Your Range Rover is overheating, burning oil or running rough. Someone has mentioned a new engine, and now you are staring at prices that range from suspiciously cheap to eye-watering. Where do you even start?
Start here. A Range Rover 4.4 V8 petrol reconditioned engine is often the most sensible way to keep an L322 on the road. It costs far less than a new unit, and a properly rebuilt engine with a solid warranty can run for many more years. The catch is that quality varies hugely between suppliers.
This guide explains the specs and engine codes, the faults that lead to failure, what a reconditioned engine should include, and what you can expect to pay in the UK. It draws on the kind of 4.4 V8 petrol engines that come through our workshop in Grays, Essex.
Quick answer: the 4.4 V8 petrol is the BMW-sourced engine fitted to the L322 Range Rover from 2002 to 2005. It is smooth and well liked, but age, cooling problems and cylinder wear are what usually bring it to the workshop. Most owners get the best value from a tested, reconditioned replacement with a clear warranty.
Jump to:
- Specs, engine codes and fitment
- Common problems and when to replace
- Reconditioned engine price and replacement cost
- FAQs
What Are the Range Rover 4.4 V8 Petrol Engine Specs, and Which Models Use the AJ41 Engine?

The 4.4 V8 petrol powered the third-generation Range Rover (the L322) in its early years. It is a 4.4-litre, 32-valve V8, and it was supplied by BMW, which is why you will see it referred to by BMW's M62 designation as well as Land Rover's own codes.
Naming causes plenty of confusion, so here is the short version:
- M62B44: BMW's code for the 4.4-litre V8 used in the L322.
- AJ41: the code you will often see in Land Rover-related listings and parts catalogues for the 4.4 V8. Always confirm with your VIN and engine number.
- 448PN and 448S2: these are different, later engines. They belong to the Range Rover Sport and L322 from 2010 onward and are not interchangeable with the early 4.4.
If you are searching for an AJ41 engine, double check your vehicle details before you buy anything. A wrong match is an expensive mistake.
What Are the Key Specs of the Range Rover 4.4 V8 Petrol Engine and Its Engine Codes?
Here is a quick-reference table. Figures are approximate and can vary slightly by year and market, so confirm yours against your handbook or official Land Rover documentation.
Feature | Range Rover 4.4 V8 Petrol (L322, early) |
| Engine codes | M62B44 / AJ41 (confirm by VIN) |
| Layout | V8, 32-valve |
| Capacity | 4.4 litres (approx. 4,398 cc) |
| Fuel | Petrol |
| Approx. power | Around 282 PS (roughly 278 bhp) |
| Approx. torque | Around 440 Nm |
| Fitment years | Approx. 2002 to 2005 |
| Typical user | Mixed road use, towing, family SUV |
Fitment at a glance:
Vehicle | Typical engine | Notes |
| Range Rover Vogue 4.4 V8 (2002 to 2005) | 4.4 V8 petrol | Includes the popular Range Rover Vogue 4.4 V8 2004 |
| Range Rover L322 (2006 onward) | Later engines | Different engines, so match by VIN |
| Range Rover Sport (2010 onward) | 448PN / 448S2 and others | Not the same engine as the early 4.4 |
To match the right unit, we check three things: your registration, your VIN and the engine number stamped on the block. Getting this right protects you from a wrong fit.
One more note. This petrol engine is not the same as the 4.4 TDV8 or SDV8 diesel, even though the capacity sounds similar. The diesels are completely different engines. Searching 4 4 v8 can bring up either, so always check which fuel type you need.
Is the Range Rover 4.4 V8 Petrol Reliable, and How Does It Compare with the 4.4 V8 Diesel Engine?
The petrol is generally regarded as a solid engine when it is looked after, but these cars are now old. Age, not design, is behind many of the failures we see.
Many owners also ask about Range Rover 4.4 V8 diesel engine reliability when deciding whether to stay with the petrol or switch. Here is how they compare:
Point | 4.4 V8 petrol (early L322) | 4.4 V8 diesel (TDV8/SDV8) |
| Strengths | Smooth, simpler design | Strong torque, better mpg |
| Common weak points | Cooling system, cylinder wear, ageing seals | Timing chains, coolant pipes, turbos |
| Repair cost on major faults | Moderate to high | High, because of packaging |
| Best for | Lower mileage, enthusiasts, simpler ownership | High mileage, towing, long trips |
Our view: if you love the petrol and the car is in good condition, keep it and fit a reconditioned engine. Switching to a diesel is a different engine family with its own weak points, and it is rarely a straightforward swap.
