I've got a 2013 with relatively low miles (~53k) and have no issues at all. But I'm seeing some posts about turbo's and engine failures and was curious how many high mileage LR2's are out there. Let me know model year, mileage and what major issues, if any, have been encountered.

Thanks.

 

I haven't seen any engine failures per se. I have seen turbo failures, but the turbo is part of the exhaust and intake system, and not strictly an engine component. Other than that the turbocharged models appear to be subject to the same problems on average as all the other models.

 

Turbos are essentially consumable items, like brake pads, and will need to be replaced eventually. If maintained properly, it should be good to 100k or more.

They are essentially subject to jet-engine stresses, but are lubricated by a system optimized for a piston engine, and they don't have the benefit of millions of dollars worth of high-tech engineering and manufacturing.

 

Unless someone has grown a brain since the early 2000's. the turbos used on all LR's are that way because they are designed for use in cars, not in more high-end applications. But essentially I agree with you, the turbines in these units spin at something like 150k RPM and the bearings eventually wear out. If they used ceramic bearings they would last a lot longer IMO, but instead they still use tech from the 1900's... ball bearings.

 

Yes, practically they cannot use aviation-level design and materials, too costly.

 

Ceramic bearings may be more expensive, but they are very much justified in applications where extreme precision and durability are desirable qualities -- like in a turbo charger.

Besides, they are not just used in aerospace applications, Ceramic bearings are widely used in electric motors, performance racing vehicles, laboratory equipment, under water applications and more. Any application that requires higher speeds, lower friction and longer life is ideal for ceramic bearings.