So far when ive been looking for a FFRR i've totally discredited the 4.4 engine (and i cant remember why? but im sure someone had told be to avoid them)

they seem to be quite a bit cheaper than the 4.2 Supercharged and all other engines come to think of it. Is there a reason no one wants them - and why they are so much cheaper than the sc and diesels??

I don't see anything wrong with the 4.4 from what I read. Either the BMW motor (borrowed from the 5 series) and the Jaguar motor are decent. Unlike the SC, the 4.4 comes in Vogue and Vogue SE trims whereas the SC is a Vogue SE-ish trim only.

What you will find is that towards September 2006 build dates, there are fewer 4.4 examples and predominantly SC models only. I assume this is when it discontinued.

Nothing wrong with them, I drive the Vogue with the Jag lump - and it's absolutely fine!

Not much wrong with the 4.4 BMW engine apart from little character......It just does the job but does it well. Mine's covered about 120,000 without any problems aside from normal wear and tear and an alternator.

Buy one, much much better than a TD6 in most respects. Rules are made for the obedience of fools and the guidance of wise men.

I have had my 4,4 Vogue with the BMW engine for a few months now, a couple of nasty surprises, but I did get mine cheap and with many owners...

One thing I will say in favour of the early 4,4 (ie BMW engine) over the later (2005 onwards?) with the Jag engine is that the onboard systems and equipment are BMW sourced, and there is an excellent aftermarket in used BMW items which you can tap into. If you are trying to run the car on a limited budget, you will have a great time finding matching BMW bits as well as LR bits on ebay! From what I hear, it is a harder to find so many used parts for the later cars.

For example, If you have water ingress into the hifi component area in the boot (left hand side) which is very common, which can kill some of the boxes, you can use BMW replacements which gives you a better choice and lower prices. Also you can upgrade to the Mk IV BMW satnav for a few hundred quid by just swapping a box (LR used the MkIII version). This gives a more 'Tom Tom' 3D user interface, with postcodes etc.

Mine has the comfort seats, where you can adjust the shoulder support - BMW sourced, and I think they were no longer available on the Jag engined model. I couldn't do without them now.

I am currently having an oil separator valve replaced (see my other posts) which is very common on this engine, but the beauty is that I have found loads of info on it in the BMW community, as well as some help from FFRR members of course!

The early (BMW) 4.4 Vogues are absolute bargains in my opinion, you can get them from GBP 11K or so, and they are superb to drive - refined, quiet but with a lovely V8 noise when you floor it. Fuel economy is poor of course, but if you are considering any V8 RR then I imagine this is a low priority (quite right too).

Prices are low because they are the oldest models, and they are less fashionable without all the facelifts and trim changes. There are a few known issues with the engines eg the above, but the beauty is that they are KNOWN. Show me an engine that is completely bulletproof! If you are shopping for a car with a warranty, then that is a different matter, but if you are looking at the lower end of the market, I suggest you identify a good independent specialist near you and budget for a few jobs.

My choice came down to a TD6 for 16K or my V8 for 11K, same age, spec, condition. Given the pleasure of the V8, it was a clear choice for me. Unfortunately my budget came nowhere near a 4.2SC!!

i run a 02 4.4 it came with a warrenty and it has been ok no probs with engine (touch wood) all good etc
so i agree with stuart528  02 Range Rover HSE Zambezie silver 4.4

my budget is £25k to £28k - which would you go for?

Think it's down to your own choice but for 21k you can get a S/C with all the bits granted it may have high miles ,,,,,,,,,,,,

I also run an 02 4.4, 93,000 miles and have had it for nearly 5 years, most of the time it is towing a large caravan.

The engine went into get you home mode once, very embarrassing, switch off & on again all OK.

Engine has been perfect, had a new alternator, radiator, air con pipes, gearbox pipes, cooler and sump.

Ian