Reconditioned · Used · Rebuilt
TD5 2.5 Diesel Engine for Sale
The TD5 is the five-cylinder 2.5-litre diesel fitted to the classic Defender and Discovery 2 — one of the most rebuildable engines Land Rover ever made, and still a core part of what we do. Every unit is fully tested and carries a 12-month / 12,000-mile parts-and-labour warranty.
Which Vehicles Use the TD5
Variants differ by year and model — we confirm the exact variant from your reg before quoting.
| Vehicle | Years | Variant / output | Matching engines |
|---|---|---|---|
| Land Rover Defender (classic) | 1998–2006 | TD5 122 bhp | View engines → |
| Land Rover Discovery 2 | 1998–2004 | TD5 136 bhp | View engines → |
What's Replaced When We Recondition a TD5
Unless your quote says otherwise, a reconditioned engine is supplied as a bare assembly — block, head(s) and sump — rebuilt with the following as standard. Your original ancillaries are refitted, and we tell you at the health check if any are worn, with an itemised list to approve or decline before we fit them.
- Cylinder head(s) — pressure-tested, with refaced valves and seats
- Valve stem seals — new
- Head gasket(s) — new, with new head bolts
- Piston rings — new
- Main & big-end bearings — new
- Crankshaft — inspected, and reground or replaced as required
- Oil pump — new
- Timing belt or chain kit — new
- Testing — pressure and compression tested; results supplied in writing
- Ancillaries — your originals refitted; anything worn is itemised for you to approve or decline
Known TD5 Failure Modes
Cylinder head cracking
The TD5's best-known fault — cracks between the valve seats, often showing as coolant loss or overheating. Every head we fit is pressure-tested.
Get it assessed →Injector harness failure
The in-head wiring harness chafes and fails, causing misfires and poor starting. Renewed as standard in our rebuilds.
Book diagnostics →Oil pump / bottom-end wear
Hard-worked units can develop bottom-end wear; a knock means stop driving.
Get it assessed →TD5 Prices & Lead Times
| Compare | Most popularReconditioned | Low-Mileage Used | Rebuild Your Engine |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fitted, from | £2,500–£5,000 | £1,000–£2,500 | £2,000–£5,000 |
| VAT | Included | Included | Included |
| Warranty | 12 mo / 12,000 mi | 12 mo / 12,000 mi | 12 mo / 12,000 mi |
| Lead time | 3–5 days | In stock: 2 days | 2–3 weeks |
TD5 Questions
How much does a replacement TD5 engine cost, fitted?
Fitted at our workshop, a low-mileage used TD5 typically runs £1,000–£2,500, a reconditioned unit £2,500–£5,000, and a full rebuild of your own engine £2,000–£5,000. The exact figure depends on the variant and what the strip-down reveals. All our prices include VAT (GB 502 3788 04). Enter your reg above for a fixed written quote.
Do you supply the TD5 on its own?
No. Every engine we supply is fitted by us, at our own workshop in Grays, Essex. That is deliberate: one party is then responsible for both the engine and the fitting, which is what makes the warranty worth having. If you cannot get to us, we can collect your vehicle and deliver it back.
What warranty comes with a TD5?
12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first — parts and labour, in writing. Servicing can be done by us or by any established professional garage; you are not required to come back to us.
Is the TD5 worth rebuilding rather than replacing?
Very often, yes. The TD5 is a genuinely rebuildable engine and, on a classic Defender, keeping the original unit can be worth real money. We'll tell you honestly which makes sense.
Do you pressure-test the head?
Yes — head cracking is the TD5's signature fault, so every head we fit is pressure-tested first.
Do you still stock TD5 engines?
Yes — the TD5 remains a core engine for us, for both the Defender and Discovery 2.
What a Fitted TD5 Includes
Every TD5 we supply is fitted by us at our Grays, Essex workshop — never sold loose. Your price covers the whole job:
- The engine — reconditioned, tested low-mileage used, or your own unit rebuilt, matched to your exact variant
- Removal & fitting — the old engine out, the replacement in, by JLR specialists
- Fluids, filters & adaptation — the parts and coding the job actually needs, not billed as extras
- A documented road test — before the car comes back to you
- 12 months / 12,000 miles, parts & labour — one warranty covering the engine and the workmanship
Turnaround depends on the engine — see the lead times in the options above. VAT is included in every price.
Not local to Essex? It makes no difference to the engine or the warranty. We collect your vehicle, fit the TD5 here, and return it — wherever you are in the UK. Here's how nationwide collection & delivery works.
Your TD5 Quote in Two Hours
A fixed written price to supply and fit it — from the people who'll actually build your engine. VAT included.
Get My TD5 Quote →Or call 02033 180532 · Mon–Fri 8am–6pm · Sat 9am–1pm