Land Rover Range Rover P38 Information & Upgrade Guide

P38 introduced 5x120 wheels and a new electronic architecture; very little chassis accessory fitment carries over from the Classic.

1994–1999 1999–2002
Land Rover Range Rover P38 technical information and upgrade guide
Model Overview

Land Rover Range Rover P38 Model Years Explained

P38 introduced 5x120 wheels and a new electronic architecture; very little chassis accessory fitment carries over from the Classic.

1994–1999Early P38A.
1999–2002Updated electronics and late production.

Important: Registration dates can overlap build changes. Always check the VIN, build date, engine, transmission, body style and fitted equipment before ordering model-specific parts.

Technical Data

Land Rover Range Rover P38 Quick Specification Table

This UK-focused table gives the main fitment and capability points useful when planning upgrades. Exact limits remain vehicle and model-year dependent.

SpecificationUK / Relevant Information
UK / relevant model groups1994–1999; 1999–2002
Main engines2.5 BMW diesel and Rover 4.0/4.6 V8 petrol engines.
Braked towingUp to 3,500kg braked on suitable versions.
Wading depthStandard wading ability is limited relative to later Range Rovers; check handbook and preparation.
Wheel fitment5x120.
SuspensionLive axles with electronic air suspension.
Vehicle constructionGeneration dependent; check the exact model before ordering chassis-mounted accessories.
Towing, payload, roof load, wheel torque and wading figures must be confirmed against the exact vehicle handbook, compliance plate and accessory instructions. Imported vehicles can differ from UK-supplied specification.
Engine Information

Range Rover P38 Engine Model Years, Oil & Service Information

Engine families can overlap registration years, so use the VIN or engine code when selecting oil, filters or engine-specific components. Devon 4x4 also supplies Land Rover service and maintenance parts; match consumables by VIN, engine and build date.

Model GroupMain EnginesIdentificationOil / Service Guidance
1994–19992.5 BMW diesel and Rover 4.0/4.6 V8 petrol engines.Confirm engine code / VIN before ordering engine-specific parts or fluids.Use the manufacturer approval and viscosity stated for the exact engine and model year.
1999–20022.5 BMW diesel and Rover 4.0/4.6 V8 petrol engines.Confirm engine code / VIN before ordering engine-specific parts or fluids.Use the manufacturer approval and viscosity stated for the exact engine and model year.
Oil capacities and approvals vary by engine code, sump, emissions equipment and service procedure. Use current manufacturer data for the exact vehicle rather than a generic internet figure.
Range Rover P38 suspension and lift kits
Suspension

Range Rover P38 Suspension & Load Carrying

Live axles with electronic air suspension.

Spring and damper selection should account for permanent bumper and winch weight, underbody protection, roof equipment, drawers, tools, towing load and normal passenger/cargo use. A suspension lift does not automatically increase the vehicle's plated GVW or axle ratings.

Range Rover P38 roof racks and roof tents
Roof Systems

Roof Load, Roof Racks, Awnings & Roof Tents

Roof-load limits can differ by body style, roof construction, factory rails and mounting system. Treat the vehicle's dynamic roof rating as separate from any static rating quoted by a rack or tent manufacturer.

The combined weight of mounting feet, bars, platform, tent, awning and cargo must stay within the lowest-rated component. Off-road use may also require a lower working load than sealed-road use.

Range Rover P38 load & touring and storage
Touring & Storage

Payload, Touring Load & Storage

Range Rover P38 payload varies by body, trim, drivetrain, accessories and model year. Bumpers, winches, drawer systems, roof racks, tents, auxiliary batteries, passengers and trailer nose weight all consume available payload. Use the vehicle plate and actual vehicle weight rather than assuming a catalogue maximum applies to every vehicle.

Touring builds should be planned as a complete system so axle loads, suspension, roof load and towing nose weight remain within the vehicle limits.

Range Rover P38 wheels tyres PCD and fitment
Wheel Fitment

Wheels, Tyres, PCD & Fitment

5x120.

Matching the bolt pattern alone does not guarantee fitment. Check centre bore, offset, wheel width, brake clearance, spoke shape, wheel load rating, tyre size and suspension clearance for the exact vehicle.

Range Rover P38 winch bumpers recovery points and winch mounts
Recovery

Front Bumpers, Winch Mounts & Recovery Points

Recovery equipment must be matched to the exact chassis, body and model year. Factory transport or tie-down points should not automatically be treated as rated recovery points.

On later vehicles, front radar, cameras, parking sensors, cooling airflow and driver-assistance calibration must be considered before fitting a bumper or discreet winch mount.

Range Rover P38 snorkels wading and raised air intakes
Wading

Wading Depth, Snorkels & Raised Air Intakes

Standard wading ability is limited relative to later Range Rovers; check handbook and preparation.

A snorkel raises the engine air intake but does not waterproof the vehicle. Axle, transmission and transfer-case breathers, door seals, electronics, current, water depth and post-wading inspection all remain important.

Range Rover P38 underbody protection and rock sliders
Protection

Chassis, Underbody Protection & Vehicle-Specific Fitment

P38 introduced 5x120 wheels and a new electronic architecture; very little chassis accessory fitment carries over from the Classic.

Protection must match the engine, transmission, transfer case, fuel tank, exhaust and chassis layout. Added protection also consumes payload and can affect service access and cooling.

Land Rover Range Rover P38 FAQ

What years does this Range Rover P38 guide cover?

1994–1999; 1999–2002.

What engines were fitted?

2.5 BMW diesel and Rover 4.0/4.6 V8 petrol engines.

How much can a Range Rover P38 tow?

Up to 3,500kg braked on suitable versions. Always confirm the exact vehicle plate, towbar approval and gross train weight.

What is the Range Rover P38 wading depth?

Standard wading ability is limited relative to later Range Rovers; check handbook and preparation.

What wheels fit a Range Rover P38?

5x120. Offset, brake clearance and wheel load rating must also be checked.

Does a suspension lift increase payload?

No. Springs and dampers can better support a permanent load, but they do not by themselves alter the plated GVW, axle limits or legal payload.

Need Help Choosing Range Rover P38 Parts?

Send Devon 4x4 the model year, engine, transmission, body style and intended use so we can help match suspension, wheels, recovery, roof systems and protection to the correct vehicle.

Contact Devon 4x4