Why the different outputs on a D3

[Teilo1979]

Hi, I'm looking at changing my Volvo, and I've decided on getting one with a d3
However, correct me if I'm wrong, they are all 2.0 5 cylinder but can have either 136, 150 or 163 bhp. Are they all the same but just a different map, or are there larger differences.
Also which is the best version.

Many thanks.

[Proghound]

All the 5-pot D3's are the same 1984cc lump and AFAIK the difference is down to the map. The 177PS D4 is also another map on the same lump. All are basically a 2.4 D5 with a shortened stroke.

The 150PS D3 and the 177PS D4 are found in the facelifted C30/S40/V50/C70 from 2010 to 2013, and in the V40 until the VEA engines were rolled out to it.

As I understand it, in the S60/V60 and S80/V70, up till early 2013 the D3 was 163PS but that badging was then moved onto the newly introduced 136PS map and the D4 badging was introduced for the 163PS one. The 163PS D3/D4 are the same engine and map, just the badging changed. The S60/V60 facelift occurred shortly after this.

Then from 2014 the VEA 1969cc 4-pot engine was gradually introduced across the range, which kept the the same badging, with the D3 at 150PS and the D4 at 180PS. I believe it started with the S60/V60 and reached the V40 by 2015.

So it's all rather confusing! If you're looking at adverts, the only sure way to tell whether you're looking at a 5-pot or 4-pot is by the engine size in cc's.

[Teilo1979]

Thank you very much, that has actually cleared up a lot.
Essentially it doesn't matter which 5pot 2.0litre I go for, they are all the same bar a map which these days can changed very easily to suit.

[Rooster]

I believe the differant outputs were down to company car tax rules at the time

[steadvex]

I believe the 136hp is different, 150hp variants and above at the same

My non scientific way of telling is checking on rica for the remaps that can be done, the 136 one can't take the power like the others which suggest something is different on it to me...

[Proghound]

After the 136PS D3 was introduced, there was a Volvo official Polestar map available to take it back up to 163PS - how cynical was that?

[skyship007]

Originally Posted by Proghound

After the 136PS D3 was introduced, there was a Volvo official Polestar map available to take it back up to 163PS - how cynical was that?

Not cynical at all. The 136 would be cheaper to insure than the 163 Mod version, would burn less fuel if you had a big right boot and last slightly longer if that big right boot was used when cold.

My old donkey had 3 different maps, the Renault 130hp one, the 115hp OEM Volvo one and if you were truly nuts, a non Polestar 140hp Map tweek.

[prc68]

Not too familiar yet with the volvo engines, but at least on the newer 2.0 motores, the D5 has a bi-turbo setup (D4 might also), while the others are single. Of course the mapping is different.
This is pretty much the norm in most makes these days.

[Teilo1979]

On a side note, my current V50 2.0d is the ford derived unit which is known for clutch/dmf issues. Mines had it all replaced at 36k
Do the 2.0 5 cylinder units use the same gearbox (MMT6 is think) or do they have the same issues, being heavy on clutches. ?

I know how it's driven will have huge bearing on clutch life in newer more powerful diesels but the earlier 2.0 unit seems to have more issues than most.

Thanks.