Software update only at the dealer

[Montana]

Would these 'updates' cover the gearbox software too?

[Tatsfield]

I believe they cover all the car's updatable software.

[TeamG]

Originally Posted by Kev0607

How long do Volvo continue support in regards to software updates on older cars I wonder, or would anyone happen to know? You'd imagine on a car that's over 10 years old as an example that there wouldn't be many updates required, if its been dealer serviced since new or at an Independent Volvo garage that has the equipment to do it.

That would be interesting to know. If, for example, it is 10 years I would be tempted to get it done one final time at that point. Beyond 10 years, is the value of the update really worth that proportion of the remaining car value?

[green van man]

Originally Posted by TeamG

That would be interesting to know. If, for example, it is 10 years I would be tempted to get it done one final time at that point. Beyond 10 years, is the value of the update really worth that proportion of the remaining car value?

My previous v70 tdi was dealer serviced untill I sold it at 18 years and got put on the computer as part of that service. Wether any updates were downloaded neither I nor the dealer can say as it is an automatic function.

My current XC70 sees the dealer once a year for a service for the same reason. All other spanner work I do myself..

I agree it may be a scenario of diminishing returns but as volvo will not tell you I am not prepared to take a chance with my car, of course others may differ.. I supply the oil to cut the cost of the service, provided it is of correct spec my dealer will go along with it.
With the trade card I can buy castrol edge 0/30 for £42 Inc vat for 4 litre can in Halfords, volvo want £11+vat a litre to supply from a bulk barrel.

Paul.

[AlexV70Drive1]

£19 inc vat for mine 4 litres of Castrol 0/30w at £42 you’re having your pants pulled down mate! Trade card is BS half the time...

[apersson850]

Originally Posted by Tatsfield

I believe they cover all the car's updatable software.

No, they don't. Volvo put together an update package, which isn't bigger than it can be installed while the oil is dripping out of the engine.
Some software packages, like infotainment and navigation software (not maps) are too big for that. They require that the software is first transferred to a USB stick, which is then plugged into the car and installed from there. That's too much to do during a normal service.

But smaller updates, to engine, gearbox, climate control and other control units, they are all included on an as needed basis.

[Montana]

For a basic oil & filter service (D5) at volvo, what rough price am i looking at?

[Tannaton]

Originally Posted by Tatsfield

I believe they cover all the car's updatable software.

I'm not sure what they are supposed to cover but in November I bought a 2015 XC60 with 102k and full main dealer history. Had a number of niggles, including transmission related, which were all cured by software updates which I had to pay for, and I was told that the TCM had never been updated. So either they're not all done or some dealers aren't doing what they should be doing....

[Tatsfield]

They are not doing what they should be doing! One of the conditions for having your Volvo serviced by a main dealer just once a year is that they update the software free of charge and sign you up for Volvo Recovery for a year free of charge. It's a good incentive.

[Kev0607]

Originally Posted by Montana

For a basic oil & filter service (D5) at volvo, what rough price am i looking at?

My car is due an MOT in January each year & a service in March. Seeming though the two are so close, I've decided to get the car serviced & MOT'd in January each year because it just makes sense to do them both at the same time, in my opinion.

I rang my local dealership for a quote & they wanted £260 including VAT just for a basic service (Oil & oil filter only... The MOT would have been extra).

I got the car serviced & MOT'd for the same price that the dealership wanted just for their service at an independent Volvo garage.