Overview
The L322 Range Rover ran from 2002 to 2012 and brought a steel unitary body, independent suspension and a more luxurious cabin to Land Rover’s flagship. Its long production life spans distinct BMW-engined, Jaguar-engined and later diesel V8 versions. Buyers value its commanding seating position, quiet long-distance ability and genuine off-road equipment. Those strengths depend on complex suspension, transmissions and electronics working together, so an attractive asking price is only meaningful beside a detailed maintenance record and a thorough test drive. A late car may have a stronger equipment list, but condition matters more than a registration plate. PistonHeads introduction, checked 4 November 2026; Autocar, checked 4 November 2026.
Versions and engines
Read this section: Versions and engines
- Early cars, from 2002: BMW-derived 3.0-litre Td6 straight-six diesel or 4.4-litre naturally aspirated petrol V8, both automatic. PistonHeads powertrain guide, checked 4 November 2026.
- Middle period: Jaguar-derived 4.4-litre petrol V8 and 4.2-litre supercharged V8 joined the range. The 3.6-litre TDV8 diesel followed, replacing the Td6. PistonHeads powertrain guide, checked 4 November 2026.
- Final petrol cars, from 2009: 5.0-litre V8 in naturally aspirated and supercharged forms; the supercharged version was rated at 510 hp. PistonHeads powertrain guide, checked 4 November 2026.
- Final diesel, from 2010: 4.4-litre TDV8 rated at 313 hp, paired with an eight-speed automatic. HSE, Vogue, Vogue SE and Autobiography identify different equipment levels, but the fitted engine and individual car still need confirming. PistonHeads introduction, checked 4 November 2026.
What drives the price
Read this section: What drives the price
Engine and model year set the broad comparison, but recent mechanical expenditure separates apparently similar L322s. A record of gearbox fluid and filter changes, suspension repairs and early front-propshaft work is more valuable than a stack of routine inspection stamps. The last 4.4-litre diesel offers the later transmission and stronger performance, while a petrol V8 appeals to buyers covering fewer miles; neither choice makes deferred repairs disappear. Compare equipment only after confirming that every feature works. PistonHeads powertrain guide, checked 4 November 2026; Autocar, checked 4 November 2026.
An L322 sitting level, changing gear cleanly and carrying invoices for expensive work deserves closer attention than a newer car with warning messages. Tow equipment and underbody damage can reveal a hard life. Check trim, leather and electrical functions against the claimed mileage, but avoid using cosmetic condition as a substitute for a diagnostic inspection. On the 5.0-litre petrol engines, paperwork for timing-chain tensioner and guide work is especially relevant. Autocar, checked 4 November 2026; Land Rover technical bulletin record, checked 4 November 2026.
Common problems and what to inspect
Read this section: Common problems and what to inspect
Air suspension: Select each height setting and confirm smooth, quiet movement. Leave the car parked and check whether a corner sinks; listen for a compressor working excessively. Rear hub bushes can clonk over bumps, while front suspension wear may be heard under braking. PistonHeads chassis guide, checked 4 November 2026; Autocar, checked 4 November 2026.
Gearbox and driveline: Test shifts cold and warm, including reverse. Hesitation, harsh engagement and warning lights warrant diagnosis. Early cars should have evidence that the known front-propshaft and differential coupling issue was addressed; a failure can leave the vehicle without front drive. Autocar, checked 4 November 2026; PistonHeads chassis guide, checked 4 November 2026.
Engine-specific checks: On a Td6, listen for turbo noise and note any misfire. Check a 3.6-litre diesel for turbo-actuator trouble and a 4.2-litre supercharged petrol for idle rattle. On a 5.0-litre petrol, investigate cold-start chain noise and request evidence of tensioner or guide work. Check coolant condition and the expansion tank on every version. Autocar, checked 4 November 2026; Land Rover technical bulletin record, checked 4 November 2026.
Running costs
Read this section: Running costs
Ask for oil, filter and transmission records appropriate to the exact engine and gearbox. PistonHeads recommends a precautionary automatic-transmission fluid change at about four years or 50,000 miles, despite earlier “sealed for life” wording. Diesel cambelt work should be checked against the applicable engine schedule, with evidence that related cooling components were inspected or renewed. Tyres, suspension bushes, air-system parts and brakes are significant recurring items on a heavy vehicle; uneven tyre wear can also indicate alignment trouble. Inspect the underside, tailgate and electrical equipment during routine maintenance rather than waiting for a dashboard warning. PistonHeads powertrain guide, checked 4 November 2026; Autocar, checked 4 November 2026.
FAQ
Read this section: FAQ
Which L322 engine should be bought? Choose the engine that fits the intended use, then prioritise a car with evidence of the major work relevant to it. A good inspection and service history matter more than a blanket “best engine” rule. PistonHeads powertrain guide, checked 4 November 2026.
How can air-suspension trouble be spotted? Cycle the height settings and check that the vehicle remains level after parking. Slow movement, compressor noise or a sinking corner needs investigation. PistonHeads chassis guide, checked 4 November 2026.
Is the gearbox really sealed for life? Earlier claims of lifetime fill are a poor reason to ignore ageing fluid. Look for documented fluid and filter maintenance and assess shift quality on a full road test. PistonHeads powertrain guide, checked 4 November 2026.
What should be checked on a 5.0-litre V8? Listen carefully at cold start and ask for invoices relating to timing-chain tensioners and guides. The applicable Land Rover bulletin covers these components on L322 petrol V8s. Land Rover technical bulletin record, checked 4 November 2026.
Sources:
- PistonHeads L322 introduction — checked 4 November 2026.
- PistonHeads L322 powertrain guide — checked 4 November 2026.
- PistonHeads L322 chassis guide — checked 4 November 2026.
- Autocar L322 buying guide — checked 4 November 2026.
- Land Rover timing-chain technical bulletin record — checked 4 November 2026.