted to a circa 2010 RRS TDV6 3.0L HSE. Why? Well it appeared to me that I wouldn't have to face the oil pump casting issue that the 2.7 suffered from, I'd get better fuel economy and a little more grunt from what is essentially the same engine. It seemed to be the sweet spot to aim for.

Then I started reading about the SDV6 3.0L coupled with the 8 speed ZF gearbox. Not entirely sure what (if any) improvements were made to the engine, it appears the fuel economy got a smidgen better, but the gearbox has me intrigued.

I'm wondering if anyone would care to offer a novice like me some advice or considered thoughts on the issue. Should I really think about stretching to a 2011/12 SDV6 with the 8 speed? Or would I be content with the TDV6 and the 6 speed gearbox?

Whichever one I would choose, I suspect I'll be looking at having a workshop change the front cambelt (tensioners etc) as well as the fuel pump drive belt, unless they've already been done. Certainly 10 years has passed for the TDV6's, 7/8 for the SDV6's and I believe 7 years is the recommended time limit, they wouldn't quite be at 100k from what I've seen but certainly around the 70-80k mark. I would also opt for having a new water pump fitted whilst having the cambelt done. I also plan to have the gearbox serviced (not sure whether to opt for the "machine flush" or more traditional drain). The rest of the more basic servicing I would be looking to carry out myself (oil, engine oil filter, fuel filter, air and pollen filter, transfer box and diff oil changes etc). Again, any useful advice or pointers on the above would be much appreciated.

I think lower mileage is a good idea on these. Under 100K

I think I would be tempted to go for a late/last 2.7
or maybe a diesel v8

If you have to have a new Oil pump then just factor the cost in. At least there is a known fix for it.
If you going to get a cambelt change anyway, changing the oil pump at the same time should not be a massive issue (if you get the right garage)

Hi,
its all very personal preference and think you will get many opinions

I would go for a 3.0 over the 2.7 and then the 8 speed over the 6, each change brings improvements
a 3.8 tdv8 is not for me in the sport, unless I knew the car for many years and how it was "Cooled" down or had just had both turbos replaced (heat sink and cool down for the turbos)

anything of that age I would be more bothered about recent service history with receipts than the mileage,
well over 100k if good servicing, belt service itemized to see What has been replaced

I also like private sales with a car thats still in use, than a car thats been sat doing nothing, aftermarket warranty if you want run it a few months to see what work you want to do and see what crops up
(may be do an oil n filter change straight away?)

I would still have an early 2.7 down to price and history and keep a slush fund

gearbox, I would have a transfusion Porsche Cayenne 2022
gone Porsche Cayenne 2020
gone Corris Grey HSE Dynamic 2016
gone Ipanema HSE lux 2010
gone Rimini HSE 2005
!!

The problem is that the 3.0 and 2.7 can suffer from snapped cranks or spun bearings. There is no known fix for these.
People will tell you its rare.
If it happens on a 2.7 you are looking at £4500 + labour
If it happens on a 3.0 its more like £8000 + labour.

Therefore the cost of replacing the turbos on a v8 once, is insignificant I would think ? Dunno the cost ?


The petrol 4.2 SC is reliable.

I was in the same position just over a year ago , always fancied a RRS but undecided on which engine, after discussion & reading various articles went for the TDV8 found one with full history & low ownership and absolutely love it , found a great indie for servicing & advice, certainly avoid LR dealerships.

I went for a TDV8. On balance of risks and horror stories I figured the risk with turbos was a better bet than the much higher cost of a replacement engine in a V6, plus a bit more grunt and a better noise!

I've had mine over 18 months and love it. If you go TDV8 try and find a 2010 model year as you'll get the facelift interior. 2010 was the last year of the TDV8.

Good luck with your search. 2010 TDV8 - current - my first RRS, loving it so far......
2005 Cayenne S - handling defied physics and what a sound, so sod the mpg!
1995 Disco TDI- surprisingly reliable, shame about the peeling dash & other trim
Lots of other non 4X4's in between times.........

Should you go for the 2.7 or the 3.0? Neither. The 3.6 is the one to go for if you want a diesel.

With regards to the gearbox, the 8 speed is smoother and is supposed to give better fuel economy because the lock-up clutch engages sooner meaning less wasted energy in the torque converter. I find the 8 speed to be a bit recalcitrant to change down on approach to junctions / roundabouts meaning it's usually in 2 or 3 gears too high when you come back on the throttle going for a blend in to traffic. I use the shift paddles a lot in my SDV6 as a result, where I rarely used the manual shift on the stick in my TDV8.

