D5 what to look our for?

[domhart10]

Hi guys looking at a D5, was wondering what you guys would recommend checking when looking at these cars? The mileage on it is 148k but am I safe to assume that a looked after unit should see well passed that?

Thanks

[Simmy]

euro 3 d5 s are the ones with less to go wrong .which platform are you thinking of dom c30 or v70 or other my d5 e3 has 231k and runs well mileage is not a problem for a well maintained d5

[domhart10]

Thanks Simmy, I just looked at a V50 D5. Seemed like a very good example and well kept. Its a 2008 model and on 148k now.

The only thing after looking at it which concerned me really was that the guy had it for a year but cannot see any receipts or work of a cambelt or clutch being done. The service book was however absolutly full or all the service intervals.

Im thinking maybe the receipts for the work might of been lost as it seemed like the previous owner before him defenitly did not run this on a budget.

Gearbox was smooth, engine was lovely, started up no problems etc etc.

[Simmy]

is there a cambelt sticker on the engine? aux belt failiure can wreck a d5. if you get any d5 replace it for peace of mind.

[domhart10]

ah yeh thats a good idea, I will get him to check for a sticker. I did have a look around the engine but I would of probably not spotted it.

[Kev0607]

Originally Posted by domhart10

Thanks Simmy, I just looked at a V50 D5. Seemed like a very good example and well kept. Its a 2008 model and on 148k now.

The only thing after looking at it which concerned me really was that the guy had it for a year but cannot see any receipts or work of a cambelt or clutch being done. The service book was however absolutly full or all the service intervals.

Im thinking maybe the receipts for the work might of been lost as it seemed like the previous owner before him defenitly did not run this on a budget.

Gearbox was smooth, engine was lovely, started up no problems etc etc.

Sounds like a decent car. D5's are capable of doing mammoth miles, with the correct maintanence.

I wouldn't assume the cam belt has been done. If there's no receipts or proof of any sort, then you're best getting it replaced for peace of mind.

Don't forget to replace the auxiliary belts too & the tensioner, if there's no receipts to prove they were replaced. There's two auxiliary belts - one for the power steering, alternator etc & the other is for the air conditioning). Don't forget the tensioner, which is another vital part.

Like the cambelt, if either of the auxiliary belts snap, then serious engine damage can be caused.

The auxiliary belt should be replaced every 5 years or 54,000 miles (whichever comes first).

The cambelt recommended replacement interval is 10 years or 108,000 miles (whichever comes first).

Auxiliary belt tensioner should be replaced every 10 years or 108,000 (whichever comes first).

The water pump's on D5's are generally very reliable. If its not making any noise or leaking, then you can leave it alone.

Use Volvo parts if possible. Don't buy cheap aftermarket ones, especially not for critical parts like these.

Common issues

-Listen for any clunks from the suspension. Upper strut mounts are common to wear, as are control arms.

-Listen for clunks or squeaks from the rear of the car. A common culprit is the rear subframe bushings, which perish over time.

-Leaking windscreen - Check that the car isn't misty inside the glass/inside the car or has a damp smell. Its common for the bonding around the windscreen to fail, which allows water inside the cabin. The only real fix is a new windscreen, but this was a manufacturing mistake by Volvo & they usually cover the cost of the windscreen (providing the existing one doesn't have chips, cracks or breaks upon removal).

Then do your usual/normal checks really; Check electric windows, mirrors, air conditioning, door locks, heated seats, electric seats & lights are all operational. Check all the tyres have decent tread on them & check for any unusual wear, which would indicate wrong pressures or a suspension issue.

[domhart10]

Thanks very much for that Kev

[Danchiefton]

I'm onto my 2nd d5 v50 now, got it last sat. First one was manual and this is auto... What I've learnt, and this is my failing, rather fja. The car is the car spec - my first one was loaded, I assumed my new one being same r design would be bit it's not. No trip computer, not super sound system, no USB in the cubby hole near hand brake, no autodim mirror..,.. Or parking sensors.

Only thing I've noticed on both cars which failed was teh rear drop links, sounds like a knock over lowish speed from the rear. Easy peasy to replace, and cheap too

[Markos01]

Originally Posted by Danchiefton

I'm onto my 2nd d5 v50 now, got it last sat. First one was manual and this is auto... What I've learnt, and this is my failing, rather fja. The car is the car spec - my first one was loaded, I assumed my new one being same r design would be bit it's not. No trip computer, not super sound system, no USB in the cubby hole near hand brake, no autodim mirror..,.. Or parking sensors.

Only thing I've noticed on both cars which failed was teh rear drop links, sounds like a knock over lowish speed from the rear. Easy peasy to replace, and cheap too

Very hard to go from one car with loads to options to a low-spec one in the best of times, never mind when you're staying with the same model!

[Kev0607]

This video shows the auxiliary (serpentine) belt, a/c belt & tensioner replacement in more detail.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQf53wgszF0

Its important that these belts are or have been replaced, as well as the tensioner.

With regards to models to go for, the "SE Lux" is the one that has all you'd need really. If you like the sporty look, then go for R design.

I have an S80 (SE) & my Dad has a V70 (SE Lux), but both are the facelift/P3 models. The only difference between the two trim levels (apart from one being a saloon & the other being an estate is);

V70 (SE lux) has a button you press to close the boot electronically
V70 has xenon lights (SE has halogen)
V70 has driver & passenger electric seats (Driver's seat only in the SE)
V70 has sat nav, but its not the greatest to use (SE has no sat nav)

Apart from those features, the cars are identical. Whether this is the same for the V50, I'm not sure. For example, both have;

Dual zone climate control
Trip computer
Electric/heated mirrors that also fold
Electric windows (4)
Cruise control
Rear parking sensors (although, its odd how my S80 SE has front parking sensors & the SE Lux doesn't). Maybe front sensors were added as an additional item, or possibly fitted aftermarket on my car.

Just check the car you're looking at has all what you want. In hindsight, I should have bought an SE Lux model because the xenon lights are far better than halogen. Although, the SE has pretty much all I want (apart from xenon lights ).