Technical Reference

Land Rover Engine Code Decoder – Decode Your Engine

Identify your Land Rover engine from the VIN or the engine block stamp. This reference covers every major engine family – 200Tdi, 300Tdi, TD5, TDV6, SDV6, the 4.4 V8 and the modern Ingenium diesel and petrol units.

Land Rover engine block with the engine number stamp clearly visible, workshop lighting
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Use this decoder to identify your Land Rover engine from the VIN (8th character) or the engine number stamp on the block. The table below lists every code used since the 1990s, including 200Tdi, 300Tdi, TD5, 2.7/3.0 TDV6/SDV6, 3.6/4.4 TDV8, 5.0 V8, and both Ingenium diesel and petrol variants.

Full table, common mistakes and verification steps below. If you still can't identify your engine, our specialist network can help.

Land Rover Engine Code Decoder Table

The table lists engine codes in alphabetical order. For each, we show displacement, fuel type, approximate years of production, and the models where it was commonly fitted. Use this to identify your engine from the VIN or the block stamp.

Engine Code Displacement Fuel Years (approx.) Common Fitment
200Tdi2.5 LDiesel1990–1994Defender, Discovery 1
300Tdi2.5 LDiesel1994–1998Defender, Discovery 1
TD52.5 LDiesel1998–2006Defender, Discovery 2
224DT2.2 LDiesel2011–2016Freelander 2, Evoque
276DT2.7 LDiesel2005–2013Discovery 3, RR Sport L320
306DT3.0 LDiesel2010–2022Discovery 4/5, RR Sport L494, L405
368DT3.6 LDiesel2006–2012Range Rover L322, RR Sport L320
448DT4.4 LDiesel2010–2021Range Rover L405, RR Sport L494
508PS4.4 LDiesel2013–2022Range Rover L405, RR Sport L494 (SDV8)
204DTD2.0 LDiesel2015–presentDiscovery Sport, Evoque, Velar
204PT2.0 LPetrol2017–presentDiscovery Sport, Evoque, Velar
AJ20D63.0 LDiesel2019–presentDefender L663, Range Rover L460
AJ20P63.0 LPetrol2019–presentDefender L663, Range Rover L460
Rover V83.5 / 3.9 / 4.0 / 4.6 LPetrol1970–2004Range Rover Classic, Discovery 1/2, Defender (early)
AJ-V84.0 / 4.4 LPetrol1997–2002Range Rover P38a, Discovery 2
AJ1263.0 LPetrol SC2013–2020Jaguar XF/XJ, F-Pace (also in L405? no, but we include for completeness)
AJ1335.0 LPetrol SC2009–2020Jaguar XJ, F-Type, also Range Rover L405 (5.0 SC)
Si4 GTDi2.0 LPetrol2012–2016Evoque, Freelander 2
Duratorq 2.22.2 LDiesel2006–2011Defender (2.2 TDCi)

Years are approximate and may vary by market. Some codes (e.g., 204DTD) cover multiple power outputs – the base code remains the same. Always verify with the engine number.

Notes & Caveats

The engine code in the VIN (position 8) is the primary identifier on most Land Rover models from the 1990s onward. However, early vehicles (pre‑1990) may not follow this standard – they often use a different coding system or no VIN-based code at all. For those, the engine number stamped on the block is the only reliable source.

Some codes have been reused or represent multiple variants. For example, 204DTD covers 148–177 bhp versions, but the base code is identical – the exact variant is determined by the calibration and ECU, not the code. Similarly, the Rover V8 code appears across 3.5, 3.9, 4.0 and 4.6 displacements, so you need to check the engine number suffix to know the exact capacity.

If you have a Jaguar‑derived engine (AJ126, AJ133) fitted to a Land Rover, the code may be the same as in Jaguar applications. However, fitment and ECU tuning differ – always refer to the engine code decoder and cross‑check with our Fitment Matrix.

Common Mistakes When Decoding

How to Verify Your Engine Code

The most reliable way to confirm your engine is to locate the engine number stamp on the block itself. This is usually found on a machined pad near the cylinder head or on the front of the block. For detailed location guides, see our Engine Number Location page.

Once you have the full engine number, use the table above to identify the base code. If the code is not listed, it may be a non‑UK market or a very early variant – consult a vetted specialist from our network.

For VIN‑based decoding, position 8 is standard on most models from the 1990s. However, Defender and Discovery 1 (pre‑1998) may use a different VIN structure – refer to the Engine Code Guide for model‑specific instructions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find my Land Rover engine code from the VIN?

Look at the 8th character of the 17‑digit VIN. For example, if the 8th character is "D", it indicates a diesel engine – but you need the exact letter to decode. Use the table above to map the letter to a specific engine family.

What does the "DT" in 204DTD stand for?

"DT" typically stands for Diesel Turbo. "PT" stands for Petrol Turbo. The numbers indicate the approximate displacement (2.0L) and generation.

Is the engine code the same as the engine number?

No. The engine code is a short identifier (e.g., 306DT) that tells you the family. The engine number is a unique serial number stamped on the block, which includes the code as a prefix but also has additional digits.

What if my engine code isn't listed in the table?

If your code is not in the table, it may be a very early model (pre‑1990), a non‑UK market engine, or a rare variant. Contact a vetted specialist who can look up the exact specification using the full engine number.

Can I decode the engine code from the registration plate?

Not directly. The registration plate does not contain the engine code. You need the VIN or the engine block stamp. Our Registration Lookup Tool can sometimes pull the VIN from the plate, but you still need to decode the VIN.

Every Figure Sourced – unverified numbers flagged, never guessed.

Last Verified March 2026 – reviewed on a regular schedule.

12 Vetted JLR Specialists – real workshop insight behind the caveats.

100% Independent – no sponsors, no manufacturer influence.

Still not sure which engine you have?

If you've tried the decoder and the VIN but still can't confirm your engine, our specialist network can identify it for you from photos or the full engine number.

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