1997 Land Rover Defender 90 Oil Type & Capacity: 5W-30 (7.1 quarts)
The 1997 Land Rover Defender 90 takes 5W-30 motor oil — 7.1 quarts with a filter change, per the factory service manual.
Factory-spec answer
5W-30 — 7.1 quarts with filter
Oil capacity by engine
| Engine | Oil Type (viscosity) | Capacity w/ Filter | Capacity w/o Filter | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Automatic | API - SG, SH or RES.22.OL.G4 or ACEA A2:96, SAE 5W-30, 5W-40 | 7.10 QTS. | 6.50 QTS. | — |
| Standard | API - SG, SH or RES.22.OL.G4 or ACEA A2:96, SAE 5W-30, 5W-40 | 7.10 QTS. | 6.50 QTS. | — |
More factory specs & repair guides for your Defender 90
🛞 1997 Land Rover Defender 90 Tire Size & Pressure →🌧️ 1997 Land Rover Defender 90 Wiper Blade Sizes →💡 1997 Land Rover Defender 90 Light Bulb Sizes →📖 1997 Land Rover Defender 90 Factory Service Manual →All fluid capacities (transmission, coolant, brakes)Powered by factory manual data from our partner network AllOEMManuals.com.
Coolant capacity
13.5 quarts (12.77 L) — 50/50 mixture of Ethylene Glycol Antifreeze and water
Frequently asked questions
What type of oil does a 1997 Land Rover Defender 90 take?
The 1997 Land Rover Defender 90 takes 5W-30 motor oil (API - SG, SH or RES.22.OL.G4 or ACEA A2:96, SAE 5W-30, 5W-40), per the factory service manual.
What is the oil capacity of a 1997 Land Rover Defender 90?
The 1997 Land Rover Defender 90 oil capacity is 7.1 quarts with a filter change, or 6.5 quarts without changing the filter.
How often should I change the oil in my 1997 Land Rover Defender 90?
Most 1997 Land Rover Defender 90 owners follow a 5,000–7,500 mile interval with conventional oil, or up to 10,000 miles with full synthetic. Always check the oil life monitor if equipped, and consult your owner's manual — Land Rover recommends intervals based on driving conditions, not just mileage.
Can I use synthetic oil in my 1997 Land Rover Defender 90?
Yes. 5W-30 is widely available as a full synthetic, and synthetic is safe (often recommended) for the 1997 Land Rover Defender 90. What matters most is matching the factory viscosity and specification, then changing the oil and filter on schedule.