What Are the Most Common Range Rover 4.4 V8 Petrol Engine Problems, and When Does It Need Replacing?

Most Range Rover 4.4 V8 petrol engine problems come down to heat, age and neglected maintenance. Caught early, many are fixable. Left too long, they end in a full engine replacement.
What Are the Warning Signs and Common Faults on the Range Rover 4.4 V8 Petrol Engine?
Here are the faults we see most often, with the signs to watch for.
- Overheating and coolant loss: a rising temperature gauge, a sweet smell or falling coolant level. Overheating is the biggest killer of this engine.
- Oil leaks and oil consumption: oil spots on the drive, a falling oil level or a burning smell from the engine bay.
- Cylinder bore and liner wear: a ticking or knocking sound, blue smoke and rising oil use. This is serious and often points to a rebuild.
- Misfires and rough running: juddering at idle, hesitation or a flashing engine light. Ignition parts are a common cause, but internal wear can be too.
- Loss of power and warning lights: can come from sensors, fuelling or deeper engine damage.
Symptom | Likely cause | Urgency |
| Temperature gauge rising | Cooling fault or leak | High: stop and check |
| Coolant level dropping | Hose, radiator or gasket leak | High: leaks escalate |
| Blue smoke, high oil use | Bore or ring wear | High: internal damage likely |
| Misfire or rough idle | Ignition or fuelling fault | Medium |
| Oil on the drive | Seal or gasket leak | Low to medium |
Stop driving and call recovery if you see a red oil pressure light, an overheating warning, or hear a heavy knock. Continuing to drive is how a repairable fault turns into a scrap engine.
A real-world scenario: an owner notices the temperature gauge creeping up on a long drive and keeps going because it "cools down again." The head gasket then fails and coolant mixes with oil. A hose or thermostat repair would have solved it earlier. Instead, the engine needs replacing.
Not sure what your symptoms mean? Send us your registration and a short description for a free assessment.
Should You Repair, Replace or Recondition a Range Rover 4.4 V8 Petrol Engine?
Each option suits a different situation. Here is a clear comparison:
Option | Best for | Main advantage | Main drawback |
| Repair | A single, isolated fault | Lowest upfront cost | Does not fix hidden wear |
| Reconditioned engine | Most owners with a worn or failed engine | Strong value, usually with a warranty | Quality varies by supplier |
| Used engine | Tight budgets | Lowest purchase price | Unknown history, higher risk |
| New engine | Rare, very high-value cases | Maximum peace of mind | Highest cost, limited availability |
When repair makes sense: the fault is isolated, the engine has no internal damage and the car is otherwise sound.
When replacement makes sense: there is overheating damage, bore wear or repeated failures, and the engine's history is unclear.
Tie the decision to the value of the car. Pouring money into repairs on a worn engine rarely makes sense. A reconditioned engine resets the clock.
Questions to ask any supplier:
- Has the engine been stripped, measured and tested?
- What does the warranty cover, and for how long?
- Is fitting included, or can you recommend a trusted fitter?
- What happens if the engine fails within the warranty?
- Can you confirm the engine matches my car by VIN and engine number?
Clear, confident answers to all five are a good sign.
How Much Does a Range Rover 4.4 V8 Petrol Reconditioned Engine Cost in the UK?

The Range Rover 4.4 V8 petrol reconditioned engine price depends on several factors, and any supplier quoting a flat number without asking about your car should make you cautious. Searching for Range Rover engine price in UK will return a wide spread, and the cheapest listing often leaves out the things that matter most.
What Affects Range Rover 4.4 V8 Petrol Reconditioned Engine Price and Replacement Cost?
The total range rover 4.4 v8 petrol reconditioned engine replacement cost is made up of several parts:
- Engine code and variant: early M62/AJ41 engines differ from later ones.
- Exchange vs outright purchase: supplying your old engine as a core can lower the price.
- Supply only vs supply and fit: fitting adds labour, and this engine bay is tight.
- Extra parts: hoses, belts, seals, sensors and fluids are often replaced at the same time.
