RE: [Leica] Re: If Porsche Can Do It, Why Not Leica?

[Jim Laurel <jplaurel@microsoft.com>]

Just reliable, period.  There are certainly alot of anecdotal accounts out
there about this engine's reliability and durability.  I have the 4.0 V8 in
my Discovery and Defender, and they have both been absolutely solid.

Actually, BMW has made alot of changes.  The Discovery in particular, has
benefitted significnatly in terms of quality control.  Today's Discos are
much better in general, with better fit and finish, water sealing, body
panel alignment, etc.

Most LR owners would agree with you about the diesel.  I would love to have
gotten mine with the new TD5 rather than those thirsty V8s.  Still, the V8
is a great powerplant.

Mercedes-Benz has used thier car engines to great effect for many years in
the various Gelaendewagen models.  Compared to the newer M-Class vehicles, I
think you would consider the G-Wagens quite obsolete.  However, we now know
that the M class trucks are not nearly as capable off-road.  While the
M-class is technologically very advanced compared to the Range Rover, which
would you trust for a drive to Timbuktu?  You can find people all over the
world who can service a Land Rover engine.

- --Jim

- -----Original Message-----
From: Bud Cook [mailto:budcook@ibm.net]
Sent: Monday, August 09, 1999 2:41 PM
To: Leica_Post
Subject: Re: [Leica] Re: If Porsche Can Do It, Why Not Leica?


Jim,
Are we talking reliability by Detroit's standards or by Toyota/Mercedes
standards?

If I'm to spend $66K for a Range Rover, I'd expect world-class technology
and world-class reliability.   The current engine is not what I'd expect nor
what I'd pay for.

I had really high expectations when BMW took over but it seems that Munich
hasn't done much to change things.

BTW, engine braking is pretty much a function of engine size and compression
ratio.  I can't understand why Land Rovers aren't available in the U.S. with
a diesel engine.  Mercedes Benz has a new twin-turbo, rail injected diesel
V8 coming that produces over 400 ft.lb. of torque.  It would be perfect in a
Range Rover:-)

Bud

- ----- Original Message -----
From: Jim Laurel <jplaurel@microsoft.com>
To: <leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us>
Sent: Monday, August 09, 1999 3:06 PM
Subject: RE: [Leica] Re: If Porsche Can Do It, Why Not Leica?


> The old pushrod V8 is an extremely trustworthy engine.  Not terribly fast
or
> fuel efficient, but dead reliable and very strong, especially at low RPM.
> There has been discussion about using BMW's new V8's in Land Rover
products
> for some time.  As I understand it, the problem with this is that the BMW
> V8s do not provide sufficient torque at low RPM for off-road conditions,
and
> they have insufficient engine braking.
>
> --Jim