Awaiting delivery of Volvo V50 2.4i (2009) J Import
 

Hi gents, new on here - crossed over from Skoda.

Always liked Volvo, but have previously sticked with Skoda for a while, mainly because they were great value. This is until used prices got so ridiculous and it made sense to go the import route for a V50.

Anyway, it lands in a couple of days. It's done just under 50k miles. Are there any recommendations for immediate prep/maintenance work I should do? I'm going to get a full engine service done, but the two main points of contention are the cam belt and gearbox oil. I guess if there's no evidence of the cam belt been changed, I'll get that done. But what about the transmission? Service it or not? Also, I mentioned the cam belt to my mechanic (BMW specialist) and he said it might have to be done by a specialist as he thinks it requires a specific Volvo tool. Is this correct?

As for the Japanese to UK related work. Haven't decided fully yet. Things to consider are miles to km (not sure I'm that bothered) language change and potentially swapping out the sat nav unit.

Only comment I have to make is regarding replacing the SatNav unit ... rather than using another Volvo C1-series unit, could you just replace the entire CD player / radio / etc with something that can interface with a 'phone & use the in-car screen, ie. Apple CarPlay & Android Auto. That way you can always switch between SatNav systems (some free ones are very good & in fact a lot better than what's in many cars), you can always get the latest maps, etc.

How long do you have to wait, and how long does it feel ... :)

Agreed, the Android Auto solution will be suitable. That's as long as it is readily feasible; I did see some information where it is said to be a bit tricky to swap out.

Have had to wait 12 weeks in total as there was a delay with shipping. Will be nice to get back on the road after not having full time use of a vehicle for nearly a full year. I thought used prices in the UK might come back to me, but that proved folly 😆

Welcome,

Nice choice of engine, the best sounding of the entire range due to no turbo. Noise it makes between around 4,000 to 6,000 rpm (right in the power band) is lovely.

- Cambelt on Volvo 5 cylinder engines is 108,000 miles or every 10 years.
It doesnt really need any special tools. There is a crank pulley holding tool that helped keep the crank still when tightening but there are numerous other methods to stop the crank from spinning that any half decent garage would be able to do.

- Spark plugs for this engine have 3 electrodes per spark plug. Not to be confused with the Turbo engines, which have only 1 electrode per plug.

- No harm in a gearbox oil flush.

Things to check:

- PCV diaphram - front of the engine, integrated into oil filter housing. If you hear a whistling noise from the engine at idle, and the noise disappears when you pull the dipstick, it means the rubber diaphram underneath the circular black plastic cover has torn. You can replace just the rubber diapham these days, but years ago you had to buy whole new oil fitler housing.

- Coolant loss - If you notice the coolant level is dropping over time, you may have a split coolant tank which is common. Easy to replace, just replace it, no need to drain system etc. Bear in mind there are TWO different types of coolant tank in this car:
Coolant tank for Ford / peugeot engines (all 3 outlets are on the same side, at the front)
Coolant tank for Volvo engines, 2 small outlets on front, 1 bigger outlet on rear).

Coolant loss may also be coming from the lower right "T-piece" coolant hose. The "T-piece" that joins the 3 hoses togehter is made of plastic and will crack over time, leading to coolant loss. Bit of a faff to replace as well because the airbox needs to be moved out of the way, which is a bit irritating to do.

Headlights - They might be rubbish due to silver reflective coating flaking away over time due to DayTime Running lights (the headlights) always being switched ON. Might not be so bad on yours due to lower mileage, but it's quite common.

Other than this nothing too major really, some people have had vibration issues from driveshafts, but thats mainly from the high torque T5 and D5 engines.

2.4i ,with the Geartronic box?
ATF fluid change NOT A FLUSH ,, not cheap as requires expensive ATF (compared to some) but 100% Worth getting done, do NOT "POWER FLUSH" and anywhere that advises that, RUN away

go find a Volvo specialist WITH vida+dice, it Will pay you in the wallet in the long run esp over a "specialist of other makes"

yes cam locking tools Are needed, go with Gen volvo belts + tensioners, Dont bother listening to the "do the water pump while your there" its fine,


PCV system/oil filter housing can leak/cause issues,, Volvo specialist to replace that, its a "SOD of A job" on the drive,,,,


forget you Can change the stero,, IF you totally rewire the car, remove the MOST security first, disable the can network to /from the stero, find a solution to the fiber optic cables,, etc etc etc, Forget it the cost is insane
Dont bother with the "bluepower" replacment its crap, no customer service , no customer support .

Cheers gents. What to do with the Transmission does seem to split camps. Some say leave alone, some flush and some change. Then there's a whole list of conditions and techniques within each strategy 😁

Just been talking to my mate who likes a Volvo and he said don't touch it unless it blows up 😆

gearbox 2k. fluid cheap you decide i would change it.

any saying "power flush" dont have clue #1
Change, various methods - Good idea
"do nothing - buy a new box before you needed to"

ALL the other manufs that use the same autoboxes have a schedule to replace the ATF,,

What do you recommend with regards to the transmission, Andy? Just a straight forward one and done fluid change or a series of changes one after the other, etc?

Will it be easy enough to wire in a front and rear dash cam on these V50s? Forgive my ignorance.

Just received the vehicle today. My mechanic seemed amazed how immaculate the undercarriage is.

On the engine cover or close by there's a Volvo sticker with a mileage and date on it; 17,000km, 2017. Anyone know what this is possibly referring to?