- Warranty length: longer cover generally costs more but protects you better.
Expect a reconditioned engine replacement to be a significant outlay, though far less than a new engine. We prefer to give a quote based on your exact vehicle rather than a guess.
What a quality rebuild should include:
- Full strip-down and inspection of every major component.
- Precise measuring of bores, crank and bearings.
- Machining where needed to bring parts back within tolerance.
- New gaskets, seals and wear parts as standard.
- Clean assembly and testing before it leaves the workshop.
If a seller cannot tell you what is included in their rebuild, treat that as a warning. Cheap engines often skip the measuring and machining, which is exactly where long-term reliability comes from.
Reconditioned vs repair: a repair costs less upfront but does not address wear elsewhere in the engine. A reconditioned unit costs more, but you get a known-good engine with a warranty, which often works out cheaper over the next few years.
Why Buy Your Range Rover 4.4 V8 Petrol Reconditioned Engine from RR Engine Works in Grays, Essex?
An engine is only as good as the team behind it. At RR Engine Works, we focus on Range Rover, Land Rover and Jaguar engines, so we know these engines, their weak points and what a proper rebuild looks like.
- Specialist focus on Land Rover and Range Rover engines, including the 4.4 V8 petrol.
- Tested engines and clear warranty terms, so you know exactly what you are buying.
- UK-wide delivery, with a local base at Unit 1 Hedley Ave, Grays RM20 4EL for customers in Essex and the surrounding area.
- Straight advice. If repairing your engine is smarter than replacing it, we will tell you.
Getting your quote takes three simple steps:
- Enter your registration, and we confirm your exact engine.
- Check the details with us so there are no mistakes on engine code or year.
- Receive your quote, including warranty terms and delivery options.
Ready to see what your replacement engine will cost? Enter your registration now for a free engine quote.
Looking for a different engine? See our related guides on the Range Rover 4.4 V8 diesel engine, the 3.0 Ingenium engine and Land Rover turbo failure.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Range Rover 4.4 V8 Petrol Reconditioned Engine
How much does a Range Rover 4.4 V8 petrol reconditioned engine cost?
The price depends on the engine code, whether you supply your old engine as an exchange, fitting needs and warranty length. A quote based on your registration is the only reliable way to get an accurate figure.
What is the AJ41 engine?
AJ41 is a code you will see used for the 4.4 V8 petrol in Land Rover-related listings. The engine is closely linked to BMW's M62B44. Always confirm with your VIN and engine number before ordering.
What engine does the Range Rover Vogue 4.4 V8 2004 have?
It has the early 4.4 V8 petrol, matched to the L322 from roughly 2002 to 2005. Vogue is a trim level, not a different engine.
What are the most common Range Rover 4.4 V8 petrol engine problems?
Overheating and coolant loss, oil leaks, cylinder bore wear, misfires and ageing seals are the usual culprits. Most start small and become costly if ignored.
Is it worth replacing the engine in an older Range Rover?
Often yes, if the car is otherwise sound. A reconditioned engine usually costs much less than replacing the vehicle and gives you a warranty-backed engine.
What is the difference between the 4.4 V8 petrol and the 4.4 V8 diesel?
They are entirely different engines. The petrol is the early BMW-sourced unit, while the diesel TDV8 and SDV8 are twin-turbo Land Rover engines with their own weak points, such as timing chains.
Does a reconditioned engine come with a warranty?
A reputable supplier will offer a clear warranty. Always ask what it covers, how long it lasts and what you need to do to keep it valid.
Can you supply and fit a reconditioned engine anywhere in the UK?
Yes. We deliver across the UK and can discuss fitting options or recommend a trusted fitter, and our Essex workshop is available to local customers.
Conclusion: Choose the Right Range Rover 4.4 V8 Petrol Reconditioned Engine
The 4.4 V8 petrol is a smooth, characterful engine, and a well-made reconditioned unit can give an older L322 a proper second life. What matters most is matching the correct engine, understanding what a quality rebuild includes and choosing a supplier who stands behind their work.
If your engine has failed or is heading that way, do not wait for a small fault to become a costly one.
Get your free engine quote from RR Engine Works today. Enter your registration and our team will confirm your engine, then give you clear pricing, warranty details and delivery options.