The Rover-Landers of BC

Have had 3 diesel defenders now, a 19J (eewww), a 2.8TGV (good engine) and now a 300TDI. Quite like both the 300TDI and 2.8TGV motors, but I am wondering about the experience of TD5 Defender owners and the motor compared to the older 4 cylinder TDI motors...

Thank you in advance for your insight, cheers, Rob.

I like the 10P TD5 in my 110, but I think the electronics take something away from the overall Defender spirit. It is a bit quieter than a 300TDi, but if you want a bit more power, it is more involved. There is nothing simpler than cranking up the pump on a TDi. The later 15P TD5's can be "software" updated, but still not as easy as fitting a boost pin. I have read that the TD5 was originally designed at 200 BHP, but wound down to 122 in the Defender and 138 in the Disco. I would like to try a 200 BHP Defender, but not own it. The 300 NM torque at 1950 is good, and I try to drive at around there, which with my gearing is around 80KMH. Supposedly the red line is 4100 RPM, but I hate taking it above 3000 RPM, does get noisy. It is a pity BMW stopped Land Rover from making a 6 Cyl version of the TD5. You will never beat a 6 Cyl turbo Diesel.

Appreciate the insight, Tony. I find the 300TDI in my Wolf 90 is quite spunky but I'm looking at a 5 door wagon and wondered if the TD5 was a better option on the heavier vehicle than the 300tdi or if there is really much difference. The 2.8 I had in a 110 3 door was great but it was also a light vehicle (soft top, minimal interior) compared to the more hefty 5 door models. I totally agree about the magic of 6 cylinders, had a 3 litre Merc turbo diesel and it was a torque monster for sure.

Cheers, Rob

I find a 300tdi in a 5 door has plenty enough power to get the job done, but then again it never hurts to have more. It’ll happily do 110 down the highway fully loaded with all the overland kit too.

Towing with it on the other hand leaves a lot to be desired.

Ive driven my 300tdi and SeatoSky's 130, and maybe it was the 130 vs 90 but they felt like the same power (probably because of the extra weight a 130 is pulling around) the td5 is quieter and definitely pulls harder (he can definitely outrun me on the coq hill), but there has been no real reliability issues TD5 vs 300, they both have never had a mechanical failure since being brought in to Canada, parts seem readily available for both. if i was buying again i would try to find a td5, they just seem more refined