2012 V70 D5 Active Suspension

[jenic]

I am currently looking to purchase a V70 D5 and have come across a 2012 model with 150k on the clock.

It however has the active suspension option which I am unsure about.

Does anyone know what sort of lifespan the active suspension has on the V70s, I have got a price on new shocks incase they do go, is it simply a case of swapping them or are they coded too?

[XC90Mk1]

Originally Posted by jenic

I am currently looking to purchase a V70 D5 and have come across a 2012 model with 150k on the clock.

It however has the active suspension option which I am unsure about.

Does anyone know what sort of lifespan the active suspension has on the V70s, I have got a price on new shocks incase they do go, is it simply a case of swapping them or are they coded too?

The active 4C seems to be full of people who believe they are so expensive and complicated and the owners themselves who really like the cars.

I have heard shocks from Monroe weigh in at £400 a pair and Volvo more than that for 1!!

If it were me I would just see it as unnecessary expense especially at the age and milage you are looking for? I would not but one with it.

[Tatsfield]

The Volvo shocks are, IIRC, made by Monroe so at least you could safely buy the "after market" ones. The 4C system allows you to use the appropriate degree of damping depending on the surface upon which you are driving the car. The softest set up is good for rough terrain and the hardest works well on most black top roads and although it is a little harsh I'm used to stiff suspension sports models so I leave it at that setting. My 2012 XC70 has only done about 60k miles so I cannot advise on longevity.

[Kev0607]

Originally Posted by jenic

I am currently looking to purchase a V70 D5 and have come across a 2012 model with 150k on the clock.

It however has the active suspension option which I am unsure about.

Does anyone know what sort of lifespan the active suspension has on the V70s, I have got a price on new shocks incase they do go, is it simply a case of swapping them or are they coded too?

The 4c system is good, allowing you to select the type of ride you want (comfort, sport etc). If you use these functions, then I can see the benefit.

You just have to bear in mind that these shock absorbers are very expensive. I couldn't give you a life span as such, as that would depend on the type of driving you're doing & what abuse they've had in the past.

A rough guess would be that replacement would be required around 80,000-100,000 miles (that's based on posts on other forums). At 150k, I'd advise listening for any knocks/bangs from the existing ones & have a look underneath at the shocks themselves to see if they're leaking. At 150,000 miles, I would have thought that they'd be well worn (unless they've been replaced at some point in the past). Given the price of the shocks, I wouldn't be replacing them for the sake of it though either!

Personally, I wouldn't opt for the 4c system. £400 for one aftermarket shock & probably £500 for one shock at Volvo = no thanks. Its not a five minute job to fit them either, so factor in labour costs in addition to the parts.

The standard shock/coil spring system is adequate & still offers a comfortable ride. Yes, probably not as comfortable as the 4c system, but much cheaper in terms of future repair costs.

[ferg55]

Originally Posted by ferg55

The 4C shocks are now available aftermarket, made by Monroe who are the supplier for the Volvo ones. Search Monroe C1512 - they are about £230 each inc VAT.

That was my recent reply to another post on the subject, although it was an S80.

To add, 4C does transform the handling of the car, in Advanced it will corner completely flat, Sport is a good everyday setting as it keeps the car firm, Comfort is soft. Some other things to consider, if you are load-lugging, advanced will eliminate any body roll, pitch and dive, caused by the extra load. 4C also works with the stability control in the event of an emergency. As the system is intelligent and continually monitors & adjusts the real-time damping rate, I think the dampers compensate for the usual degradation due to mileage, up to a point of course, but I haven't been able to confirm this.

One negative: the set-up doesn't feel very refined in any setting, which is a shame. Personally I think the benefits outweigh this, for the handling in Advanced alone, but that's just me.

[V8XCV]

A few myths to bust here!

I've just replaced all 4! active 4C shock absorbers on my V70. I paid £250 each which is not too bad. They are made my Monroe who are the Volvo OEM. Fitting is straight forward like a normal shock, despite the online websites saying the rear mounts wont fit, the normal rear upper mounts fit just fine.

Once fitted and plugged in you need to calibrate the suspension module which can be done by either Volvo or if you have VIDA and a laptop do it yourself, park somewhere level and hit calibrate. Job done.

I personally find very little different]ce between the settings and can't say its worth getting especially.

I got the fronts from Parts for Volvos and the rears from Autodoc.

https://www.partsforvolvosonline.com...505cf2c89c1d1e

[apersson850]

Originally Posted by ferg55

Some other things to consider, if you are load-lugging, advanced will eliminate any body roll, pitch and dive, caused by the extra load.

But unlike the other possible add-on, Nivomat, the 4C system is not self levelling. So the car will sink down with heavy load, just not rock and roll that much.

[RogerTo]

And you can’t get 4c shocks for XC70 except from Volvo. Older XC70 4c shocks are available from others but not ours. So £500each fitted by an independent.

[ferg55]

Are they not the same as the V70 ones? (which are now available on the aftermarket)

[hora1]

How do you spot a V70 with this feature, I.e. avoid!

...if its not listed on the ad.