D5 (205) geartronic: experiences?

[janem]

The previous versions of the D5 engine with automatic gearbox received a lot of comments in the press because its shifting was slow and downshifting after slowing down was somtimes too slow (or not occuring).
The new software in the geartronic improved this (i think MY 2009) , but I wonder if someone has experiences with the new D5 (205hp) engine with geartronic.
Also with the twin turbo the 420 NM of torque is already present at 1500 rpm, so I expect an improvement compared to the older D5 engine.
I would like to read some experiences and if possible some comparisons with BMW, Audi, Mercedes,... comparable engines with automatic gearbox

[Matteus XC60]

Originally Posted by janem

The previous versions of the D5 engine with automatic gearbox received a lot of comments in the press because its shifting was slow and downshifting after slowing down was somtimes too slow (or not occuring).
The new software in the geartronic improved this (i think MY 2009) , but I wonder if someone has experiences with the new D5 (205hp) engine with geartronic.
Also with the twin turbo the 420 NM of torque is already present at 1500 rpm, so I expect an improvement compared to the older D5 engine.
I would like to read some experiences and if possible some comparisons with BMW, Audi, Mercedes,... comparable engines with automatic gearbox

Very impressive engine and auto box in my opinion. Previous experience with a 2003 Lexus RX300 auto, and the Volvo compares well which is a pretty good compliment. In addition, Flick the lever over to get 'sport mode' which really changes the dynamics of the drive, changing down earlier, changing up later, and generally more responsive (though haven't used this too much given the weather).
Overall, I don't think you'd be disapointed.

[wimorrison]

Originally Posted by janem

The previous versions of the D5 engine with automatic gearbox received a lot of comments in the press because its shifting was slow and downshifting after slowing down was somtimes too slow (or not occuring).
The new software in the geartronic improved this (i think MY 2009) , but I wonder if someone has experiences with the new D5 (205hp) engine with geartronic.
Also with the twin turbo the 420 NM of torque is already present at 1500 rpm, so I expect an improvement compared to the older D5 engine.
I would like to read some experiences and if possible some comparisons with BMW, Audi, Mercedes,... comparable engines with automatic gearbox

This is the second d5 with geartronic that I have had and I was not aware of any of the issues or criticisms that you refer to.

I am very happy with it, as said if it is not fast enough in chnaging, then you can use the manual changing - you will notice that if you drive this engine hard on the XC60 the only thing that it cannot pass is a fuel station

[Matteus XC60]

Originally Posted by wimorrison

This is the second d5 with geartronic that I have had and I was not aware of any of the issues or criticisms that you refer to.

I am very happy with it, as said if it is not fast enough in chnaging, then you can use the manual changing - you will notice that if you drive this engine hard on the XC60 the only thing that it cannot pass is a fuel station

Just to clarify, Sport mode does not mean manual changing. Flick the lever over to the side and on the MY11 D5, you get an 'S' in the information dial (inside the rev counter) and this provides a much more dynamic auto-box experience. You can then shift this to manual mode by pushing the lever forward or backwards. After this, the sport mode is turned off and the engine is in manual mode. Basically, the MY11 gives you a lot of flexibility in this regard.

[scotgc]

I cant really fault the gearbox, it changes smoothly and reacts well to any kind of driving.

[janem]

thanks already for the replies
It seems to be exaggerated in the books then.
Is the fuel consuption so heavy?
I must say that my V50 D2.0 is using also a little more than 6.5 L/100 km (= is about 40 mpg). I expect a little more for the D5, since I am mostly not a heavy driver. (only in Germany )
Only at long trips with very moderate speed I get less than 6L/100km ( = more than 47 mpg)

Anyway, all other comments on the D5 geartronic are still welcome.

[maigrait]

Nope its fantastic in my opinion. Heavy fuel consumption in town but at steady speeds it seems to do okay (I get roughly 38 - 40 mpg).

It doesn't seem to get confused at all and the shifts are all very slick.

[Rich17]

Very good gearbox. Coped admirably in the recent snow and ice.

Changes are very smooth. Seems to be in the right gear everytime even when hussling along 'drivers roads' - rarely use the manual side.

As good as anything VW/Audi have to offer based on my VW T5 TipTronic and probably more reliable than the DSG - do a search for 'DSG mechatronic' though they may have finally sorted that out.

[r-designbob]

My first auto and very impressed.

Changes very smoothly. Used gears 2nd & 3rd a lot pulling away in the snow & ice and coped brilliantly for a FWD.

[tomto147]

I am a bit worried after gearbox software change in my D5 '11. The consumption in town is almost 11L/100km it used to be around 9,6-10L before the change. But it's winter now... Haven't used S mode that much but as I turned it on I must say it makes a huge difference to normal mode.

In comparison to my previous car (Mazda CX7) and its automatic I confirm that Volvo's gearbox is much faster but still it is not what I have experienced in DSG boxes at VW or Audi.

Originally Posted by janem

thanks already for the replies
It seems to be exaggerated in the books then.
Is the fuel consuption so heavy?
I must say that my V50 D2.0 is using also a little more than 6.5 L/100 km (= is about 40 mpg). I expect a little more for the D5, since I am mostly not a heavy driver. (only in Germany )
Only at long trips with very moderate speed I get less than 6L/100km ( = more than 47 mpg)

Anyway, all other comments on the D5 geartronic are still welcome.