What are the common problems with the Land Rover Range Rover Sport 3.0 TDV6/SDV6?

Crankshaft bearing failure (catastrophic), turbocharger failure (often linked to oil starvation), and EGR/DPF clogging. The crankshaft bearing is the single most critical issue - prevent it with frequent oil changes and immediate investigation of any cold knock.

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

Range Rover Sport values remain strong - a well-kept L494 is often worth £12,000–£30,000+. A £6,500–£9,500 reconditioned engine is 30–50% of the vehicle's value - apply the Land Rover 60% scrap threshold. If the chassis and body are good, replacement is often worth it.

How do I find my Land Rover Range Rover Sport 3.0 TDV6/SDV6 engine code?

The engine code is 306DT - it's the only 3.0-litre V6 diesel used in the Range Rover Sport. You can find it on the VIN plate, in the vehicle documentation, or on a label on the engine itself. Production years: L320 (2009–2013) and L494 (2013–2020).

Can I repair the 306DT crankshaft bearing, or does it need replacement?

It can be repaired - but only if caught early. A bottom-end rebuild with new bearing shells and a crankshaft polish/regrind costs £5,500–£7,000. If the bearing has failed catastrophically and scored the crankshaft or block, a full engine replacement (£6,500+) is usually required. The only reliable prevention is 5,000-mile oil changes and immediate investigation of any cold-start knock.

Land Rover Range Rover Sport 3.0 TDV6 / SDV62009–20203.0-litre V6 Diesel

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

The Range Rover Sport 3.0 TDV6/SDV6 is the definitive V6 diesel in the Sport range - 275 bhp and 600 Nm of torque. But it's also the engine with the most infamous failure of all: the crankshaft bearing. Get quotes from UK specialists for reconditioned, rebuilt and used units today.

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Range Rover Sport 3.0 TDV6/SDV6 Engines - from £3,500 to £11,000Code: 306DT

Range Rover Sport 3.0 TDV6/SDV6 Engines - from £3,500 to £11,000· 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

The 3.0 TDV6/SDV6 THROUGH TIME - Era Map

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

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 Range Rover Sport 3.0 TDV6/SDV6 Engine Replacement Costs

Engine TypeSupply OnlyFitted (Indie)WarrantyBest For

Used Engine£3,500–£5,500£5,500–£8,0001–6 monthsBudget priority; lower‑mileage examples

Reconditioned Engine£6,500–£9,500£8,500–£11,50012–24 monthsMost owners - best cost/warranty balance

Rebuilt Engine£7,500–£11,000£9,500–£13,50012–24 monthsLong‑term ownership; 3+ year horizon

Main Dealer NewN/A - no longer availableN/A-N/A - specialist rebuild only

Figures above reflect the current Range Rover Sport 3.0 TDV6/SDV6 market. This badge spans two generations - see the Era Map above for generation‑specific pricing. The L494 typically commands a premium for lower-mileage examples.

Labour estimate: Fitting a Range Rover Sport 3.0 TDV6/SDV6 engine typically takes 15–20 hours at £65–£95/hr (independent) or £110–£160/hr (London/SE dealer).

→ Compare 3.0 TDV6/SDV6 engine prices from UK specialists

COMMON PROBLEMS

Common Problems

1. Crankshaft Bearing Failure (The "Crankshaft Killer")

Symptoms: Loud knocking from the bottom end on cold start (lasting 3–10+ seconds), metallic ticking that worsens as the engine warms, low oil pressure warning, sudden catastrophic failure, engine seizes while driving

Typical mileage: 80,000–140,000 miles

Repair cost: £5,500–£7,000 (bottom-end rebuild with new bearings, crankshaft polish/regrind)

Replacement cost: £6,500–£9,500 (if crankshaft is scored or rod/piston damage has occurred)

🔴 Immediate - any bottom-end knock on a 306DT requires immediate investigation and likely engine-out work

Our recommendation:

This is the single most infamous failure in the modern Land Rover range. The tin-aluminium bearing shells have a coating that fatigues over time - once it's gone, the bearing fails, and the crankshaft scores the block. The only reliable prevention is 5,000-mile oil changes (not the 16,000-mile JLR interval) and immediate investigation of any cold-start knock. If you hear cold knock that lasts more than a second or two, stop driving and have the vehicle recovered. A bottom-end rebuild (£5,500–£7,000) is significantly cheaper than a full engine replacement (£6,500+).

Read the full crankshaft bearing failure guide

2. Turbocharger Failure (Oil Starvation)

Symptoms: Loss of power, excessive black or blue smoke, whistling or grinding noise from the engine bay, engine warning light

Typical mileage: 90,000–150,000 miles

Repair cost: £800–£1,800 (turbocharger replacement)

Replacement cost: N/A - repair only

🟠 Check - book inspection urgently

Our recommendation:

Turbocharger failure on the 306DT is often linked to the same issue that kills the crankshaft bearings - oil starvation. If the oil pump can't maintain pressure, the turbo suffers too. A failing turbo can send debris into the engine, causing further damage. If you notice a whistling or grinding noise, or any loss of power, get it checked immediately. A replacement turbo is a straightforward job for a JLR specialist.

Read the full turbocharger failure guide

3. EGR Valve and DPF Clogging

Symptoms: Rough idle, hesitation on acceleration, reduced fuel economy, engine warning light, DPF regeneration warning

Typical mileage: 60,000–120,000 miles

Repair cost: £400–£800 (EGR valve cleaning or replacement)

Replacement cost: N/A - repair only

🟡 Monitor - book inspection soon

Our recommendation:

Like all modern diesels, the 306DT suffers from EGR and DPF issues, particularly if the vehicle is used for short journeys. Carbon build-up in the EGR system and DPF clogging are common at higher mileages. Regular motorway driving (to allow DPF regeneration) and occasional EGR cleaning can extend the life of these components. If the DPF warning light appears, take the car for a 20–30 minute motorway run.

