D3 engine

[Danielpsmith]

Hi all I’ve had Volvos for years but only the d5’s, my wife is looking at the xc60 d3 around a 2010 ish so the 2.0 5 cylinder are these just as reliable as the d5 or any known weak spots on them.

Thank you Daniel

[Sotosound]

Originally Posted by Danielpsmith

Hi all I’ve had Volvos for years but only the d5’s, my wife is looking at the xc60 d3 around a 2010 ish so the 2.0 5 cylinder are these just as reliable as the d5 or any known weak spots on them.

Thank you Daniel

My son has a 2011 XC70 DRIVe with the D3 engine, and it's been faultless in his nearly five years of ownership. Also, since it's just a smaller capacity version of the 2.4 litre 2.4D/D5 engine, there should be no significant difference in reliability.

You might also find it to be a sweeter and more refined engine than the D5.

I'm not aware of many serious problems reported on this forum, either. If anything, the D5 seems to get slightly more coverage in this respect.

From what I've seen, far more issues have been reported with the Ford/PSA engines and the later 4-cylinder Volvo VEA engines.

Of the available engines for XC60s, the 5-cylinder D3 would be a good choice IMO.

[Sotosound]

Here's a lovely 'low mileage' example.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-det...o=2013&fromsra

[Danielpsmith]

Cheers both that has put my mind to ease unfortunately that one is a manual she only wants auto but thank you

[Sotosound]

Originally Posted by Danielpsmith

Cheers both that has put my mind to ease unfortunately that one is a manual she only wants auto but thank you

I know. It was to show you the mileage that the engine can do.

There's also an S60 with the 136bhp version of the same engine on sale with 203,000 mile on the clock.

[Japster]

I used to have a V50 D4 2011 with the 5 pot engine, it was excellent. Slightly more powerful than the D3 version.

They are basically a D5 with a shorter piston stroke.

Much more refined than the D5 I currently have in my V60 D6 PHEV

[Kev0607]

Originally Posted by Danielpsmith

Hi all I’ve had Volvos for years but only the d5’s, my wife is looking at the xc60 d3 around a 2010 ish so the 2.0 5 cylinder are these just as reliable as the d5 or any known weak spots on them.

Thank you Daniel

A mechanic at a Volvo Specialists told me the 5 pot diesels are the most reliable and robust. Its the 4 cylinder diesels that seem to have problems, especially early 4 cylinder VEA engines. Volvo tried to iron out the issues in later VEA engine models, but they still aren't as good as the 5 cylinder ones in his opinion. PSA engines also have issues, but more often than not, its lack of maintenance that causes those issues.

I listen to him, as he's the one that's fixing them every day!

[GMcL]

Originally Posted by Danielpsmith

Hi all I’ve had Volvos for years but only the d5’s, my wife is looking at the xc60 d3 around a 2010 ish so the 2.0 5 cylinder are these just as reliable as the d5 or any known weak spots on them.

Thank you Daniel

I've had my S60 D3 over ten years, it replaced a 2005 S60 D5. Only things I have had to do to the engine is:

• New return pipe from the intercooler, original split at around 6 years - €150
• Replace the turbo actuator - €120

It is a light pressure turbo, does not rev out beyond 3,000rpm if you get a D5204T2 engine or 3,500rpm if you get a D5204T3. Really good on fuel, I get around 47-49mpg local driving 60+mpg on a motorway run, this is the saloon. Mine is mapped to 195PS. I've been running with the map since 2015.

[Kev0607]

Originally Posted by GMcL

I've had my S60 D3 over ten years, it replaced a 2005 S60 D5. Only things I have had to do to the engine is:

• New return pipe from the intercooler, original split at around 6 years - €150
• Replace the turbo actuator - €120

It is a light pressure turbo, does not rev out beyond 3,000rpm if you get a D5204T2 engine or 3,500rpm if you get a D5204T3. Really good on fuel, I get around 47-49mpg local driving 60+mpg on a motorway run, this is the saloon. Mine is mapped to 195PS. I've been running with the map since 2015.

What's the rear leg room like in the S60?

[GMcL]

The rear legroom in the Y20 car is better than the P2 due to the MUCH smaller boot and 'thinner' front seats. The massive transmission tunnel makes it less than comfortable for a third body in the middle seat.

I have a Mk4 Focus estate which is much more accommodating in the rear seats, the floor is much flatter and a better shape for carrying a third person back there.