How much does a Discovery 3.0 TDV6 / SDV6 engine replacement cost in the UK?

A reconditioned 3.0 TDV6/SDV6 engine typically costs £4,250–£6,500 supply only. A fully fitted replacement from a specialist costs approximately £7,610 including VAT. Fitting adds £1,500–£2,500 depending on location and workshop rates. Main dealer new engines start from £10,000–£15,000+ supply only.

Is the Land Rover Discovery 3.0 TDV6 / SDV6 engine reliable?

No - the 3.0 TDV6/SDV6 has a well-earned reputation for catastrophic crankshaft and bearing failure. The root cause is oil starvation triggered by failing injector copper washer seals, which pressurise the crankcase and reduce oil flow to the bearings. With meticulous maintenance and preventative injector seal replacement, some owners achieve high mileages - but the risk of sudden, unexpected failure remains.

What are the common problems with the Discovery 3.0 TDV6 / SDV6?

The main known issues are: (1) Crankshaft and bearing failure - the most devastating fault, often with no warning, (2) Injector copper washer seal failure - the root cause of oil starvation, and (3) EGR cooler coolant leaks - which can contaminate engine oil and accelerate bearing wear.

Is it worth replacing a Discovery 3.0 TDV6 / SDV6 engine, or should I scrap the car?

Depends on vehicle value and condition. Against a well-kept £10,000–£25,000 Discovery 4 or 5, a £7,000–£8,000 recon is 30–80% of the car's value - often worth it given Discovery values have remained strong. However, if the chassis or body has significant corrosion, evaluate total restoration costs before committing to an engine replacement. For Discovery 3 examples under £6,000, a £7,000+ replacement may exceed our 60% Land Rover scrap threshold.

How do I find my Discovery engine code?

The Discovery 3.0 TDV6/SDV6 uses the 306DT engine code. It's stamped on the cylinder block. The TDV6 is single-turbo (155kW/600Nm in D4); the SDV6 is twin-turbo (183kW/600Nm in D4, 228kW/700Nm in D5). Tell us your registration and we'll confirm it for free.

Can I prevent the TDV6 / SDV6 crankshaft failure?

Prevention is not guaranteed, but you can significantly reduce the risk: (1) Change oil every 10,000 miles or less with the correct JLR-spec oil, (2) Have injector copper washer seals inspected and replaced at 60,000–90,000 miles, (3) Regularly check the dipstick for diesel smell or rising oil level, and (4) Never ignore an oil pressure warning or rhythmic knocking. No amount of maintenance guarantees prevention, but these steps dramatically reduce the risk.

Land Rover Discovery 3.0 TDV6 / SDV62009–present1 Engine Generation (2 Power Levels)

Land Rover Discovery 3.0 TDV6 / SDV6 Engine Replacement - Compare Prices & Get Quotes

Name: Land Rover Discovery 3.0 TDV6/SDV6 UK Engine Enquiry Data 2025
Creator: LandRoverEngine.uk

Get quotes today from trusted UK Land Rover Discovery specialists. The 3.0-litre V6 diesel (306DT) powers Discovery 3, 4 and 5 models - compare reconditioned, rebuilt and used TDV6 and SDV6 engines with supply & fit available nationwide.

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Discovery 3.0 TDV6 / SDV6 Engines - from £1,500 to £8,500Engine code: 306DT

Discovery 3.0 TDV6 / SDV6 Engines - from £1,500 to £8,500· Engine code: 306DT

Instant QuotesNo Obligation100% FreeReconditionedRebuiltUsedSupply & Fit AvailableUK-Wide NetworkInstant QuotesNo Obligation100% FreeReconditionedRebuiltUsedSupply & Fit AvailableUK-Wide NetworkInstant QuotesNo Obligation100% FreeReconditionedRebuiltUsedSupply & Fit AvailableUK-Wide NetworkInstant QuotesNo Obligation100% FreeReconditionedRebuiltUsedSupply & Fit AvailableUK-Wide NetworkInstant QuotesNo Obligation100% FreeReconditionedRebuiltUsedSupply & Fit AvailableUK-Wide NetworkInstant QuotesNo Obligation100% FreeReconditionedRebuiltUsedSupply & Fit AvailableUK-Wide Network

ERA MAP

Land Rover Discovery 3.0 TDV6 / SDV6 - Which Engine Does Your Car Actually Have?

Four generations. Four eras. One guide to reliability, costs and what really matters.

GenerationYearsEngine CodeReliabilityRecon CostEra Note

D3 / D4

2009–2016306DT (TDV6 / SDV6)★★☆☆☆ [NEWLY ASSIGNED - see Data Note]£4,250–£8,500 [EM-QUOTE]3.0-litre V6 diesel - notorious for crankshaft and bearing failure. SDV6 = twin-turbo, TDV6 = single-turbo

2017–present306DT (SDV6)★★☆☆☆ [NEWLY ASSIGNED - see Data Note]£4,250–£8,500 [EM-QUOTE]Revised twin-turbo SDV6 with 306HP / 700Nm - same fundamental design, similar risk profile

Why use this era map?

