Impressed with D5 engine.

[T5R92011]

Despite being an avid hater of diesel engines, I very recently acquired a 2004 Euro 3 V70 D5 with mega miles (429,000) to help ease the burden on my wallet caused by S40 T5 ownership.

What a great engine it is.

Granted it is very sluggish on take off due to an issue I'm currently looking into (probably boost solenoid related), but when the boost does eventually kick in higher up, the growl and the slug of torque is very impressive, especially given the miles on it. For only 163bhp and the heavy weight of the car, it accelerates pretty urgently on a roll.

It's averaging 43.2 mpg, which is probably double that of my T5.

Could I live without my T5 and run this D5 instead without missing the T5? I think so (not going to mind, but I could!).
As a petrol head, I love my T5 but I can see why people say the D5 is an excellent compromise.

I never thought I would buy such a high mileage vehicle and end up being so impressed with it.

[MG68]

430K miles?

That's just running in.

My last V70 had 630K on it 2 years ago when I sold it, and it is has done another 30K since. (I'm glad because while it could have gone miles away via eBay, it ended up going to a guy in the next village 2.5 miles away)

My current 05 V70....IS just running in at 245K miles. 1 owner since 12 months old. All motorway mileage, lots of invoice history including 2 gearbox oil changes. Just skated its MOT with no advisories.

I would drive it anywhere.

Comparisons to Germany? These cars won't rust easily. I wouldn't be sat in MB or BMW of similar age AT ALL.

All cars have weaknesses - on these cars this appears to be around electrical foibles, belt issues & gearbox on geartronic.

D5 engine itself if kept well serviced should largely be bulletproof.

In my experience.

[Lexington013]

There renowned as great engines! I’ve had a few, both 163bhp and later 185bhp in V70s and XC90s, im now looking for a XC60 in D5 guise.
Of all the cars I’ve had, Volvo with the D5 engine have been the most reliable and cost effective, I keep coming back to them. They are my daily due to the load carrying ability, mileage munchers, fuel economy and comfort.
One of the best engines ever designed? Yes I think so, just look at the mileages covered on this forum!

[walshawwilly]

I've recently bought a 185 d5 s60 and I too am impressed with the engine, its a no brainer vs a t5 and it even sounds good

[Bonefishblues]

Originally Posted by walshawwilly

I've recently bought a 185 d5 s60 and I too am impressed with the engine, its a no brainer vs a t5 and it even sounds good

I think that's stretching it, but if you'd added "for a diesel" after that, I'd agree

[R-P]

Originally Posted by T5R92011

Granted it is very sluggish on take off due to an issue I'm currently looking into (probably boost solenoid related), but when the boost does eventually kick in higher up,

Let us know if and when you solve it. I've have this issue (no power under 1800rpm) and replaced pretty much everything bar the turbo. Every issue I found and solved (leaking boost-solenoid/governor, leaking engine-mounts, wrong software, etc), changed absolutely nothing in the sluggish (and frankly bordering on dangerous) behaviour.

[Joe Harding]

Originally Posted by R-P

Let us know if and when you solve it. I've have this issue (no power under 1800rpm) and replaced pretty much everything bar the turbo. Every issue I found and solved (leaking boost-solenoid/governor, leaking engine-mounts, wrong software, etc), changed absolutely nothing in the sluggish (and frankly bordering on dangerous) behaviour.

Replaced the MAF sensor yet?

[Bashy]

I have the 185 and its deffo fun to drive, i thought my 1.9 DCI Laguna was nippy, it could hod its own thats for sure but it has nothing on this Volvo, so glad i never went up against one lol

[CricketyJimin]

The D5 was one of the main reasons for buying an S60, nine years ago now