S60 2.4T SE and 16" wheels

Hi,

I have a 52 Plate S60 2.4T SE with 17" wheels. I have never been particuarly fond of the turning abilities of the car. It always seems to be too much like hard work in car parks. I'm also not so keen on the ride quality, if you hit even a fairly small bump the jarring is quite nasty. The other day I had a test drive of a V50 which was very nice but the point is the salesman mentioned that he didn't think I would be even considering selling the S60 if it had 16" wheels on! Can someone tell if they really make that much of a differance? I actually really like the S60 so If I could improve these 2 points then that would be great. Also does anyone have a rough idea how much a set of volvo 16" alloys + types would be?

Thanks
Andy

[Alpha206]

I test-drove a 2.0T S that had 16" wheels prior to buying my SE (17"Tethys) in 2001 and personally didn't notice too much difference in the turning circle between that and my car (the test was the 120 degree swing on to my drive which has to be done in 2 moves in the S60!) It's a common complaint from V70 Mk 2 & S60 owners that the turning circle rivals the QM2!!

As for ride quality, the 16" will be better (more rubber under you)but I'm not sure what you'll lose on handling.

For info, the SE-standard 17" wheels (Tethys) are no longer available on the new 05 models, although there is a 16" equivalent (Electra) available. According to the price list, most quote £400 (presumably per set) on a new car (if not a no-cost option), but I assume that's an upgrade cost to the existing wheels. I don't suppose you'd get much change out of £1000 for wheels & tyres...but best thing to do is ask your dealer.

Graeme
S60 Register Keeper

I spoke to a volvo service department yesterday and they said it would make a differance to the ride quality and very very slight differance to the turning. He reckoned it would be about £500 per wheel to change. 2 grand for an experiment is a little too much for my liking.

[Alpha206]

Yeeouch! Probably better to get a test drive in one with 16"

Graeme

My advice would be to save your money.

My experience with my own 2002 S60 2.4T SE Geartronic is identical to yours. It is fitted with 17" Thor alloys, and from the start I was very dissatisfied with the ride quality and the turning circle.

After much nagging of the dealer that sold me the car, they agreed to fit a set of 16" Mimas wheels to my vehicle for me to try. On my car at least there was no real discernable difference in ride comfort - it was maybe very slightly better but not by much.

I found the turning circle to be just as poor, and for some reason there seemed to be more road noise from these wheels, even though they were fitted with the same Pirelli P6000s that are on my 17" ones.

The handling was worse on the 16" wheels and did not give me the confidence that the 17" ones do. In my opinion, the look of the car also suffered greatly with the Mimas in place of the Thor.

Needless to say I had the Thors replaced on my car, and the dealership lost a free alloy wheel upgrade on their 2.0T S demonstrator.

Over time I have got used to the harsh ride and the poor turning circle of my S60, although I still don't like these characteristics. I certainly won't miss them when I replace the car sometime in the near future.

Regards, Steven.