Looking for a V70 D5 - Geartronic problematic? 163/185?

[yoda960]

Hi Chaps

I'm in the market for buying a V70 D5, now I do prefer the look of the facelift models with the chrome bits but a lot of these are the newer 185bhp models. I understand these have the problematic dpf and that can cost a few quid to remove.

Are there any facelift models without the dpf?

Secondly, i'm not massively bothered about transmission but are the geartronics problematic at all?

I have done some research but if anyone has any opinions/advice on what the best model D5 is, from actual experience, then i'd love to hear from them...

EDIT: Anyone have any realistic mpg figures? My dads V70 D5 (manual 163 model) does over 50mpg on a run, averages just over 40 I think. Are the 185 models thirstier even with the 6 speed box?

Thanks in advance

Yoda960

[cheshired5]

Originally Posted by yoda960

Are there any facelift models without the dpf?

Yes, plenty.

[AndyB06]

Originally Posted by yoda960

I understand these have the problematic dpf and that can cost a few quid to remove.
Yoda960

I think DPF's have earned a bad reputation due to certain high volume manufacturers. Volvo isn't one of them - genuine dpf issues are rare on these cars. The presence of a dpf shouldn't put you off a nice facelift model.

Originally Posted by yoda960

Secondly, i'm not massively bothered about transmission but are the geartronics problematic at all?
Yoda960

With appropriate care and maintenance she's a sturdy box. You'll find plenty well maintained autos with 150k+ miles still going strong. I personally avoided any car that had been used for towing when hunting for an s60.

[oragex]

Search "geartronic tf 80sc issue"

[BillDD5]

Originally Posted by AndyB06

I think DPF's have earned a bad reputation due to certain high volume manufacturers. Volvo isn't one of them - genuine dpf issues are rare on these cars. The presence of a dpf shouldn't put you off a nice facelift model.

+1

We've had our V70 D5 185 for about 5 years now and no DPF issues in over 120,000miles of mixed motoring. I think that they are much less troublesome on these cars that other manufacturers' offerings.

[yoda960]

Thanks chaps

I'm going to look at a 05 plate 185 manual this weekend. It looks nice enough, my only real concern now is the mpg. All the reading i've done indicates the 163s are great (which I know because my dads is fab), but the 185 and later are a bit crumbs on the mileage, though I appreciate the manual is better than the auto.

Anyone have any real world figures of a manual 185? Bill is your's a manual?

Cheers

Yoda950

[BillDD5]

Yes, mine is a manual. However I've got an issue with the fuel consumption that means it is only returning about 40mpg now whereas it used to give 48-49 average over the same type of usage. I'm not sure if there is a problem developing since it suddenly worsened in the late summer this year. I should add that the car has covered 272,000miles and still has its original clutch, battery, DPF and exhaust.
Elsewhere on the forum people are giving high forties to low fifties which is probably 'par for the course' with the excellent D5 engine. When I wear it out I will be looking for another similar 'phase2' to replace it, but with less miles on the clock!

[yoda960]

That is great to know Bill (the good MPG figures, not your current issue!) so thanks for that. Great to know these are good for cracking mileages too!

[The Edge]

I'd be inclined to stick with the 163, especially if you are planning on an auto.

The gearbox oil on the 163 has no specified service interval, but is changeable via the gibbons method. The later 185 box is sealed for life - i think this is rubbish, and i'm not sure that its possible to change the fluid - i could be wrong here.

[RM955I]

If it's the 6sp 'box, the ATF can be changed...and should be changed.

http://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showthread.php?t=160516