Suspension: MY-10 XC90 Self-leveling suspension

[AyrshireXC90]

To all MY-10 XC90 owners and those soon-to-be!
I have just received a letter from my supplying dealer to inform me that the self-leveling suspension has not been fitted to my MY-10 XC90 (delivered mid June).
I am delighted with my car, but very disappointed that such a major item could have been forgotten.
I just hope there are no other major items omitted at original build, which might not be obvious to the unsuspecting buyer.
I think one can expect more from a premium brand.

[gillberry]

This is just a bit worrying considering they are supposed to be a standard item .

[4wheeldriver]

Id be asking for either the suspension fitted or a portion of the money back on the price of the car since its in breach of contract as its not "as specified". Think it costs around a grand for it on options list on the xc60

[AyrshireXC90]

The letter advises me to book the car in at any Volvo dealer to have it retro-fitted free of charge. I will combine it with the car's 3000m/3mo service check up.

[Chaddie]

I had the same problem a few years ago with an XC70, I had a letter a couple of months after I bought it saying that the self-leveling suspension has not been fitted to my car and my local dealer will retro-fit free of charge.

The dealer told me it was due to a shortage of parts and Volvo weren't sure how long it would be before they were in stock so Volvo fitter standard suspension to all the car over that time period. The dealer also told me it would take them several week to get the parts due to the number of cars effected around the world, all dealers were now having to order them.

So if you want it retro-fitted get them to order the part well in advance.

[ascender]

I got the letter this week as well, not quite sure how something like this can be forgotten about though?

[4wheeldriver]

Probably knew about it but couldnt face an angry customer at hand over so do it by letter then hope youve calmed down by the time youve come in to get it fitted!!!

[Finbo]

Ayrshire,

I don't know if you had a XC90 before you're MY10 model, but the MY10 is meant to have a new chassis and better dampening to improve the ride and driving quality.

Can you let me know what you think of the drive/ride, etc. My 05 model is very smooth on mototways but can crash about a bit over the lumps and bumps of normal town roads.

I was wondering if the changes had made a significant difference.

Cheers,

Finbo

[AyrshireXC90]

Finbo,
This is my first XC90. It really does not feel any different to the 3yo car I had my test drive in. I am not absolutely sure my car has the new light weight chassis; the original announcement stated that deliveries of the new model/chassis would start in July, and my car arrived in mid June. I can tell you that it drives nicely and is comfy on our local potholed roads - so maybe it does have the new chassis.

[AyrshireXC90]

The car has now had the self-leveling rear suspension kit fitted by the dealer in Ayr. Strangely, the car now seems to have a rear wiggle over some bumps (the bigger ones) - I am not sure yet if this is characteristic or due to a fault with the installation.
Unfortunately, the dealer never followed the installation guideline issued by Volvo in 2001, and still valid for MY10 cars; they have cut through the carpet and insulation, rather than folding it back. I know the area is not normally visible (under the 3rd row seat squab), but it smacks of a slapdash job.
They were also meant to have done the 3 month/3k inspection, but have not stamped up the book. As I was able to add a huge amount of water to the screenwash reservoir the following day, I wonder if they actually did anything.
I guess I am heading back to them today, especially to ask about the oily stain on one of the leather seats (calcite), and the gouge in one of the rear door interior trims.
All in all, not a good start to my relationship with my local franchised dealer!