I am considering buying an 04/05 or an 06 Range Rover in the near future. I was just wondering if anyone had any idea if the BMW(04/05) engine/components or the Jaguar(06) engine/components were any better/worse than one or other.

I know the earlier BMW models had issues, however I prefer the idea of a BMW powerplant more than I do the Jaguar, but if LR improved the RR with all of the changes for '06, then thats the RR for me hands down.

Like anyone, I want a vehicle that is as problem free as possible, however I own a Mercedes right now and I had an 97 Disco until I off-roaded it to death so I know how it goes. I am looking at low mileage vehicles and as long as the vehicle has a factory warranty, I'm won't complain.

I also want to add I will be occasionally (about twice a month) off roading the truck, however it will also be a daily driver. Does anyone know if the supercharged version is much better off road?

If anyone thinks they know something that may help, please reply before I go buy a M.B. G500. I'm all ears.



Thanks in advance.

 

I drove an '06 Range Rover HSE before knowing that '05 was the last year of the BMW powerplant, so I just assumed it was the same. I CANNOT imagine the BMW engine from the old 7-series being any better than the Jaguar powerplant in the '06. I was VERY impressed, and that was me being used to a 2000 BMW. Go for the 2006.

 

I'll start by saying that I drive a 2006 and I love it. If I had a choice in powerplants I would have gone for the BMW, the engine feels like it has so much more torque. If you are looking to off-road I would avoid the Supercharged, the 20" tires are not that good in anything deep. If you do decide to go with the BMW get a 2005 only. Them made alot of changes to the nav system and added the touch screen (big difference). In 2005 the vehicle also came standard with bluetooth cell phone. You really can go wrong with either truck but buy a 2005 or newer if the budget allows.

 

I appreciate your input Brad... I'm going to LA to look at an '05 with under 20k miles this weekend. Hopefully I'll have a new Rover the next time I log on.

 

I went through the same purchase decision and ended up with an '04. I was actually planning to spend about $65k on a used '06 Supercharged. Needless to say, I was dissapointed in the performance. Then I drove the regular '06 and didn't notice that much of a difference so I decided to go that route. Then I drove and '05 and just liked the feel. The BMW engine felt quicker to me with less hesitation. Then I learned that if I could live with the older nav system, I could save some more money. So I ended up spending $35k on an '04, and I love it. Plus, I have $30k left over to put towards my next Porsche (or out-of-warranty repairs, whichever comes sooner).

All I can say is drive them and see what you like. My dealer let me drive all 3 models side by side. The nav is much nicer on '05 and up, and the '06 are much quieter as well. Otherwise, about the same.