Hi all,

Im interested in the difference between the 200tdi and the slightly newer 300tdi. Ive been told by my friends who own 200tdi's that they are better and more reliable due to 60 or so less components but louder than the 300tdi. What are peoples opinions on this and 200tdi or 300tdi? The 200's seem to be going up in value recently!

I have both, cant tell the difference in driving. Would go for the 300tdi as 200tdi parts are getting harder to find and cost more. 300tdi is the best land rover engine ever, in my opinion.

The 300tdi is just an updated version of the 200tdi. It is slightly easier to service due to it's serpentine auxiliary belt and the timing belt is a little easier to change.
I doubt that there is any real difference in performance between the two and doubt that there is much difference in reliability.
I suspect that the 300tdi is quieter due to superior engine mounts and acoustic cover on the rocker cover rather than any mechanical reason. All things are relative though and any TDi in a 90/110 is an agricultural thing and you won't be having any whispered conversations.
The 200tdi is supposed to be an easier engine to fit to a pre-tdi 90/110, but only if it is the Defender version, the more common Discovery version takes a bit of messing about. Other than welding new engine mounts onto the chassis, fitting the 300 is no big deal.

When it comes to 200 parts most are available, just things like new heads / block are not but recons to be had.
It is simpler to change a 300 cam belt.
200 has a better crank seal system
200 is louder at certain revs
If you want to tune up for more power 300 is the way to go.
The high position of the water pump on 300 means a little coolant loss results a sudden overheat and has been the death of many a good motor so keep cooling system in good order.
It's swings and roundabouts.