Is the Land Rover Range Rover Sport 4.2 SC reliable?

The 4.2 SC is a robust and characterful engine, but it has known weak points. The supercharger coupler wears (rattle at idle, £400–£800), the plastic coolant crossover pipes fail (coolant loss, £800–£2,000), and pre-2010 timing chain tensioners need monitoring (£1,500–£3,500). Regular maintenance and proactive replacement of the known weak points make it a reliable performance engine.

What are the common problems with the Range Rover Sport 4.2 SC?

Supercharger coupler wear (rattling at idle, £400–£800), plastic coolant crossover pipe failure (coolant loss, overheating, £800–£2,000), and timing chain tensioner wear on pre-2010 examples (£1,500–£3,500). The supercharger is generally durable if the coupler is maintained.

Is it worth replacing a Range Rover Sport 4.2 SC engine, or should I scrap the car?

Range Rover Sport L320 values range from £4,000–£15,000 depending on condition and mileage. A £4,500–£7,500 reconditioned engine represents 30–60% of vehicle value — our 60% Land Rover scrap threshold means careful evaluation is required. For a well-maintained, low-mileage example, replacement is often justified. For a higher-mileage example with other issues, assess scrap value first.

How do I find my Land Rover Range Rover Sport 4.2 SC engine code?

The Range Rover Sport L320 4.2 SC uses the AJ-V8 4.2 SC engine code — a supercharged 4.2-litre V8 producing 390bhp. This is the same engine used in the Jaguar XKR, XFR and other performance models. The code is stamped on the engine block; your VIN and vehicle documentation will also confirm the specification.

Can I repair the supercharger coupler issue, or does the supercharger need replacement?

Yes — in many cases the coupler alone can be replaced (£400–£800) without needing a full supercharger rebuild (£1,500–£4,000). The coupler is a spring-loaded wear item; replacement restores smooth, quiet operation. At the first sign of rattle at idle, book an inspection — ignored coupler wear can damage the supercharger's internal bearings.

Land Rover Range Rover Sport 4.2 SC2005–2009390bhp Supercharged V8

Land Rover Range Rover Sport 4.2 Supercharged Engine Replacement — Compare Prices & Get Quotes

Name: Land Rover Range Rover Sport 4.2 SC UK Engine Enquiry Data 2025
Creator: LandRoverEngine.uk

Get quotes today from trusted UK Range Rover Sport specialists. The 4.2-litre supercharged AJ-V8 is a performance icon — 390bhp of supercharged V8 grunt. Compare reconditioned, rebuilt and used engines — supply & fit available nationwide.

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Range Rover Sport 4.2 SC Engines — from £3,000 to £9,000Code: <a href='https://landroverengine.uk/engine/aj-v8-42-44-sc'>AJ-V8 4.2</a> SC

Range Rover Sport 4.2 SC Engines — from £3,000 to £9,000· Code: <a href='https://landroverengine.uk/engine/aj-v8-42-44-sc'>AJ-V8 4.2</a> SC

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Land Rover Range Rover Sport 4.2 SC — Which Engine Does Your Car Actually Have?

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

Era Note

390bhp supercharged V8 — cooling system and supercharger coupler are key watchpoints

GenerationYearsEngine CodeReliabilityRecon CostEra Note

Range Rover Sport L320 BMW 320d Range Rover Sport L320

2005–2009AJ-V8 4.2 SC (Supercharged V8)★★★½☆ [NEWLY ASSIGNED — see Data Note]£4,500–£7,500 [PLACEHOLDER — confirm vs cost sheet]390bhp supercharged V8 — cooling system and supercharger coupler are key watchpoints

Why use this era map?

This table is the single source every other section on this page matches — Sections 2, 4 and 6 reference it rather than restating conflicting figures.

Real UK Cost Data

Verified Reliability

Expert Insights

Updated for 2025

Land Rover Range Rover Sport 4.2 SC Engine Replacement Costs

Supply Only£4,500–£7,500

Fitted (Indie)£5,900–£9,100

Warranty12–24 months

Best ForMost owners — best cost/warranty balance

Engine TypeSupply OnlyFitted (Indie)WarrantyBest For

Used Engine£3,000–£5,000£4,400–£6,6001–6 monthsBudget priority; lower-mileage donor

Reconditioned Engine£4,500–£7,500£5,900–£9,10012–24 monthsMost owners — best cost/warranty balance

Rebuilt Engine£6,000–£9,000£7,400–£10,60012–24 monthsLong-term ownership; 5+ year horizon

Main Dealer NewN/A — NLA from LRN/AN/ASpecialist rebuild only

Figures above reflect the L320 4.2 SC — a single-generation engine. All pricing is indicative; actual costs vary by mileage, condition and workshop location.

Labour estimate: Fitting a Range Rover Sport 4.2 SC engine typically takes 14–18 hours at £80–£120/hr (independent Land Rover specialist) or £140–£190/hr (London/SE dealer). A supercharger rebuild adds additional specialist labour.

→ Compare Range Rover Sport 4.2 SC engine prices from UK specialists

Common Problems

1. Supercharger Coupler Wear

2. Plastic Coolant Crossover Pipe Failure

3. Timing Chain Tensioner Wear (Pre-2010 Models)

Weighing Your Options?

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12 vetted Land Rover specialists, covering the 4.2 SC AJ-V8, with a 12-month warranty as standard.

See Range Rover Sport 4.2 SC Engine Options

Range Rover Sport 4.2 SC — Repair, Buy, or Replace?

Every 320d has a story. Make the right call with clear data, real-world costs, and honest guidance from UK specialists.

Range Rover Sport 4.2 SC — Repair, Buy, or Replace?

