xc 90 163 or 185 bhp

[aldo24]

hi all looking at buying 2004 xc90 wich is better the 163 or the 185 both have auto box any bad points to check cheers

[Simmy]

163 is better on fuel with less to go wrong but the 185 is still good look for good service history and check mot history to gauge how its been looked after . all cars fail some mots

[Tannaton]

163 is smoother, simpler, more refined, more economical but gearbox is better in 185 and even the youngest 163's will be 18 years old now and will have age related issues.

[CosmicBike]

I didn't think the 185 was available in 2004, my 55 plate was still a 163, with the next year 06 having the 185. Might be wrong though...

[S60D5-185]

Originally Posted by CosmicBike

I didn't think the 185 was available in 2004, my 55 plate was still a 163, with the next year 06 having the 185. Might be wrong though...

No you are indeed correct.😁

I would have the 163 in a heartbeat over my 185 in my 07 plate XC90 BUT i would want my 6 speed auto rather than the 163 5 speed and also the uprated spline drive in the 6 speed box.

My old xc70 was a 163 and it was a lovely engine.

[Tannaton]

Originally Posted by CosmicBike

I didn't think the 185 was available in 2004, my 55 plate was still a 163, with the next year 06 having the 185. Might be wrong though...

I think you're right - I believe the 185 E4 engine came in for 2006MY (i.e. those cars made from summer 2005).