Change Car Turbo Land Rover Discovery

Change Car Turbo

Very technical 3h00–19h00 ~300–1900£
Estimated time 3h00–19h00
Estimated labour cost ~300–1900£
Difficulty Very technical
Vehicles
Discovery I 1989-1999 3
  • 2.5 TDI 200 Diesel (21L/12L/17L)
  • 2.5 TDI 300 Diesel (19L)
  • 2.5 TDI 300 Diesel (19L)
Discovery II 1999-2005 2
  • 2.5 TD5 Diesel (10P)
  • 2.5 TD5 Diesel (15P/16P)
Discovery III 2005-2009 1
  • 2.7 TDV6 Diesel (276DT)
Discovery IV 2009-2018 4
  • 2.7 TDV6 Diesel (276DT)
  • 3.0 TDV6 Diesel (306DT)
  • 3.0 TDV6 Diesel (306DT)
  • 3.0 TDV6 Diesel (306DT)
Discovery V 2017-2025 6
  • 2.0 Si4 Petrol (PT204)
  • 2.0 TD4 Diesel (204DTA)
  • 2.0 TD4 Diesel (204DTD)
  • 3.0 TDV6 Diesel (306DT)
  • 3.0 V6 SC Petrol (306PS)
  • D250 (3.0 MHEV) 48V (MHEV),Diesel (DT306)

What is the role of the Land Rover Discovery turbo?

The turbocharger increases engine power by compressing the intake air, allowing more air (and therefore more fuel) into the combustion chambers. It is driven by exhaust gases spinning a turbine at speeds up to 250,000 rpm. The compressed intake air passes through an intercooler to reduce its temperature before entering the engine.

What are the symptoms of a failing Land Rover Discovery turbo?

Common symptoms include: loss of engine power or boost, excessive exhaust smoke (blue/white for oil burning, black for over-fuelling), whining or whistling noise from the turbo area, engine warning light or turbo fault codes, oil leaks at the turbo housing, increased oil consumption.

What causes Land Rover Discovery turbo failure?

The main causes are: oil starvation (blocked or restricted oil feed lines, low oil level, poor oil quality), foreign object ingestion, excessive exhaust temperature, worn bearings due to high mileage, and contaminated oil. Always investigate and fix the root cause before fitting a replacement turbo.

Can a Land Rover Discovery turbo be reconditioned?

Yes, turbo reconditioning is a common and cost-effective alternative to buying new. A reputable service will disassemble, inspect, replace worn parts, rebalance, and test the unit. Expect to pay 30–60% of the new price.

Is it difficult to change a Land Rover Discovery turbo?

Difficulty level 5/5: very technical. The turbo is connected to both the intake and exhaust systems, requiring numerous disassembly steps. Approximately 5 hours on average for a professional mechanic. Key precautions after fitting: change the engine oil and filter, prime the turbo with oil before starting, allow the turbo to cool down after hard driving by idling for 30 seconds before switching off.

View all compatible products →
View your Discovery maintenance plan (keep the Discovery token) →

5 models covered

Model Year Range Engines covered Fuel
Discovery I 1989-1999 1989-1999 2.5 TDI 200 Diesel (21L/12L/17L), 2.5 TDI 300 Diesel (19L), 2.5 TDI 300 Diesel (19L), 3.5 V8 Petrol (22D/36L/38L), 3.5 V8i Petrol (24D), 3.9 V8i Petrol (36D) Diesel, Petrol
Discovery II 1999-2005 1999-2005 2.5 TD5 Diesel (10P), 2.5 TD5 Diesel (15P/16P), 4.0 V8 Petrol (10D/12D/94D), 4.0 V8 Petrol (56D) Diesel, Petrol
Discovery III 2005-2009 2005-2009 2.7 TDV6 Diesel (276DT), 4.0 V6 Petrol (406PN), 4.4 V8 Petrol (448PN) Diesel, Petrol
Discovery IV 2009-2018 2009-2018 2.7 TDV6 Diesel (276DT), 3.0 TDV6 Diesel (306DT), 3.0 TDV6 Diesel (306DT), 3.0 TDV6 Diesel (306DT), 3.0 V6 S/C Petrol (306PS), 5.0 V8 Petrol (508PN) Diesel, Petrol
Discovery V 2017-2025 2017-2025 2.0 Si4 Petrol (PT204), 2.0 TD4 Diesel (204DTA), 2.0 TD4 Diesel (204DTD), 3.0 TDV6 Diesel (306DT), 3.0 V6 SC Petrol (306PS), D250 (3.0 MHEV) 48V (MHEV),Diesel (DT306) 48V (MHEV), Diesel, Petrol

Other repair guides

Change Car Accessory Belt Kit

Change Car Accessory Belt Kit

Easy 0h45–2h30
Change Car Air Filter

Change Car Air Filter

Very easy 0h30–0h45
Change Car Battery

Change Car Battery

Very easy 0h30–0h30
Change Car Cabin Filter

Change Car Cabin Filter

Very easy 0h30–0h30
Change Car Front Brake Discs and Pads

Change Car Front Brake Discs and Pads

Easy 1h30–2h30
Change Car Front Brake Pads

Change Car Front Brake Pads

Easy 0h45–1h30
Change Car Handbrake Cable

Change Car Handbrake Cable

Very easy 0h30
Change Car Oil Filter

Change Car Oil Filter

Easy 0h30–0h30
Change Car Rear Silencer

Change Car Rear Silencer

Easy 0h30–1h30
Change Car Clutch

Change Car Clutch

Technical 9h00–13h00
Change Car Fuel Filter

Change Car Fuel Filter

Easy 0h30–2h00
Change Car Glow Plugs

Change Car Glow Plugs

Intermediate 0h45–5h00
Change Car Particulate Filter (DPF)

Change Car Particulate Filter (DPF)

Easy 0h30–2h30
Change Car Shock Absorbers

Change Car Shock Absorbers

Easy 1h30–5h00
Change Car Spark Plugs

Change Car Spark Plugs

Easy 0h30–2h00
Change Car Timing Belt Kit

Change Car Timing Belt Kit

Very technical 7h00–8h00
Change Car Water Pump

Change Car Water Pump

Easy 0h30–4h00
View the service schedule for your Discovery →