V70: General 2014 D5 215bhp remap query.

[jamesmark]

Hi

Recently purchased a 2014 V70 D5 215bhp auto model. Looking to get it remapped after Volvo warranty expires next year. I have searched the forum, but can’t find previous threads if anyone has done theirs, I am sure there has been.

So has anyone remapped their’s, any complications and is it a great difference?

Thanks in advance

Mark

[pacman67]

Volvo Polestar remap, discounted at the moment and won't affect warranty or any danger of damage. Mine is done and I think it is more than enough at 230bhp.

[Tatsfield]

What's the discount and from who?

[pacman67]

Main dealers only, was over eight hundred around six fifty now I think. See volvo accessories website and its on there.

[jamesmark]

Originally Posted by pacman67

Volvo Polestar remap, discounted at the moment and won't affect warranty or any danger of damage. Mine is done and I think it is more than enough at 230bhp.

Thanks for reply.

When you say damage, what documented issues with other maps have been known?

Anyone gone for a different remap company i.e. Evolution etc, as Polestar at a whopping discounted rate of £650 for very little gain, is bitter pill to swallow. That's more than double from other reputable mapping companies.

Just wishing to do home work before deciding.

[Tatsfield]

On cars with automatic transmission, the Polestar remap also changes the management characteristics of the transmission control system. I believe it transforms the car. So you actually get two remaps for your money, engine and transmission. I've driven cars with much better automatic transmission systems and it's the only area of disappointment I have with my XC70. When I can put my hands on the required cash, I would like to have the Polestar remap.

[volvocat]

In addition to improving engine and transmission as Tatsfield correctly says, Polestar is fully compatible with (designed exclusively for) the car’s systems and will not be ovewritten/deleted by Volvo diagnostics or software upgrades at service time - unlike most after-market/third-party remaps, which means you could be faced with getting them re-done very time; a false economy if ever there was one.
And don't think it won’t affect your car if you don’t use a main dealer - even dedicated independents have to have access to Volvo systems to do services properly.
So maybe a little more to begin with, but well worthwhile - IMO.
Current offer is £695, regular price for most is £835 (I think), but some models can be over £900.

I’ve had two cars Polestarred and will be collecting a third next week with it installed. No brainer for me...!

[Tannaton]

I would agree with above comments and also add there have been a fair few threads in recent months where people have had the higher efficiency Volvo engines re-mapped (twin turbo D5 & VEA) by small independent tuners with disappointing results (limp mode, warning lights, blocked DPF's, un-even powerbands etc.)

You have a car you probably made more than £15k for - don't cripple it trying to save a few quid.

If you don't go down the Polestar route - MTE and RICA seem to get good reviews on here - but you will not get the benefit of the TCM update which is a kay part of the Polestar package.

Your insurer is also more likely to be sympathetic to the Polestar package as it's a sold through the Volvo network and badged as "software optimisation".

[jamesmark]

Thanks for the replies, I am not opposed to the Polestar map, but just question the minimal gains for the inflated price. But price is not a concern as it is only £700, However having had performance cars (Supra’s & 200sx etc) in past I do like to do things the right way.

My car if I am being honest will probably never see a Volvo service centre again, the garage I have used for years has served me well. He looked after my XC70 & Ford Focus, sorry I meant V50.

Final question really, the small gains you get from the polestar is it noticeable being on 15bhp and similar torque gain. Also I assume the MPG is better but not by much?

Again thanks for the help.

Mark

[volvocat]

Originally Posted by jamesmark

Thanks for the replies, I am not opposed to the Polestar map, but just question the minimal gains for the inflated price. But price is not a concern as it is only £700, However having had performance cars (Supra’s & 200sx etc) in past I do like to do things the right way.

My car if I am being honest will probably never see a Volvo service centre again, the garage I have used for years has served me well. He looked after my XC70 & Ford Focus, sorry I meant V50.

Final question really, the small gains you get from the polestar is it noticeable being on 15bhp and similar torque gain. Also I assume the MPG is better but not by much?

Again thanks for the help.

Mark

It is claimed mpg is unaffected (no better, no worse) which may be true in 'normal' driving but increased performance invites a heavier right foot which, in turn, obviously brings fuel penalties, so depends how you drive.
As for the relatively small gains on paper (on screen?), it's more a matter of how it feels and what it gives you in practice, so you really do need to try it in your car, on your regular routes - which is why they offer a 14-day trial period.
With the best will in the world, a V/XC70 is never going to be a sportscar but the idea of P* is to improve driveability/practicality, particularly in overtaking ability, hence the gains are mostly mid-range, rather than for racing hot hatches away from the lights!
I live in an area some distance from the motorway network, most A-Roads being single carriageway, long-distance lorries usually limited to 40mph and farm tractors etc. even slower so yes, in dealing with them more effectively I find the extra power noticeable - and very useful - used wisely, of course...