The TDV8 with the 6 speed gearbox always seems to have grunt on offer where the SDV6 with 8 speed gearbox often changes down when a bit of throttle is applied. The former makes for much more relaxed driving on motorways etc.

The TDV6 and the SDV6 aren't that different in day to day driving because the power curves are similar up to 3000rpm. The TDV8 is ahead all the way and, although the difference is only 10-15bhp most of the time, it's noticeably punchier in day to day driving.

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riverblanche wrote:

its all very personal preference and think you will get many opinions

I did say

AndyK Therefore the cost of replacing the turbos on a v8 once, is insignificant I would think ? Dunno the cost ?

I had no idea a quick search threw this up, not researched it so

Mine just blew both turbos a few weeks ago due to an oil seal letting go in O/S turbo and that ultimately led to the N/S one being starved of oxygen apparently. Had only driven 1/4 mile, coasted round a 1st exit off of a roundabout, went to accelerate and umm... nothing! Recovered, RAC tried to start it but just clicked (knackered starter sound).
End result, 2 turbos, new starter.. had brake pipes done whilst body off and a service and a few odds and sods..... �4.5k.

I am not try to pick on one engine version, you need to try them all and decide what suits You
(dont want the tdv8 guys ganging up on me either )

although a 5.0SC is always tempting


 Porsche Cayenne 2022
gone Porsche Cayenne 2020
gone Corris Grey HSE Dynamic 2016
gone Ipanema HSE lux 2010
gone Rimini HSE 2005
!!

turbo cost a little more than I thought, but still cheaper than an engine change.

So that's why you replace both turbos, as the good one is starved of oil.

The 5.0 SC has chain issues. I guess you can sort them.

It's only the 4.2 and 4.4 you can call reliable.

Regardless of which model you go for, if it's a diesel I would recommend that you change the oil and filter more regularly than the LR stated intervals. I do mine no later than every 5,000 miles.

My thinking is whatever the history of my TDV8 and the previous owners approach to "cooling" the turbos after a run in its first 56,000 miles, regular doses of nice fresh oil is a good preventative measure which should help longevity. Whilst I don't think the TDV8 in the UK ever had a DPF (my 2010 doesn't), later 3.0 V6s will have a DPF fitted and more regular changes will also help avoid oil dilution issues if you tend to do short runs.

Also not much in it MPG wise between the 3.0 V6 and 3.6 V8. I average 28mpg on mixed running and often see 32mpg on a steady long run. 2010 TDV8 - current - my first RRS, loving it so far......
2005 Cayenne S - handling defied physics and what a sound, so sod the mpg!
1995 Disco TDI- surprisingly reliable, shame about the peeling dash & other trim
Lots of other non 4X4's in between times.........

Andy K wrote:

If it happens on a 2.7 you are looking at £4500 + labour
If it happens on a 3.0 its more like £8000 + labour.

What Kev says.  2012 SDV6 - it's missing a couple of cylinders
2008 TDV8 - it was a labour of love and is much missed

knwatkins wrote:

Andy K wrote:

My advice is get what you prefer and go into it with your eyes wide open .

I have just been listening to a few podcast from Chris Harris and one think that stuck was his comment on previous cars

"You look back and remember the cars you have had, some for good reasons and some bad, but you Never look back and remember the Money you saved for not buying one ! if you want one and can afford it, Buy it"


 Porsche Cayenne 2022
gone Porsche Cayenne 2020
gone Corris Grey HSE Dynamic 2016
gone Ipanema HSE lux 2010
gone Rimini HSE 2005
!!

That is very true indeed! However, that has now caused me to look back and think about it  Kev

MY2014 L405 RR Vogue SE 4.4 SDV8 in Corris Grey
MY2010 L320 RRS HSE 3.0 TDV6 in Stornoway Grey

2 turbos on an sdv6 is around £4k, new turbos. Body off. I still have my bill from 3 yrs ago.....

Sdv6 is fine in every day use. I seldom use the paddles and in S mode there is plenty of engine braking available. Roundabout Roullette is easily avoided in D if you select 1st on paddle and boot it, it will shift up at red line (don't do in S mode as it won't change up).

Best tip ? Get it tuned by Alive. Takes it to 300 plus bhp and boosts torque usefully. Did mine 60k miles ago 5yrs back. Transforms the car for basically £500.