Every cost guide, reliability rating and engine code on this page is aligned to the data above. This keeps everything consistent and trustworthy.

Real UK Cost Data

Verified Reliability

Expert Insights

Updated for 2025

REPLACEMENT COSTS

Land Rover Discovery 3.0 TDV6 / SDV6 Engine Replacement Costs

Engine TypeSupply OnlyFitted (Indie)WarrantyBest For

Used Engine£1,500–£3,500£2,500–£5,0001–6 monthsBudget priority; vehicle under £8,000

Reconditioned Engine£4,250–£6,500£6,500–£8,50012–24 monthsMost owners - best cost/warranty balance

Rebuilt Engine£5,500–£8,500£8,000–£11,00012–24 monthsLong-term ownership; 3+ year horizon

Main Dealer New£10,000–£15,000+£12,000–£18,000+24–36 monthsInsurance jobs, warranty claims

Labour estimate: Fitting a Discovery 3.0 TDV6/SDV6 engine typically takes 14–18 hours at £65–£95/hr (independent). The body is usually lifted from the chassis for full access to the drivetrain.

→ Compare Discovery 3.0 TDV6/SDV6 engine prices from UK specialists

COMMON PROBLEMS

Common Problems

1. Crankshaft & Bearing Failure (Catastrophic)

Symptoms: Rhythmic knocking from lower engine block that worsens under load, oil pressure warning light flickering, sudden engine seizure with no warning

Typical mileage: 60,000–120,000 miles - can occur without warning

Repair cost: £1,500–£3,000 (early intervention - bearing replacement if caught immediately)

Replacement cost: £6,500–£11,000 (full engine replacement)

🔴 Immediate - stop driving immediately if you hear knocking or see the oil pressure warning

Our recommendation:

This is the single most devastating fault affecting the 3.0 TDV6/SDV6. The failure sequence is well understood: injector copper washer seals harden and fail (60k-90k miles), allowing combustion gases to leak into the rocker cover. This pressurises the crankcase, reduces oil pump efficiency, and starves the bearings of oil. Once the bearings spin or the crankshaft snaps, the engine is beyond economical repair. At the first sign of rhythmic knocking or an oil pressure warning, stop driving and arrange recovery to a specialist. A £1,500–£3,000 early intervention is dramatically cheaper than a £6,500–£11,000 engine replacement.

Read the full crankshaft failure guide → /failures/tdv6-crankshaft-bearing-failure/ [NEW FAILURE PAGE NEEDED]

2. Injector Copper Washer Seal Failure (Root Cause)

Symptoms: Diesel smell in oil, rising oil level on dipstick, rough idle, misfires, loss of power

Typical mileage: 60,000–90,000 miles

Repair cost: £800–£1,500 (injector seals + rocker cover gasket)

Replacement cost: N/A - repair only (does not progress to engine replacement if addressed early)

🟠 Check - book inspection urgently if you smell diesel on the dipstick

Our recommendation:

This is the root cause of the catastrophic crankshaft failure. The copper washer seals harden over time, allowing combustion gases to escape into the rocker cover. This pressurises the crankcase, reducing oil flow to the bearings. Many owners don't realise there's a problem until the crank fails. Regularly checking the dipstick for a diesel smell and rising oil level is the simplest early warning. If caught early, replacing the injector seals is a manageable repair that can prevent a £6,000+ engine replacement.

Read the full injector seal failure guide → /failures/injector-copper-washer-seal/ [NEW FAILURE PAGE NEEDED]

3. EGR Cooler Coolant Leak

Symptoms: Coolant loss with no visible external leak, white exhaust smoke, occasional burning smell, engine overheating

Typical mileage: 60,000–120,000 miles

Repair cost: £300–£600 (EGR cooler replacement)

Replacement cost: N/A - repair only (does not typically progress to engine replacement if addressed)

🟠 Check - coolant contamination can accelerate bearing wear

Our recommendation:

The EGR cooler on the 3.0 TDV6/SDV6 can develop internal coolant leaks, allowing coolant to enter the exhaust system or, in worst cases, contaminate the engine oil. Coolant in the oil reduces its lubricating properties and accelerates bearing wear - compounding the existing risk of crankshaft failure. Book an inspection urgently if you notice coolant loss, white smoke, or any sign of coolant in the oil (milky residue on the dipstick or oil filler cap). A £300–£600 EGR cooler replacement is far cheaper than the £6,000+ engine replacement that follows if bearing damage occurs.

Read the full EGR cooler failure guide

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REPAIR OR REPLACE

Discovery 3.0 TDV6 / SDV6 - Repair, Buy, or Replace?

Every engine has a story. Make the right call with clear data, real-world costs, and honest guidance from UK specialists.

REPAIR OR REPLACE

Discovery 3.0 TDV6 / SDV6 - Repair, Buy, or Replace?

Every engine has a story. Make the right call with clear data, real-world costs, and honest guidance from UK specialists.

Can It Be Repaired?

