Advice on timing chain change on petrol V50

[Bungalows]

I’m in the market for a petrol V50, partly because it’s chain driven as opposed to the diesel which is belt driven (less maintenance). However I just learned that the service manual states that even on the petrol engine the chain needs replacing at 120k miles (I’m looking at high mileage examples.

For those of you who own the petrol version is this something you took heed of or did you consider it unnecessary as long as it’s inspected? If you did get it done, how much did ot cost? Thanks.

[Familyman 90]

Its only less maintenance until a chain or tensioner acts up, then your wallet will wish you'd stuck to a belt driven model.

[XC90Mk1]

Originally Posted by Bungalows

I’m in the market for a petrol V50, partly because it’s chain driven as opposed to the diesel which is belt driven (less maintenance). However I just learned that the service manual states that even on the petrol engine the chain needs replacing at 120k miles (I’m looking at high mileage examples.

For those of you who own the petrol version is this something you took heed of or did you consider it unnecessary as long as it’s inspected? If you did get it done, how much did ot cost? Thanks.

If it were me I would personally change it at 100k given the damage it can cause.

That said if you want to take the risk my experience is this.

I changed the belt on my XC90 D5 at 80k (supposed to be 108) and the belt still had the writing visible and no cracks what so ever on the tooth root, belt etc etc. It was clearly likly (no guarantees) to do the same again.

I have also changed the belts on a couple of focuses both Petrol and diese. Once again they are both as new.

Whilst I change belts at around 80% of their service life (don’t forget I do this in the drive for no real money and enjoy doing it) I do believe that these new belts and chains with service intervals above 100k are in reality ok for the life of the car.

In summery could you leave it, yes. Would I? No.

[andy_d]

Originally Posted by Bungalows

I’m in the market for a petrol V50, partly because it’s chain driven as opposed to the diesel which is belt driven (less maintenance). However I just learned that the service manual states that even on the petrol engine the chain needs replacing at 120k miles (I’m looking at high mileage examples.

For those of you who own the petrol version is this something you took heed of or did you consider it unnecessary as long as it’s inspected? If you did get it done, how much did ot cost? Thanks.

which engine ?
i ask as my 2 V50s both have belts,, 2.4i 5 pot volvo engine,,,

120k miles sounds the Same interval as my belts,,

it is infact 120k OR 10 years whichever is sooner,,

[Nick04]

My V50 petrol (2.4i) is a belt. Not sure about the 1.8 & 2.0. With regards to high mileage examples, you probably want the 2.4 - preferably with a sound gearbox. Unless you're going to opt for the smaller engine and go with a manual.

My cam belt is at 49k and 13 years without any evidence of been changed. Service book actually says every 100k odd or every 6 years.

Looks like I'm getting it done about 40 miles away. What's the odds on the belt going caput on the way to get it changed? 😆