S60 D5 Geartronic

[blueacid]

Hello!

I'm not currently a Volvo owner, but I'd like to be! Just looking around at what's available for sale around Manchester and a S60 D5 Auto has come available. I was originally shopping for Manuals, but this one does look to be in good condition.. however a couple of questions:

1 - It's done around 70k. Would I be right in thinking that if I take it to a specialist and ask them to change the gearbox fluid & update the software then this is the best preventative maintenance I can do for the gearbox?
2 - Despite #1, are the autos significantly more unreliable? If I'm indifferent about what transmission I get, should I just wait for a manual?
3 - How much does the MPG change between a manual / auto? What do you get out of yours?


...I sort of wish I hadn't sat in a S60 and listened to that stereo. It's certainly a wonderful place to be! Just want to make sure my wallet doesn't wither into nothingness for want of asking a few questions first :)

Cheers,
Blueacid

[welderone]

Have had mine since December 2012, I owner 53,000 miles FSH ,has a stage 2 Rica remap done 2 days after getting it then this year had a de-cat turbo back exhaust s/steel made and never looked back. Always has Volkswagon or Audi before but just love this at 80 mph on motorway on cruise control I get 55.6 mpg according to the computer. Obviously if you use the manual side of the gear box you get higher rev range but the economy alters slightly but who cares against the performance.

[blueacid]

Sounding good - not sure I'd remap straight away though! Living in the city centre means the insurance is punishing enough as it is, before even having any mods to declare!
Very impressed with that MPG reading though; is that better than the stock map offered you?

..do you plan to do anything to the gearbox maintenance wise? Or just drive on and worry about it if it beeps at you or drives differently?

[M-R-P]

One big question is the year of the car. P2 cars prior to 2004 can be troublesom and expensive to repair.

[blueacid]

One big question is the year of the car. P2 cars prior to 2004 can be troublesom and expensive to repair.

March 2004, it's got the silver surrounds on the clocks at least so the DIM is at least less likely to fail :D

[M-R-P]

March 2004, it's got the silver surrounds on the clocks at least so the DIM is at least less likely to fail :D

Somebody's done their homework lol.

The older D5, although less powerful is regarded as a good engine when looked after. The gaytronic gearbox can get twitchy around 100k if not looked after so the flush and software is a good idea, make sure it's done by someone who knows the brand and uses the correct fluids as filling it through the wrong hole, with the wrong oil can write the box off.

[welderone]

Mine is 2003 so suppose at the moment fingers crossed been lucky with its reliability and only had its first service since I have had it. peter

[M-R-P]

Mine is 2003 so suppose at the moment fingers crossed been lucky with its reliability and only had its first service since I have had it. peter

You got chrome rings round the dials?

[blueacid]

Hah yes! Well, for me it's commuting (bit of motorway, bit of A-road) but mostly visiting elderly relatives on the other side of the country. The prospect of a squishy armchair equipped with cruise control is rather tough to pass up. This saw me dismissing (eventually) the PD130 powered VW/Audi/Skoda vehicles, they'd do the job - certainly, but not be half as nice to be in! At least.. that's what I hope!

I suppose the one I'm looking at is only at ~65k miles; by the time I've had it a couple of years I'll know whether I want to keep it on the road or flog it in favour of a nice safe-bet Focus or similar.

Thanks for the help so far - any more advice welcomed!

[M-R-P]

You'll know weather or not you want to keep it in the first few days mate, Volvos are like that. Especially if you start tweaking things.

[blueacid]

You'll know weather or not you want to keep it in the first few days mate, Volvos are like that. Especially if you start tweaking things.

..my ebay watchlist already contains an aux-in adaptor for the HU-803 stereo. Is that the kind of tweaking you had in mind? Or were you thinking more invasive changes?

[Fubar1977]

..my ebay watchlist already contains an aux-in adaptor for the HU-803 stereo. Is that the kind of tweaking you had in mind? Or were you thinking more invasive changes?

I`ve just ordered the GROM aux-in for mine, it`s the only thing missing from my car.

Agree with MRP on the issues you can get with pre 04 cars, I`ve just chopped my '02 S60 D5 S in for a 2006 V70 2.4D SE (both manual) and the interior and various other bits seem a lot nicer. By 2004/2005 (facelift) they seem to have ironed out most of the issues with the earlier cars.
Autoboxes (geartronic) in these cars DO need periodic fluid changes despite Volvo`s "Sealed for life" claim, a good indy should be able to sort that out at a reasonable price.

Auto`s and manuals both have their advantages/disadvantages. Auto`s need fluid changes and are perhaps a little more fragile (later cars are better) but the manual comes with a stupid internal slave cylinder which can start leaking and ruin the clutch (expensive, labour intensive job to replace) and, of course, the dreaded DMF which is pricey if/when it needs replacing.

A clutch/slave cyl. and DMF, inc. labour was just over £1100 at an indy when mine went.

Don`t let this put you off, these are cracking cars. My first one was a bit of a lemon and I spent a small fortune getting it right again, didn`t put me off as you can see!
They`re a brilliant motor, just take your time and be choosy, lots about.

Help and advice on here has saved me a lot of time/money and hassle, it`s a great forum :)

[M-R-P]

totally agree with the above. I paid the same to have my clutch etc done. the clutch on these is easily good for 100k if you're not planning to race it.

3700 spent on repairs and mods for mine in 3 years and don't regret a single penny.

[welderone]

You got chrome rings round the dials?

Yes I have chrome rings . Peter

[M-R-P]

Yes I have chrome rings . Peter

Then you're speedo has been changed. No DIM troubles for you ;)

I noticed today that I've been talking to the OP over on pistonheads for a while on this subject lol.