Ingenium / PT204 Engine

Ingenium 2.0 P290 / Si4: Experiences, Issues, Fuel Consumption and Maintenance

When talking about the Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) group, the switch from Ford’s EcoBoost engines to their own Ingenium platform was a major step. The version we’re covering today is the top of the four‑cylinder range – a 2.0‑liter turbo petrol engine with 290 horsepower.

This engine carries the designations Si4 (in older nomenclature) or P290 (in newer, especially MHEV variants). It is installed in heavy, prestigious SUVs such as the Land Rover Discovery Sport and Range Rover Evoque. Although on paper it looks like a perfect balance of power and displacement, in practice it requires a meticulous owner and a deep pocket for maintenance. This is not an engine for a “fill up and drive” philosophy.

Key points in short (TL;DR)

• Performance: Excellent. With 290 hp and 400 Nm, this engine easily copes with the heavy body. It’s not lazy.
• Fuel consumption: High. In the city expect double‑digit numbers (12–15 l/100 km). This is not an economical choice.
• Timing system: Uses a chain. Although better than the diesel variants, chain stretch and tensioner issues are not unheard of.
• Gearbox: Exclusively a 9‑speed ZF automatic. Requires regular oil changes or it becomes rough.
• Maintenance: Expensive. Parts are specific, and the engine demands top‑quality oil and fuel.
• Recommendation: Buy only examples with 100% verifiable service history where the oil was changed every max 10–15,000 km, not according to the factory’s extended intervals.

Contents

• Technical Specifications
• Reliability and Maintenance
• Specific Parts (Costs)
• Fuel Consumption and Performance
• Additional Options and Modifications
• Gearbox and Drivetrain
• Buying Used and Conclusion

Technical Specifications

Parameter	Data
Name / Engine code	Ingenium / PT204 / AJ200P (Si4 / P290)
Displacement	1997 cc (2.0 L)
Power	213 kW (290 hp)
Torque	400 Nm
Number of cylinders	4 (Inline)
Injection type	Direct injection (GDI)
Forced induction	Twin‑scroll turbo + intercooler (MHEV option on newer models)
Camshaft drive	Chain (Timing chain)

Reliability and Maintenance

Does this engine have a timing belt or a chain?

The engine uses a timing chain. On Ingenium engines, the position of the chain and its quality are a frequent topic of discussion. Although the petrol versions (PT204) are less problematic than the notorious 2.0 diesels (where the chain fails more often), the petrols are not immune either.
Issue: The chain can stretch or the hydraulic chain tensioner can fail, usually after 100,000–150,000 km.
Symptoms: Rattling on cold start (metal‑on‑metal sound) that disappears after a few seconds, or an illuminated “Check Engine” light due to camshaft–crankshaft desynchronization.

What are the most common failures on this engine?

Besides the chain, owners encounter the following issues:

• Turbocharger: Due to the high specific output (almost 150 hp per liter), the turbo operates under heavy thermal load. Failures of the turbo actuator or oil leaks at the turbo are relatively common.
• Cooling system: Plastic thermostat housings and hoses are prone to cracking, which leads to coolant loss. Caution: This engine does not tolerate overheating – the cylinder head warps easily.
• Variable valve timing solenoids (VVT): They can stick, causing rough running and loss of power.

At what mileage is the “major service” done?

Since the engine has a chain, the classic “major service” is done as needed (when the chain can be heard) or preventively at around 150,000 km. However, the auxiliary (serpentine) belt and its tensioners are replaced earlier, usually at around 100,000 km or every 5–6 years.
Recommendation: Don’t wait for the chain to start rattling. If you’re buying a used car with 150k+ km, factor chain replacement into the price – it is a very expensive job.

How many liters of oil does this engine take and which grade is recommended?

Ingenium engines have a large oil sump. This engine takes approximately 7 liters of oil (the figure varies by ±0.5 L depending on the filter and 4WD system).
Grade: Only 0W‑20 with specification STJLR.51.5122. Do not experiment with thicker oils (5W‑30) unless you have confirmation from a JLR specialist, because the oil channels and chain tensioners are designed for low‑viscosity oil to reduce friction and ensure faster flow on cold start.

Does it consume oil between services?

Yes, oil consumption is common, especially with more aggressive driving. Up to 0.5 L per 1,000 km is considered “normal” (by factory standards), but in practice a healthy engine should not consume more than 1 liter per 10,000 km.
If it consumes more, the problem is usually the PCV valve (oil vapor separator) or, in a worse case, the piston rings.

Specific Parts (Costs)

Does the engine have a dual‑mass flywheel?

This engine is always paired with an automatic gearbox (ZF 9HP). It does not have a classic dual‑mass flywheel like manual gearboxes (which fails due to repeated take‑offs), but uses a torque converter and a so‑called flexplate.
Cost: Although you don’t have a dual‑mass flywheel that is replaced as a wear item, overhauling the torque converter is a costly repair that occurs if the transmission oil is not changed regularly.

What type of injection system does it have and are the injectors problematic?

The system is high‑pressure gasoline direct injection (GDI). The injectors are precise but sensitive to poor fuel quality.
Issue: Carbon build‑up on the intake valves is inevitable because the fuel does not wash the valves. Symptoms are rougher idle and a slight drop in performance at higher mileage. Cleaning the valves (walnut shell blasting) is recommended every 80–100k km. Injectors are expensive to replace.

