Ridgeback

I had the same problem/question but using a 90 and not a 110. I phoned the DVLA, then vosa, got passed around and given many different answers. After asking to talk to a department manager they confirmed its still MAM of both and not as the new wording might suggest . I did the B+E test and the guys at the test centre confirmed the same. The following week I hired a trailer and the guy in the shop told me vosa pulled a customer and fined him despite the fact the combo was under 3500kg total because the MAM was higher . Did 3hrs with an instructor and then did the test, it's not that hard to do...

I'm fitting a M57 BMW relatively easy fit , light and easy to run outside 530D original fitment (very similar to L322 fitment) I agree with the M57, its not that good in the L322 because it lugging a 3t Range Rover around. It's also in a very low state of tune in the Range Rover. in my mates 110 its a really nice strong engine, loads of low down power. His is running about 230bhp but I know Jeremy Fearn has run them in tomcats at around 350bhp using the twin turbo setup found in the 535d.

Does anyone know if this can be added to td5 defenders with the early ECU?

Mine have been fitted about 3 years now. Only covered about 5k in that time but that includes off road and often with heavy loads. They are still fine .

Hi Bill My plan was to use one as spare parts to end up with one good one if things work out that way. After reading about all the parts that go wrong with them, I would rather keep all the other parts . Matt

I have 2 GKNs as paperweights in the garage. From reading this they can last if the oil is changed more often. My last one only managed 12k from new and lost all drive. I will contact the company in the link and see if they can do a rebuild kit.

The way I read this from point 2 , the total MAM of the Sankey is less than the kerb weight of the 110 @ 1850kg . It mentions a total weight of 3500kg for both but nothing mentions the 3500kg needs to be the total MAM of both, just that the total combined weight can't be over 3500kg. If this is the case then you could now tow a sankey without doing the extra test. Seems very unclear to me.

yes it is the same engine but depending on age of the M57 lump, some had a few problems and differences. I ran my 530d for 200k and it often returned 45-50mpg with 200+bhp . In that time it only ever got serviced or needed just a new set of injectors . The problem with the range rover and that engine is the weight , a defender 90 is about half that of a range rover so performance is much better. The Auto Box and and the M57 engine in the L322 will at best do low 30's mpg but in the lighter bmw X5 they do offer much better performance. The 3.5 you mention in the new BMWs is the same 3L lump, just has different injectors and an extra turbo.Another mate of mine has the BMW 2.5d from a P38 in his 90, with some mods and mapping by Jeremy fearn, its running 180bhp and was very quick . In the P38 the engine was underpowered. For fitting as a few have mentioned, It uses many of the P38 2.5 parts (for both the 2.5 and the 3L). The problem is the cost of all the bits if you can't do the work yourself , even then the ecu and loom can cost £££.

My Td5 is tuned and running stage 2 map, intercooler, custom exhaust ....... All the usual mods. It sounds ok and goes well for what it is, however if it ever goes bang, I have been thinking about a BMW M57 engine as used in the td6 range rover . It's not that hard to fit but will require a custom loom and ECU (both are available). My mate has one in his 110 and it sounds very nice and pulls very well.

The TD6 one does and the early BMWs do but the later ones are controlled via the ECU. It will need converting to a positive pressure actuator

I spoke to VOSA today they have been very helpful. After questioning how they would deal with modifications at MOT time they got back to me with the following on email Missing anti roll bar / modifications Whereas the Inspection Manual does have an RfR for anti roll bar missing where fitted as standard we would expect modifications such as the fitting of aftermarket kits or specialist modifications which do not then require or permit the fitting of an anti roll bar. In these instances the tester should pass and advise so that the presenter is aware of the modification and there is a clear record of the NTs decision. Hope this helps anyone else with the same problem.

thanks Western I was given the RAVE CD and never used it but now I know not to bother if its not got part numbers.. Thanks for the info, I can order the parts tomorrow now and with a bit of luck get the MOT sorted .

Following a post in the international forum, I need to refit my rear ARB to get my MOT. I have all the parts apart from one of the U shaped brackets that clamps the bush to the chassis. I also need a few new bolts. I can find part numbers for the bolts and places selling them online but can't find the brackets listed. My rave CD won't run on my new Mac, does anyone know what the part number is and if its available without purchasing the full ARB kit?

No that's a smaller turbo from the 2.5L. I have the one from 3L M57 engine on BMW 530d and td6 range rover. It's not any easy bolt on job so if your not up for some engineering work, then the ones the tuning companies have are the easy option

I asked them the same question but was told they developed it with BAS and IRB. My next question was why advertise it then! No answer I have a td5 and have a BMW/ range rover TD6 VNT turbo I am going to fit. I have had plates machined to make it fit but will cost me half vs going to a tuning company to get one + I enjoy playing with it and making stuff work