PoleStar upgrade

[villarsch]

The local Volvo dealer has asked if I want my 2015 MY T5 fitted with the PoleStar upgrade. Does anyone have experience of this upgrade? It seems quite expensive for just a software change.


Villarsch

[Marc01]

How much have you been quoted?

[villarsch]

They quoted about £800 plus 10% on my insurance premium. Are these figures about right?

Villarsch

[don kalmar union]

This is indeed a rip off.

The only reason these stitch ups can be maintained is solely because Volvo have introduced a pincode system that prevents anyone other than a dealer from making any software changes that a customer may reasonable wish to have carried out on HIS car.

The pincode banditry gets worse because it covers ALL aspects of the vehicle's electrical systems thus ensuring the ability of the network to STITCH YOU UP.

Additionally, unlike their contemporaries Volvo make these pincodes vehicle specific.

This racket is a fundamental breach of one of the EU's founding principles... namely exploiting a dominant market position.

Best not to buy the car.... if you do this PINCODE BANDITRY allows dealers to have you over a barrel at every turn.

Don.

[CJL]

It is expensive, but it's the only way you will increase the engine power and maintain you warranty.

800 is too much. There are some offers on at the moment. Do a search... been quite a few threads on Polestar upgrades lately.

[anton differing]

Given that a T5 already appears to have sufficient horses to fly an aeroplane, why would anyone want it?

[villarsch]

The main reason for the Polestar upgrade is that there is a significant increase in torque, rather than an increase in top speed. But I may have to be patient. Apparently Volvo UK are planning to introduce a Polestar V40 with approximately 300+ bhp!

Villarsch

[volvorocks]

Originally Posted by anton differing

Given that a T5 already appears to have sufficient horses to fly an aeroplane, why would anyone want it?

You tend to get used to a cars performance the more you use it, and that is where the 'want more' comes from I suppose.

Regards

[villarsch]

Interesting point. According to the PoleStar details there are benefits in using the upgrade, as follows "The hands of a driver with good judgement result in better engine performance and increased passive safety in traffic".
This is a driving style to which I am sure all Volvo drivers aspire.

Villarsch

[villarsch]

Well, the Polestar optimisation has now been fitted. It has improved the car, making it smoothly responsive, particularly when slowing down using engine braking. It accelerates more easily with minimum fuss. In fact, it really ought to be the standard level of performance. Is it worth the money? This is much more subjective but on balance and with the VOC discount, it is perhaps just acceptable.

Villarsch