Servicing your Volvo

[Zebster]

Originally Posted by BobS

Hi,

I have always changed the oil and filter between services and the engine on my V70 (215k mls) is still quiet and trouble free.

Now I also have a XC60 (2015) and although the dealer can't be faulted for the servicing on both occasions the bill is eye watering!

I too would like to know how to check the oil level when changing the oil?

A guide would be helpful.

Questions like how to trust the level shown on the display. Does it need ignition switched on and off to re-scan the level or does it constantly give a updated level?

How much oil to put in before checking the level?
A mechanic said that the level shown on the display can be reset electronically. So can this level be trusted?

The mechanics of changing the oil and filter hold no worries but the lack of a dipstick spooks me a bit.

Any tips or guides welcome.

Thanks
Bob

The gauge gives an average over the previous 30km/20 miles and - so far as I can tell - the 'reset' just forces a max indication (it is not a calibration). Even worse, it isn't really a gauge, merely something that can only display either min or max as a simple threshold is crossed. You just have to drain out all the old oil, then fairly accurately add the correct amount... I'd tell you what that is but Volvo keep changing the figure. Last I heard it was 5.1L but, whatever you put in, the high or low warning system will alert you.

[dgunthor]

Originally Posted by BobS

Hi,

I have always changed the oil and filter between services and the engine on my V70 (215k mls) is still quiet and trouble free.

Now I also have a XC60 (2015) and although the dealer can't be faulted for the servicing on both occasions the bill is eye watering!

I too would like to know how to check the oil level when changing the oil?

A guide would be helpful.

Questions like how to trust the level shown on the display. Does it need ignition switched on and off to re-scan the level or does it constantly give a updated level?

How much oil to put in before checking the level?
A mechanic said that the level shown on the display can be reset electronically. So can this level be trusted?

The mechanics of changing the oil and filter hold no worries but the lack of a dipstick spooks me a bit.

Any tips or guides welcome.

Thanks
Bob

I fitted a normal dipstick to my V60 D4 (police kit apparently - found part numbers on here) - makes life a lot easier on oil change. Might be same kit for your engine

[Zebster]

Originally Posted by dgunthor

I fitted a normal dipstick to my V60 D4 (police kit apparently - found part numbers on here) - makes life a lot easier on oil change. Might be same kit for your engine

Good idea, but unfortunately only for the older 5-cylinder engines.

[dgunthor]

Originally Posted by Chrispynuts

What about doing the servicing yourself ?
I have always done my own and always intend to ( dont trust anybody with my car)

Same here, just did genuine aux belt and tensioner and recon alternator for £170 (bearings were going on alternator)

prefer to work on my car myself

[Longweekend]

Received a better price for a 9 year service and new aux belt from a dealer than an indie today, and they included home collection and delivery.....

[megastef]

Froggie here.

I bought my 2012 v60 d5 auto fwd in 2014 with 25.000km.

Now 170.000km.

My local volvo dealer charges 650 € for oil and filter change, which is not that far from the current legal definition of stealing.

From word of mouth, I had a good contact with a local mechanic shop, Bosch Diesel technical station, who now takes care of my volvo for half the price.

I recently did a big service with :
- timing belt (and water pump, pulleys, volvo genuine...)
- 2 aux belts (+ pulleys, volvo genuine)
- change of the left drive shaft (exchange part)

They charged me 1100 € parts and labor, with a lending car for two days.

A closer local shop takes care of wearables : tires, brakes... I stick with ATE pads and rotors, they last almost twice longer than bosch or valeo.

[megastef]

Independent.

Local Volvo charges 650€ (around £600)for an oil and filter change.

[osmansaner]

The problem I have with dealers is that you want to get original parts and you want the best possible person doing the replacement for you.

For instance my Volvo V60 CC has 19 inch wheels and the break disk are 316 at front and 300mm rear. Dealer quoted me £459 including VAT to change break pads for front and rear. I asked how much are just the parts they quoted me £149 including VAT. I said "how long will this take?" They said an hour. I said "Are you seriously asking £300 to change the break pads?". There was no answer. So I ended up buying Brembo pads from Eurocarparts and got it done through a local garage for £159 all inclusive. Why can't just Volvo quote £250? I would be happy to pay that. These types of rip-offs leaves a sour taste in my mouth. Anyone else have similar experience?

[SwedSteel]

I try to do everything myself.
But if necessary I would go to an specilalized guy, highly likely an enthusiast rather than to the official Dealership.

[XC90Mk1]

I like many on here service myself butt that option is not there :-(