D5 engines 163bhp unreliable ????

[Tannaton]

Originally Posted by Bondequipe

Diving into the fray here with my first post . . .

I did a fair bit of research (other than on this forum!) before buying a V70 and what seemed clear was that the Audi derived engine was gruff but solid, economical and reliable. Care had to be taken on cambelt and injector belt replacement times but otherwise good. The first D5s had injector and other problems but by 2003/4 these were sorted and the 163hp engine was excellent if complex. Long cambelt intervals and economical. The 185hp engines seemed to have less good reviews and the Geartronic boxes had more failures than equivalent other autos. Searching ebay or Gumtree for spares or repair cars gives a fair idea of what the Achilles heels on cars are.

Net result I deliberately looked for and bought a 2000 TDI that had had a quite OCD owner! I like the agricultural nature of the car as a counterpoint to my wife's modern Jaguar diesel and it's quick and economical enough for what I want.

The early P2 V70 had a Audi sourced diesel engine and these were badged Tdi. From MY2002 these very good engines were replaced with the even better Volvo D5 engine. This was developed exclusively for Volvo by Ricardo engineering and is not sourced from or used by any other manufacturer. This D5 is no more complex than any VAG, BMW or other similar unit, Volvo's own electronic management is excellent and it's often far easier to pinpoint obscure and intermittent faults on the D5 than with other makes and there is almost aircraft like resilience built into the system.

The geartronic boxes are fine, and used by many other manufacturers (Toyota, Nissan, GM/Opel/Vauxhall/Saab) - it's Volvo not including mandatory oil changes that kills most of them.

[straightsix]

Originally Posted by debcab06

Looking at the forum topics it would appear that the later 5 cylinder diesel engine in 163bhp form is no where near as reliable as the old 140bhp unit fitted prior to year 2000.

DISCUSS ::

One of the best engines available from any manufacturer your assumption is laughable ..

[Martin Cox]

I don't dispute your claim about the reliability, or otherwise, of the D5 engine but as I read the original post by debcab06, he or she made no assumption about the engine's reliability. They made the suggestion that based on forum topics, the engine may be potentially unreliable and invited discussion. A lively discussion then ensued.

Martin

[straightsix]

Originally Posted by Martin Cox

I don't dispute your claim about the reliability, or otherwise, of the D5 engine but as I read the original post by debcab06, he or she made no assumption about the engine's reliability. They made the suggestion that based on forum topics, the engine may be potentially unreliable and invited discussion. A lively discussion then ensued.

Martin

I’m sure if i made the equally absurd statement that it appears that all volvos are driven by old duffers with a liking for flat caps and werthers originals then “lively discussion “ would also ensue .....

[Martin Cox]

Quite Probably! Just for the record, I dislike Werthers Originals and have never worn a flat cap.

[straightsix]

Originally Posted by Martin Cox

Quite Probably! Just for the record, I dislike Werthers Originals and have never worn a flat cap.

You must be trilby chap then....

[Bonefishblues]

Originally Posted by Martin Cox

I don't dispute your claim about the reliability, or otherwise, of the D5 engine but as I read the original post by debcab06, he or she made no assumption about the engine's reliability. They made the suggestion that based on forum topics, the engine may be potentially unreliable and invited discussion. A lively discussion then ensued.

Martin

Indeed, as I pointed out earlier thread, but we've never let the intent of the original post get in the way on the Forum as far as I can remember

[Rich850R]

We have a 2004 V70 D5 manual sport showing 211k, it's predominantly my wife's car which has been tastfullly modified with pegasus 18" wheels, v70r bumper and interior and T5 calipers and discs etc

We stick out 28ft caravan on the back and do circa 2.5k per year towing, what a fantastic all round car

Comfy and spacious if a little short of leg room in the rear, it's serviced on time by our local independent, when we bought it we popped a new turbo on, clutch and flywheel and it returns 40mpg around town, mid 50s on a sensible run and 25-30mpg towing, it's no slouch either but it's not designed for that is it, that's what our 855R is for

All in all a fantastic car for us and one which intend to run and run for a long time more

[straightsix]

Great motor not the most exciting or refined diesel engine in the world but superb at what it does given correct maintenance should run for ever

The olde pre DPF 163 units are imho the best

[Simmy]

Originally Posted by Desperate

One question I would ask is, do you know how many engines there are out there that don't have problems?? until you know that it is difficult to draw any conclusions.

Desp

ok ill kick this one off . no problems with mine 211000 miles smooth and quiet never failed to start ever . any engine is only as good as the maintenance on it and its aux parts..