[timnichol]

I have been shopping for a rover recently and have noticed that there is quite a large number of 1999 model year P38's for sale. I realize that there was a change from the GEMS(?) to the Bosch ECU's during the year. I have searched some forums and seen a couple different opinions on which is the better system(reliable). My question is should I stay away from this model year or which version would be the better of the two to buy.
thanks,
newbie
tim

 

[john-sussex]

In my opinion go for as late as you can. So if there is a gems or Bosch then i would pick a Bosch one.
Somehow they just seem alittle better put together. though that said not really much in it.

 

[hammerma]

Ive got a 99 with the bosch. Very pleased but i dont drive it that much 5k a year. Think the bosch (thor) makes more torque than the gems.
By far the most important thing though is mx. Make sure all the scheduled is done Oil changes, tranny fluid, diff and xfer fluids.
That covers the big $ items hopefully . The rest nickle and dime will still
be there. Oil leaks, anti-freeze, freon and normal wear items. But their generally less than $1,000.00 even at the dealer.
I have a warranty from dealer. That way no big suprises. $250 deductable.
I had a buddy who had a ford pickup and he would budget $150/mo for mx. RR should be closer to $200/mo.
Also make sure everything works, every pixel, heated seats, air suspension, etc, etc. If not then lowball.

 

[AMcK]

Having had both I would go for the later Bosch. You get 4 wheel traction control,4 pin dif, an improved ABS module (the GEMS one's can fail, although there is a relatively cheap fix now available).
Some of the sensors eg MAF and O2 are a fair bit cheaper for the Bosch motor.

But, whatever you get condition is the most important thing - make sure everything works as it should.
Happy hunting.

 

[timnichol]

thanks for the responses

 

[jchhiminey]

i wish i would have gottten the 2000 insead of the 99, just aesthetics though, taillights, black housing headlights, corner lamp, and nav system is a little different too. imo. if you're lucky, find one with SD rack and ladder and i'll gladly reward you for them.

 

[NorCal RR]

All else being equal, I would take the Bosch. But I never any problems with the GEMS on my old 4.0, the Bosch just makes a little more torque. I think there would be many more important factors in the purchase than Bosch vs. Gems

 

[timnichol]

NorCalRR,
what other factors do you think are most important to look at when buying a P38?
tim