XC70 buying advice please

[S60D5-185]

Hi, I have seen an Early 2005 Volvo Xc70 D5 Geartronic for sale that I really like the look of and am almost certain to buy as it will be ideal to pull my caravan.

The car has covered 155K and has a perfect FSH . Presumably if looked after, the car at this mileage should have a fair bit of life left in it?

Although this car is a 54 plate facelift model will it have the 163 non DPF engine or the later E4 engine. I have not seen under the bonnet for engine cover colour.

I intend doing a complete transmission sump dump and flush as well as replace the cambelt and associated rollers and auxiliary belt but wondered if there is anything else to consider at this stage. Obviously Oil and filter as well as fuel filter will be done immediately.

I understand that the transmission oil is a very specific spec so can someone tell me what I should buy please.

I am very familiar with the D5 engine having owned my 06 S60 D5 for 6 years but that was manual and this is the first geartronic that I have had any dealings with so any advice would be very welcome.

Is this year a good year in terms of the AWD being relatively trouble free as I know that early ones did have some issues.

All I need now is an XC70 towbar and electrics if anyone is selling one.

[100K+]

In view of my recent experiences I'd consider changing the Haldex oil and possibly the associated filter. Volvo say "for life" but no one else appears to be singing from that song sheet. If you can swing a socket set haldex oil is straight forward although you do need to suck the oil out and refill then REMOVE 100ml. The filter is a different proposition altogether.

If the haldex fails you have spent XC money for a V70 car AND you might be unlucky in that you get dash warning lights - which the MOT don't like.
I was quoted Haldex £ 2K +vat +fitting.....

Cheers

Bob

[S60D5-185]

Thanks Bob, as soon as I get it I am doing the lot.

Oil and fuel filter and gearbox ATF change first.

I am pretty decent with DIY car maintenance so will also do Haldex now you have mentioned it.

Is there a decent thread or guide on how to do it on here do you know?

Thanks Darryl

[100K+]

Search " haldex Oil change" or similar. The job is very straight forward - you just need a vacuum pump ( Halfords / screwfix or similar)

Tyr this site

http://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/for...ic.php?t=30549

I'd use Volvo dealer fluid - you know it will be right and it comes in 1 litre bottles not 300mg tubes as illustration.


good luck

Cheers

Bob

[TiredGeek]

For changing the gearbox oil search for "gibbons method". And when you come to refilling the 'box don't undo that large bolt on the top that looks like a fill hole - it's what holds third gear in....
I believe that gearbox oil is cheaper at Toyota garages than Volvo, there's PLENTY of threads out there that will give the correct spec (JWS3309 if I remember correctly).
You might want to do the "wet grass test" to confirm your AWD is working properly as well.

Here's a very good place to start looking, it's a US site so no D5 talk, but the rest is pretty much relevant http://www.volvoxc.com/forums/showth...Q-amp-A-Thread

'05 will be pre DPF but has the better version of the Haldex with instant grip I think they called it. Basically it just meant you didn't have to lose grip at the front before it put power to the rear like the earlier version did.

Enjoy your new toy

[S60D5-185]

Thanks, I did the cambelt and rolllers today and am going to get a new sepentine belt and rollers very soon

The AWD system is fine ( Checked ) and I am waiting for the gearbox fluid to turn up from Germany to change that. The box itself is silky smooth.

Oil + filter and new fuel filter tomorrow and then I can hopefully just drive it for a while