XC90 3.2 any good

[Generallee]

Hi, we all know to steer clear of the T6, but is the 3.2 straight six from 2007 onwards any good? I see lots of Jap import ones... doe these have the 6 speed auto box? What are the engines like? Any info would be helpful...

[Tannaton]

Yep they're good, they do use the 6-speed TF80 box which all post 2007 MY XC90 use (including V8).

The lack of a turbo and associated air inlet controls boost reliability and lowers maintenance costs (if anything).

They're quite rare in the UK.

[Generallee]

Done a bit of reading up, they sound ok. There seems to be quite a few on ebay, all Jap imports - I can get them direct... might just go for it... Been driving 850/V70 ph1 for last 15 years for work, need a change...

[seandodwell]

General Lee,

I bought one last year, yes very rare(although i did notice another one just around the corner from me the other day), but Euro 4 so ULEZ compliant(If you live in the smoke!), and I love it, juicy but a great engine plenty of room in the engine bay and so far easy to work on, I got mine and renewed the rotors and pads straight away, which needed doing, all very straight forward(handbrake a bit tricky but doable). The box is 6 speed very smooth and it goes like a train, I have the 2007 SE model, with lots of toys, rear TV's DVD player, phone, etc., Apart from the usual AM radio issue - which I'm sorting - it's great. Go for it. I too upgraded from my facelift V70 2.5T which was brilliant till the gearbox went tech.

[oragex]

Read a little more on these two american forums. Almost all XC90 in the US came with the 3.2 engine. There have been some important engine problems around the years you are looking to, so try gathering information about this. Google up about R.E.A.D. problems (yes, it's a system name), alternator problems (loose bolt), and if my memory is not bad about a cam bearing issue. By 100k miles or so the angle gear will be gone as well in most cases.

https://forums.swedespeed.com/forumd...C90-(2003-2014)
https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/fo...forum.php?f=10

[Tannaton]

Originally Posted by oragex

Read a little more on these two american forums. Almost all XC90 in the US came with the 3.2 engine. There have been some important engine problems around the years you are looking to, so try gathering information about this. Google up about R.E.A.D. problems (yes, it's a system name), alternator problems (loose bolt), and if my memory is not bad about a cam bearing issue. By 100k miles or so the angle gear will be gone as well in most cases.

https://forums.swedespeed.com/forumd...C90-(2003-2014)
https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/fo...forum.php?f=10

All 3.2 models (in the UK at least) had the later 6-speed TF80 SC transmission with improved angle drive and splined sleeve - the same unit as fitted to the 2006MY onwards D5 model XC90 with the E4 185 engine and all V8 models. In fact it's simpler to say the same unit as fitted to all MY2007 and later XC90's with an auto gearbox regardless of engine, and all auto P3 V70, XC60 and S60 with 5 cylinder Volvo engines (petrol or diesel).

So I don't see any basis for the suggestion that the angle gear is a weak point and "gone in most cases" after 100k miles? I've got two sat on my drive - one with 108k and one with 184k both on original, functioning AWD systems.