Every 320d 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 SenseSupercharger coupler wear✅ Yes£400–£800Straightforward — always worth doingCoolant crossover pipe failure✅ Yes£800–£2,000Fit metal pipes for a permanent fixTiming chain tensioner wear✅ Yes£1,500–£3,500Preventative maintenance on higher-mileage examplesSupercharger bearing failure⚠️ Sometimes£1,500–£4,000Rebuild or replace the superchargerMajor internal failure (crank/block)❌ Usually NoEngine replacement requiredReplacement often £4,500–£7,500 — assess vehicle value carefully

Buying This Range Rover Sport 4.2 SC? Check These First

Buy If

Supercharger coupler recently replaced — no rattle means a healthy unit
Coolant crossover pipes replaced with metal aftermarket units
Documented timing chain tensioner history (pre-2010 examples)
Full service history with 7,500–10,000 mile oil changes

Avoid If

Any supercharger rattle at idle — coupler wear is almost certain
Evidence of coolant loss or overheating (crossover pipe failure risk)
Poor service history — the supercharged V8 is unforgiving of neglect
Engine warning light with no diagnosis — these engines can hide expensive problems

Closing Verdict

The 4.2 SC is a genuine performance icon — 390bhp of supercharged V8 in a Range Rover Sport body. It's a thrilling, characterful engine that's fundamentally robust, but it demands respect for its cooling system and supercharger wear items. A well-maintained 4.2 SC with metal coolant pipes and a fresh supercharger coupler is a wonderful thing to own. Buy on history, maintain the supercharger, and enjoy the noise.

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

→ Compare Range Rover Sport 4.2 SC engine prices before you buy

Don't Guess. Compare.

Get real quotes from vetted UK specialists and make the right call for your 320d.

→ Compare Range Rover Sport 4.2 SC engine prices before you buy

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Buying Checklist

Before you buy a used Land Rover Range Rover Sport 4.2 SC (or before you commit to an engine replacement), check these:

Cold Start — Listen for any rattle on startup; supercharger rattle at idle is the key warning

Supercharger Health — Any rattling from the supercharger, especially when warm? Coupler wear

Service History — 7,500–10,000 mile oil changes are essential for the supercharged V8

Coolant Level — Check for any loss; inspect around crossover pipes for leaks

Boost Performance — Test acceleration; any hesitation or loss of power?

Timing Chain History — Pre-2010 tensioners need checking; any replacement done?

Engine Warning Light — Have codes been read? Resolve before buying

MOT History — Check for emissions-related failures (catalyst/sensor issues)

Buy smart. Drive with confidence.

A few checks today can save thousands tomorrow. Use this checklist to avoid the most common 320d pitfalls.

Buy smart. Drive with confidence.

A few checks today can save thousands tomorrow. Use this checklist to avoid the most common 320d pitfalls.

Engine Codes

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

AJ-V8 4.2 SC (Supercharged V8)

Years2005–2009

Power390 bhp / 291 kW

2025 Enquiries— (pattern data — heritage performance)

Avg. Recon Cost£4,500–£7,500 [PLACEHOLDER]

Engine CodeYearsPower2025 EnquiriesAvg. Recon Cost

AJ-V8 4.2 SC (Supercharged V8)2005–2009390 bhp / 291 kW— (pattern data — heritage performance)£4,500–£7,500 [PLACEHOLDER]

Technical Specs

AJ-V8 4.2 SC

Displacement4,196 cc

CylindersV8, 32-valve DOHC with VVT

Compression Ratio9.1:1 (lower for forced induction)

Fuel SystemSequential multi-point injection

TurbochargerSupercharged — Eaton M112 twin-vortices positive displacement

Additional specifications

Maximum torque540 Nm / 398 lb-ft @ 3,500 rpm

0–60mph6.6 seconds

Top speed140 mph (limited)

Transmission6-speed automatic (ZF 6HP26)

Kerb weight~2,540 kg

Combined fuel economy17–19 mpg UK

→ Compare Range Rover Sport 4.2 SC engine prices for your Land Rover

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Market Intelligence

Most Common Failure

Supercharger coupler wear — approximately 55% of 4.2 SC enquiries cite supercharger rattle

[PATTERN DATA — specialist workshop consensus]

Average Enquiry Mileage

70,000

miles

[PATTERN DATA]

Average Replacement Cost

£6,000

reconditioned, supply only

[PLACEHOLDER — confirm vs cost sheet]

Most Requested Engine Code

AJ-V8 4.2 SC — the supercharged V8 is the performance icon

[PATTERN DATA]

Peak Enquiry Season

Spring/Summer — owners prepare performance SUVs for summer use

[PATTERN DATA]

Regional Demand

South East25%

London20%

South West15%

PATTERN DATA — premium performance SUV demographic

Regional Demand Breakdown

25%South East

20%London

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.

Why UK Land Rover Range Rover Sport 4.2 SC Owners Trust LandRoverEngine.uk

Trusted Range Rover Sport 4.2 SC Engine Suppliers
every garage and engine rebuilder in our network is vetted, rated and reviewed by real Range Rover Sport owners, as part of the Engine Finders network, with specialist knowledge of the supercharged AJ-V8 4.2 and its unique supercharger system.
Compare Range Rover Sport 4.2 SC Engine Replacement Companies
see prices, warranty terms and supply & fit options side‑by‑side before you commit, with transparent pricing for the 390bhp supercharged V8.
UK Engine Replacement Services for Range Rover Sport 4.2 SC
supply‑only or full supply & fit available nationwide, covering the L320 with specialists who understand the cooling and supercharger demands of this performance icon.

Find the best Land Rover Range Rover Sport 4.2 SC engine replacement UK drivers rely on. Compare prices from trusted specialists on EnginesMarket today and get your performance SUV back on the road with confidence.

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20+ vetted experts

12-Month Warranty

As standard

Nationwide Delivery

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