Does the engine have a turbocharger and what is its lifespan?

Yes, it has a single twin‑scroll turbocharger. Lifespan depends on maintenance. If the engine is switched off immediately after hard driving (motorway), the oil in the turbo overheats and cokes, which destroys the bearings. With regular oil changes and proper cool‑down before shutting off, the turbo can last over 200,000 km. Rebuilding is possible, but removing and refitting it on these models (due to the tight engine bay) is expensive in terms of labor.

Does it have a DPF filter or an EGR valve?

This is a petrol engine, so it doesn’t have a DPF in the classic sense, but models produced from 2018/2019 (including the facelift Discovery Sport and Evoque) are equipped with a GPF (Gasoline Particulate Filter) to meet Euro 6d‑TEMP standards.
The GPF can clog if the car is driven exclusively in the city, but it regenerates more easily than a diesel DPF (you just need to let the car coast in gear downhill or drive at a constant speed). An EGR valve is present, but it rarely clogs compared to diesels.

Fuel Consumption and Performance

What is the real fuel consumption in city driving?

Be prepared for the truth: 12 to 16 liters per 100 km in heavy urban traffic. The Discovery Sport and Evoque are heavy vehicles (almost 2 tons with passengers), have all‑wheel drive (AWD) and the aerodynamics of a brick. The MHEV (Mild Hybrid) system helps slightly (reduces consumption by about 0.5 L), mainly smoothing out the Start‑Stop system.

Is this engine “lazy” for the weight of the body?

Absolutely not. With 290 hp and 400 Nm, this is the most powerful 2.0 engine in the range. The car feels “punchy”. In‑gear acceleration is excellent, overtaking is safe and quick. The feeling of vehicle weight disappears as soon as the turbo spools up. 0–100 km/h is usually under 7.5 seconds, which is a sporty figure for an SUV of this class.

What is the engine like on the motorway?

On the motorway this engine is in its element. Thanks to the 9‑speed gearbox, at 130 km/h the engine turns at a low 2,000–2,200 rpm. Cabin noise is very well suppressed. Fuel consumption on the open road drops to a reasonable 8–9 liters, provided you stick to speed limits. As soon as you go over 140 km/h, consumption rises sharply due to air resistance.

Additional Options and Modifications

Is this engine suitable for LPG conversion?

Not recommended. Due to direct injection, an expensive system is required (liquid LPG injection or a system that uses both petrol and LPG at the same time to cool the injectors). The installation cost is very high (over 1,000 EUR), and the payback is questionable unless you cover huge mileage. You also lose boot space (which on the 5+2 Discovery Sport is not generous to begin with).

How far can this engine be safely tuned (Stage 1)?

From the factory, the engine is already “wound up” to 290 hp (it is the same base as the 200 or 250 hp versions, but with different maps and sometimes hardware).
Stage 1 remap can extract about 310–320 hp and 450 Nm.
Warning: Tuning this engine is not advisable. The cooling system and turbo are already close to their limits. Additional stress can drastically shorten the gearbox’s lifespan and lead to overheating.

Gearbox and Drivetrain

Which gearboxes are fitted?

The 290 hp version always comes with the ZF 9HP (9‑speed automatic gearbox). A manual gearbox is not an option at this power level and trim.

Most common automatic gearbox issues?

The ZF 9HP is a compact gearbox, but it has its flaws:

• Shifting confusion: Early models could be indecisive (“hunting for gears”) during sudden changes in pace. Software updates (TCM module updates) usually solve this.
• Oil leaks: Driveshaft seals are known to start leaking.
• Dog clutch failure: A specific mechanism inside the gearbox (dog clutch) can fail, resulting in loss of drive or inability to shift into higher gears.

Gearbox service and oil change?

JLR often states that the gearbox oil is “fill for life”. Do not believe this.
Change the gearbox oil every 60,000 to 80,000 km.
It uses specific ZF Lifeguard oil. The replacement procedure requires diagnostics to monitor oil temperature during level setting. If the gearbox starts to “slam” when shifting from P to D or R, it is usually too late for an oil change alone to help.

Buying Used and Conclusion

What to check before buying?

• Cold start: Insist that the engine is completely cold. Listen to the chain for the first 3 seconds. Any rattling is a red flag.
• Cooling system: Check the coolant level. If it’s low, there is a leak somewhere (often the thermostat housing). A smell of coolant in the cabin points to a leaking heater core.
• Service history: If the oil was changed every 30,000 km, walk away from that car. Look for proof of 10–15k km oil change intervals.
• Drivetrain: Check whether the AWD works (Haldex coupling). On a slippery surface, the rear wheels must engage immediately.

Conclusion:

The Ingenium 2.0 P290 is a powerful and refined engine that gives the Discovery Sport and Evoque the premium character they deserve (unlike the noisy diesels). However, it is a very expensive toy.

This engine is intended for buyers who drive less than 15,000 km per year (due to fuel consumption), want strong performance and are willing to pay for preventive maintenance. If you are looking for economy and cheap parts, this is the wrong choice. If you want driving pleasure and petrol‑engine quietness in a luxury package – this is the right engine, but only with a rigorous check of its maintenance history.