Hi all

I am new to this site and to FFRR's.

Recommended to join recently as I am looking to buy my first one.

Like many I have been researching and learning as much as possible but would really appreciate some sound advice as to whether a petrol model is more suitable to my personal circumstances.

I am looking for an older model up to around 2006.

I don't do many miles at all on a yearly basis. All my journeys are very local and apart from taking the car further distances on holiday a few times a year I doubt very much I will do more that 2-3k miles a year.

I have just been watching the Harry's Garage you tube video on the 3.6 TDV8 and it sounds an awesome vehicle. But would it be wrong to be going for a diesel when it won't be doing the mileage?

If I didn't go for a diesel model is the early (2002/3) 4.4 V8 petrol a good option? Or do members have any other recommendations I could seriously consider?

Many thanks for any help.

With the 3.6 it doesn’t have a DPF which is something to keep in mind if you’re doing low mileage and short journeys. It still comes back with better mpg than the 2 petrol engines.

Thanks, I hadn't realised that about the DPF so that does tick a box in favour of the diesel. Thanks

The later 3.6s did have a DPF; my 2010 MY L322 had a dpf, but it never caused any trouble. EGR valves were an issue though.

Which one would suit depends on how much you’ll use it and what short of journeys. If you’re a low mileage, mostly local journeys user, then get a petrol one.

Ah, but the petrol doesn't have a DPF either...!!

IMHO you should get a 3.6TDV8 if it's in your budget, they are a leap ahead than the earlier ones, good power and decent economy.... you do lose the earlier BMW seats which were more comfy than anything since but if you've never sat in an early one it won't matter....  Pete

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2014 L405 Autobiography SDV8 4.4 Loire Blue Ebony interior
2011 L322 Vogue SE 4.4 TDV8 Baltic Blue. Parchment over Navy Interior. Sold
2012 L322 Autobiography 5.0 Supercharged Ipanema Sand, Jet Interior. Sold
2002 L322 Vogue 4.4 V8 Epson Green, Ivory over Aspen Interior (Fatty Offroader) Sold
-Click for Project Fatty off roader-

To get the best out of a diesel it needs to be warmed up fully. Short journeys don’t do this properly and can contribute to engine problems.
I have a 3.6 tdv8 and it is a great car but, based on what you have said, at 2-3k per annum and local (short?) journeys, I
would think you would be better served with a petrol version. Your low mileage would compensate for the additional fuel consumption over a diesel.
You mention pre-2006, if you were able to indicate a budget figure, it might help with responses.
Having said all that, as Pete (Haylands) says, the 3.6 is well ahead of the earlier versions. John
2008 Stornoway Grey 3.6 Tdv8 Vogue
2005 TD6 Java Black Vogue - Written off!!
GAP iiD BT
2003 Discovery TD5 Auto, Nanocom Evolution - gone to a new home!
MasseyFerguson 152 - No electronics!! - Sold

The petrol's would work but it limits your choice, loads more diesels out there, why not forget about what goes in the tank, just find a nice one with average mileage, full or good history in your colour choice and in good condition, check the rear of the sills and the rear wheel arches for rot, don't buy one from a coastal town... etc etc...

Read the buyers guide in the WIKI... Pete

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2014 L405 Autobiography SDV8 4.4 Loire Blue Ebony interior
2011 L322 Vogue SE 4.4 TDV8 Baltic Blue. Parchment over Navy Interior. Sold
2012 L322 Autobiography 5.0 Supercharged Ipanema Sand, Jet Interior. Sold
2002 L322 Vogue 4.4 V8 Epson Green, Ivory over Aspen Interior (Fatty Offroader) Sold
-Click for Project Fatty off roader-

my 2004 V8 Petrol will be up for sale soon, it's coming up for an MOT and is a great car, but I want £3000 for it, it's the very beautiful traditional Epsom Green bodywork with Aspen Green and Ivory piping leather interior

very tidy examples of 2004 and 2005 BMW V8 Petrol cars are not so easy to come by, but they do exist

I would be really interested in discussing this with you if possible. I will send you a pm

Thank you for all the really helpful replies.
The majority of my journeys are up to 3 miles usually less! So it does sound like a diesel engine may not suitable although hearing about the 3.6 TDV8 really made me want one.
Saying that I also agree its all about condition, history and how well one has been looked after be it petrol or diesel

pcourtney wrote:

my 2004 V8 Petrol will be up for sale soon, it's coming up for an MOT and is a great car, but I want £3000 for it, it's the very beautiful traditional Epsom Green bodywork with Aspen Green and Ivory piping leather interior

very tidy examples of 2004 and 2005 BMW V8 Petrol cars are not so easy to come by, but they do exist

Haylands wrote:

Ah, but the petrol doesn't have a DPF either...!!

IMHO you should get a 3.6TDV8 if it's in your budget, they are a leap ahead than the earlier ones, good power and decent economy.... you do lose the earlier BMW seats which were more comfy than anything since but if you've never sat in an early one it won't matter....

I agree with all the comments so far to be honest…. Though it may pay you to drive a Petrol and a diesel and decide from there…. You may be doing short journeys normally, but if you find you really fancy the diesel you could do a few more longer runs to warm it up a bit and give it a good run, and the cheaper fuel bills compared to petrol may allow you to do this and it still be cheaper than having the petrol without the long runs… if that makes any sense….?

I don’t do loads of miles in mine, but I make sure it gets a good run now and again.

I’m not sure of the road tax cost differences, if that sways things…..

As Haylands says, you will have more choice with the diesels to get your ideal trim and colour combo etc as they sold many more diesels.

 2011 Range Rover Vogue SE 4.4 TDV8

Previous cars :
2003 Range Rover Vogue TD6
1999 Discovery Td5 ES
1995 BMW M5 3.8 6 speed
1992 Range Rover 3.9 Efi Vogue
1992 BMW M5 3.8
1988 BMW 735i SE
1989 Ford Sierra XR4x4 2.9i
1981 Ford Fiesta Supersport

On your low mileage, then really the petrol is the only real option.
You're never going to get the engine warm on a diesel (struggle warming the petrol engine aswell). The Diesel engine needs to get warm to avoid wear & emission issues.

At the end of the day, it'll will be your choice. Personally the AJ petrol engined FFRR would be the weay to go.

Thanks highroller.
Is the AJ engine in all the earlier 4.4 petrol engines?