D5 auto remapping.. worth it ..?
 

Just a thought, has anyone remapped a D5 auto (C30/S40/V50) before? Not that it’s not already nippy I was just wondering if anyone had any experiences of mapping one and whether it was worth it or not?

there's only one rule:

If it has a turbo remap it, no turbo - not worth it. ;)

I´m just wondering if the gearbox can take it? I´ve read somewhere that it´s pretty much at the limit with the power the D5 engine makes from factory.

Doesn't it torque limit in 1st and 2nd IIRC?

I think it's 350Nm in 1st and 2nd and 400Nm for the rest.

Though I could be confusing that with the S60R

The D5 is detuned to a max of no more than 350NM in all gears in the C1 platform cars (C70/S40/V50/C30) with the AW 5 speed automatic gearbox as that is the specified maximum capacity for the box. It's 400NM in the manual cars.

There are also additional torque limits in 1st and 2nd gears to (from memory) about 250NM. Hilariously, plenty of remappers will offer to remove these limits.

I would be very wary of remapping it, particularly if you're going to put some miles on it. Most of the "it'll be FINE" stories are from people covering low mileages, I did about 100K in an MTE remapped manual D5 and managed to eat three clutches, a gearbox, and both driveshafts.

Contary to a lot of ill informed opinions the OEMs know *exactly* what they are doing when they specify not just upper torque limits for components but also transients, torque swings, vibration specs etc. If you want long life and low maintenance leave it as it is, if you're shedding it and want to rag it to death then go for it and enjoy it.

When I bought my C70 4 years ago I considered re-mapping it but after a bit of delving I found basically what DME123 said above, so decided to leave well alone.

A very fair and valid point dme123, although it’s relatively reasonable mileage for its age, has full history and taking into consideration that I’ve had it through a Volvo workshop for a gearbox oil change and flush earlier this year, I guess it’s foolish to ignore the advice set out by the manufacturer. I love the way the car drives as it is and, tbf it returns good MPG, nearly 50 mpg, due to the driving I’m doing and goes like a scolded cat when I need it to it makes sense not to let curiosity get the better of me. That aside it looks like it might have to make way for a newer car shortly anyway as circumstance changes may force it, which is quite disappointing as I’ve really warmed to it recently having previously generally overlooked the C30/S40/V50’s thinking they wouldn’t be as good as the larger Volvo’s of the era... such a mistake that was!

Don't get me wrong, my car was miles better with the remap. It felt quicker than it was (common with turbocharged cars and even more common with remapped cars) but the flexibility it the higher gears was genuinely impressive. The repair cost over 100k in clutches, a gearbox, and driveshafts would have covered the running costs of the far nicer T5 variant though!

The manufacturer know what they're doing, they wouldn't have detuned the engine for the C1 platform and even more for the automatic gearbox unless they had very good reason. The idea of taking an autobox that has been torque limited to 250NM in 1st and then wanging 450NM+ through it and expecting clean oil to make a gnats todger of difference seems very optimistic.

I doubt the limit is 350. Its capped at 350. they wouldn't cap something at 100% on the limit.