A.I. tells me the AJ133S in the defender does have a brake in period of about 2,000 miles, as well as the L460 with the BMW engine of about 2,500 miles. Is this correct and if so, is an oil and oil filter change a must at those mileage marks?

 

JLR says the break-in period is 2000 miles for all engines. Oil change isn't necessary after the break-in period. In reality, break-in periods don't need to be followed religiously anymore. Metallurgy and cylinder wall designs have advanced a lot even in the past 15 years to the point where many manufacturers no longer have a break-in period. Plus, the engines are all tested at the factory prior to installation, and all vehicles are subject to multiple dyno tests before they are shipped put. I wouldn't baby the thing, nor would I push it hard all the time. Just drive it normally.

Funnily enough it says in the owner's manual that it is discouraged to do any kind of off-roading during the break-in period. Over the weekend I went to the Land Rover Kentucky 3-Day Event at the Kentucky Horse Park where they had an off-road drive experience. They had about 20 brand new identical 130 P400 X models they brought in for this event. They literally had delivery miles and they were driving on a fairly challenging course for 8 hours a day from Thursday-Sunday. I asked the LR Experience instructor if they ever had any issues long-term on these vehicles because of the off-road during break-in, and he said it has never been an issue.

So my two cents: No need to be overly cautious; just drive it normally. That's what I did, and I haven't had any issues over the last 52k miles on mine.

 

Well, that's good to know. But at the same time that initial oil/filter change used to be recommended to remove those microscopic particles that in theory would be released by friction during those initial miles but if those engines are tested on a dyno before even registering any miles, maybe that's why they put the service intervals at 15K miles which for me at least it's BS, even more so on the AJ133S engine. Sticking to 5K intervals appears to be still a safe bet on avoiding the many internal oil jets from potentially clogging.

 

My 2025 130 V8 called for its first oil change just under 10,000 miles which was performed at my local indie shop. Currently over 11,000 miles with no issues.

Also 2018 RR SVR sitting at 89,800 miles, only scheduled annual oil changes, also no issues.

Just normal driving with some spirited events in between. Highway miles mostly above speed limits with cruise control and Eco setting.

Enjoy that power!

 

There is definitely a break in period for the OCTA.

 

OCTA (as well as all other BMW V8 models) limit power for the first 310 miles.

 

Yes, that is what i followed on my old LR4 with the NA AJ133. Those who followed 15k intervals were much more likely to have timing chain issues.