Read the full EGR and DPF failure guide

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REPAIR OR REPLACE

Range Rover Sport 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

Range Rover Sport 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 SenseCrankshaft bearing wear (caught early)✅ Yes£5,500–£7,000Bottom-end rebuild with new bearings and crankshaft polish/regrindCrankshaft bearing failure (catastrophic)❌ Usually NoEngine replacementIf the crankshaft is scored or the block is damaged, replacement is the only optionTurbocharger failure✅ Yes£800–£1,800Straightforward replacement - check oil feed pipeEGR valve clogging✅ Yes£400–£800Simple cleaning or replacement - restores performanceDPF clogging✅ Yes£500–£1,200Forced regeneration or replacement; prevention is key

Buying This Range Rover Sport 3.0 TDV6/SDV6? Check These First

Buy If

Proven oil change history at 5,000–8,000 mile intervals - this is the single most critical check on the 306DT
No cold-start knock - the defining risk of this engine; any bottom-end noise is a red flag
Full service history with correct oil spec (5W‑30 or 0W‑30, always meeting Ford/LR spec)
Evidence of turbo health check and oil feed pipe inspection

Avoid If

Any cold-start knock - walk away unless you're budgeting for a full engine replacement
Poor service history or evidence of extended oil change intervals - the 306DT is unforgiving of neglect
Evidence of repeated oil top-ups without a diagnosed leak - this often indicates bearing wear or turbo issues
Any engine warning light without a clear diagnosis - the 306DT is complex and expensive to diagnose

Closing Verdict

The 306DT is a powerful and torquey engine that makes the Range Rover Sport a truly capable vehicle. But it has one catastrophic weakness: the crankshaft bearing. Short oil change intervals (5,000 miles, not 16,000) and immediate investigation of any cold-start knock are the only defences. If you find a car with a documented history of frequent oil changes and no bottom-end noise, the engine can be reliable. But the risk is real - budget for a bottom-end rebuild or replacement at around 100,000 miles as a preventive measure.

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

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BUYING CHECKLIST

Buying Checklist

Before you buy a used Land Rover Range Rover Sport 3.0 TDV6/SDV6 (or before you commit to an engine replacement), check these:

1. Cold Start

Any bottom-end knock lasting more than 1–2 seconds? This is the single most critical check on the 306DT

2. Service History

including which generation (L320 or L494) and evidence of 5,000–8,000 mile oil changes

3. Oil Pressure

Any low oil pressure warnings? (bearing wear warning)

4. Turbo Health

Any whistling, grinding, or blue smoke under acceleration?

5. DPF History

Check for regeneration issues; short journeys accelerate DPF wear

6. Oil Consumption

Does it use more than 1L per 1,000 miles? (bearing or turbo warning)

7. Engine Warning Light

Have codes been read? Any unresolved issues?

8. MOT History

Check for emissions‑related failures (EGR, DPF, or catalyst issues)

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 - one engine code across two generations, with revised engine management from 2013.

306DT

Years2009–2013

Power245–275 bhp

2025 Enquiries980 [EM-VERIFIED]

Avg. Recon Cost£6,500–£9,500 [EM-QUOTE]

Engine CodeYearsPower2025 EnquiriesAvg. Recon Cost

306DT2009–2013245–275 bhp980 [EM-VERIFIED]£6,500–£9,500 [EM-QUOTE]

306DT2013–2020275–300 bhp980 [EM-VERIFIED]£6,500–£9,500 [EM-QUOTE]

Technical Specs

306DT

Displacement2,993cc (3.0‑litre)

CylindersV6 (60° configuration)

Compression Ratio16.1:1

Fuel SystemCommon‑rail direct injection

TurbochargerTwin‑turbo (two variable‑geometry turbos)

→ Compare 3.0 TDV6/SDV6 engine prices for your Range Rover Sport

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MARKET INTELLIGENCE

Market Intelligence

Most Common Failure

Crankshaft bearing failure

the defining risk of the 306DT

[PATTERN DATA]

Average Enquiry Mileage

85,000

–130,000 miles

[PATTERN DATA]

Average Replacement Cost

£6,500

–£9,500 reconditioned, supply only

[EM-QUOTE]

Most Requested Engine Code

306DT

the squeeze-zone flagship variant

[EM-VERIFIED]

Peak Enquiry Season

Autumn

pre‑winter vehicle preparation

[PATTERN DATA]

Regional Demand

South East20%

South West18%

Midlands16%

PATTERN DATA

Regional Demand Breakdown

20%South East

18%South West

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.

TRUST & PROOF

Trusted 3.0 TDV6/SDV6 Engine Suppliers
every garage and engine rebuilder in our network is vetted, rated and reviewed by real Range Rover Sport 3.0 TDV6/SDV6 owners, as part of the Engine Finders network, across both the L320 and L494 generations.
Compare 3.0 TDV6/SDV6 Engine Replacement Companies
see prices, warranty terms and supply & fit options side‑by‑side before you commit, with specialists who genuinely understand the 306DT's crankshaft bearing, turbo, and EGR/DPF weaknesses.
UK Engine Replacement Services for Range Rover Sport 3.0 TDV6/SDV6
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12-Month Warranty

As standard

Nationwide Delivery

Supply & fit available