Ask three specialists to price an engine replacement for the fourth-generation Range Rover (L405) and you may get three very different answers. That doesn't necessarily mean someone is overcharging. The cost depends on which engine your car has, what type of replacement unit is used, how much of the surrounding system is renewed, and why the original engine failed.
This guide explains each of those factors, so you can compare quotes on equal terms and spot what a low price might leave out. Every L405 is different, so the only reliable figure is a written quote based on your registration and an inspection.
Why L405 Engine Replacement Costs Vary So Much
Engine Code and Variant
The L405 was sold with several engine families, and each affects the price differently.
Engine | Code (as commonly listed) | Why it affects cost |
| 3.0 TDV6 / SDV6 diesel | 306DT | Widely available; crankshaft bearing failures make replacement units common |
| 4.4 SDV8 diesel | 448DT | Larger, twin-turbo V8 with timing chains at the rear; higher parts and labour content |
| 5.0 supercharged V8 petrol | 508PS | Supercharger and ancillaries add complexity |
| 3.0 Ingenium diesel / petrol (late cars) | AJ300 family | Newer, mild-hybrid; fewer second-hand units available |
| P400e plug-in hybrid | 2.0 Ingenium petrol + hybrid | Hybrid system adds decommissioning and coding work |
Confirm your exact engine code from the VIN before you request quotes. Engines that look alike can differ in calibration, turbo set-up and ancillaries, depending on the model year.
RR Engine Works covers these engines on its Vogue Mk4 L405, Range Rover 3.0 and Range Rover 4.4 pages.
The Main Cost Factors
Unit Type, Labour and Ancillaries
1. The type of replacement unit
Unit type | What it usually means | Cost effect |
| Used | A removed engine of known (or claimed) mileage | Lowest unit cost; most uncertainty |
| Reconditioned | Worn parts renewed and tested | Mid-range; more predictable |
| Rebuilt (your own engine) | Your block and crank machined and rebuilt | Depends heavily on what the strip-down finds |
| New / dealer | Factory unit | Highest |
Suppliers use these terms in different ways. Always ask what was actually renewed: bearings, crankshaft, timing chains, seals and oil pump.
2. Labour
- An L405 engine change is a substantial job.
- V8 engines, and anything with rear-mounted timing chains or tight turbo access, take longer.
- Ask for the labour time to be stated on the quote.
3. Ancillaries
- Are the turbos, injectors, EGR system, DPF, supercharger or wiring looms included, reconditioned, or carried over from your old engine?
- This single factor accounts for much of the difference between quotes.
Coding, Root-Cause Work and Hidden Extras
4. Coding and adaptation
- A replacement engine must be correctly coded to the vehicle, with its learned values set.
- This matters most on mild-hybrid and PHEV models.
5. Root-cause repairs
- If the original engine failed through oil starvation, turbo failure or coolant contamination, the oil cooler, turbo feeds and lines may need cleaning or replacing.
- Without this, the new engine can be damaged in the same way.
- On the 3.0 V6 diesel, Land Rover's own bulletin SSM 72578 lists main bearing rotation as the cause of crankshaft failures (NHTSA copy).
6. Other extras to check
- fluids, filters, gaskets and engine mounts;
- an exchange (core) charge if your old engine can't be returned;
- collection or recovery;
- VAT, and whether it is included or added on top;
- the warranty: how long it lasts, any mileage limit, and whether labour is covered.
RR Engine Works' supply and fit service covers removal of the failed engine, ancillary transfer, consumables, ECU coding and a logged road test. The fitting quote is provided in writing before work starts.
Replace, Rebuild or Repair?
Choosing the Right Route
Situation | Usual route |
| Bearing damage caught early; block and crank salvageable | Engine rebuild |
| Seized engine, holed block, or a rebuild that isn't economical | Engine replacement |
| Timing chain wear without internal damage | Targeted timing work |
| Warning lights, leaks, sensor or emissions faults only | Diagnose and repair first |
| Car still under warranty, or only just outside it | Speak to the dealer or manufacturer first, and ask about goodwill |
A proper diagnosis comes first, because it decides which route is cheapest. Replacing an engine that only needed a targeted repair wastes money. Repairing an engine whose bearings are already damaged wastes it too.
Frequently Asked Questions
L405 Engine Replacement Cost FAQs
How much does a Range Rover L405 engine replacement cost?
It depends on the engine code, the type of unit, labour, ancillaries, coding and any root-cause repairs. Prices vary widely between vehicles, so ask for an itemised written quote based on your registration.
Why do L405 engine replacement quotes vary so much?
Mainly because quotes include different things. Some cover only the engine, while others include the turbos, coding, fluids, oil-system cleaning and warranty. Compare what is included, not just the headline figure.
Is the SDV8 more expensive to replace than the SDV6?
Usually, yes. It is a larger, twin-turbo V8 with more parts, and its timing chains sit at the rear, which adds labour.
Is a rebuild cheaper than a replacement?
Sometimes. If the block and crankshaft can be saved, a rebuild keeps your engine's known history. The cost depends on what the strip-down reveals.
What should a written quote include?
- the engine code and type of unit;
- what was renewed or tested;
- ancillaries;
- labour;
- coding;
- root-cause work;
- fluids;
- VAT;
- warranty terms.
For an itemised L405 engine quote, contact RR Engine Works on 01708 592377 via the contact page. Please give your registration, engine, mileage and what happened to the engine.