ProblemRepairable?Typical CostWhen It Makes SenseInjector copper washer seals✅ Yes£800–£1,500Preventative - the cheapest fix that prevents catastrophic failureEGR cooler coolant leak✅ Yes£300–£600Straightforward fix if caught before coolant contaminates oilRhythmic knocking (early bearing wear)⚠️ Sometimes£1,500–£3,000Viable if caught immediately - but requires specialist assessmentCrankshaft snapped / bearings spun❌ Usually NoEngine replacementFull long engine replacement is the only reliable fixTurbocharger failure⚠️ Sometimes£1,500–£3,000Viable on lower-mileage examples; assess overall engine health

Buying This Discovery? Check These First

Buy If

Full service history with 10,000-mile or less oil change intervals
Evidence of recent injector seal replacement
No history of oil pressure warnings or rhythmic knocking
Extended warranty in place - this engine is high-risk

Avoid If

Any history of oil pressure warnings - this is a warning sign
Rhythmic knocking from the engine - stop and walk away
Diesel smell on dipstick (suggests injector seal failure)
No service history or extended oil change intervals - this engine is unforgiving of neglect

Closing Verdict

The 3.0 TDV6/SDV6 is one of Land Rover's most controversial engines - delivering excellent torque, refinement and towing capability, but carrying a well-earned reputation for catastrophic crankshaft failure. The failure sequence is now well understood: injector seals fail, oil pressure drops, bearings spin, crankshaft snaps. Buy with full service history and budget for preventative injector seal replacement. Without history? Walk away - the risk of a £7,000+ engine replacement is simply too high.

Don't guess.Get the right engine at the right price.

Compare Discovery 3.0 TDV6/SDV6 engine prices before you buy

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BUYING CHECKLIST

Buying Checklist

Before you buy a used Land Rover Discovery with the 3.0 TDV6 or SDV6 (or before you commit to an engine replacement), check these:

Cold Start

Listen for knocking or rattling that worsens with revs

Oil Pressure Warning

Has it ever flickered? This is a critical warning sign

Dipstick Check

Smell for diesel (injector seal failure); check for rising oil level

Service History

Including 10,000-mile or less oil change intervals - non-negotiable

Rhythmic Knocking

Stop immediately if you hear knocking from the lower block

Coolant Level

Check for unexplained loss (EGR cooler leak)

White Smoke

On startup or under load (EGR cooler or injector issues)

Warranty Status

Extended warranty is highly recommended

Buy smart. Drive with confidence.

A few checks today can save thousands tomorrow. Use this checklist to avoid the most common pitfalls.

Buy smart. Drive with confidence.

A few checks today can save thousands tomorrow. Use this checklist to avoid the most common pitfalls.

ENGINE CODES

Engine Codes

This table's rows match Section 1B's Era Map exactly.

<a href='https://landroverengine.uk/engine/306dt'>306DT</a> (TDV6)

Years2009–2016

Power211–245 bhp (155–183 kW) / 600 Nm

2025 Enquiries980 [EM-VERIFIED]

Avg. Recon Cost£4,250–£6,500 [EM-QUOTE]

Engine CodeYearsPower2025 EnquiriesAvg. Recon Cost

<a href='https://landroverengine.uk/engine/306dt'>306DT</a> (TDV6)2009–2016211–245 bhp (155–183 kW) / 600 Nm980 [EM-VERIFIED]£4,250–£6,500 [EM-QUOTE]

306DT (SDV6)2009–present245–306 bhp (183–228 kW) / 600–700 Nm980 [EM-VERIFIED]£4,250–£6,500 [EM-QUOTE]

Technical Specs

306DT

Displacement2,993 cc (3.0L)

Cylinders6-cylinder V6

Bore84.0 mm

Compression Ratio16.0:1

Fuel SystemCommon-rail direct injection

TurbochargerTDV6 = single-turbo; SDV6 = twin-turbo sequential

BlockCast iron

Cylinder HeadAluminium 24-valve

→ Compare Discovery 3.0 TDV6/SDV6 engine prices for your Land Rover

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MARKET INTELLIGENCE

Market Intelligence

Most Common Failure

Crankshaft / bearing failure

980

annual enquiries across TDV6/SDV6 variants

[EM-VERIFIED]

Average Enquiry Mileage

80,000

–120,000 miles

[PATTERN DATA]

Average Replacement Cost

£6,500

–£8,500 reconditioned, fitted

[EM-QUOTE]

Most Requested Engine Code

306

[EM-VERIFIED]

Peak Enquiry Season

Autumn / Winter

cold starts expose bearing wear

[PATTERN DATA]

Regional Demand

South East18%

London16%

South West12%

PATTERN DATA

Regional Demand Breakdown

16%London

18%South East

FAQ

All prices are indicative UK market ranges based on historical quote data from our network of engine specialists. Actual costs vary by variant, engine code, damage severity and workshop location. Use our free comparison tool to get tailored quotes. Every engine supplied through EnginesMarket carries a minimum 12-month unlimited-mileage warranty - always confirm terms with your chosen supplier.

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100% Free

No hidden fees

No Obligation

Get quotes with zero pressure

UK Specialists

20+ vetted experts

12-Month Warranty

As standard

Nationwide Delivery

Supply & fit available