Xc70 upgrade to nivomat suspension help please

[rowleray]

Hi all
We have a 2011 XC70 with sloppy suspension as we have towed a fair bit despite mileage of less than 70k
I’m going to renew the suspension and wondered if I could fit Nivomats (like my 1994 850 T5 has)
I’m not talking about the electrical self levelling thing (I think that’s another sort of suspension that exists*)

Can anyone tell me if it’s possible and what part number it will be?

*if there’s an article on the available types of suspension etc then would love to read it !

Cheers

[XC90Mk1]

As Nivomats are standard fit on some models, and as you have no electronics etc with them the answer will likly be yes.

The only thing is they are very expensive (probably £1,250 to £1,500 a pair for parts only).

My main comments are

1: are you sure you don’t already have Nivomats? My xc90 came standard with them across the entire range. You don’t have a pair with 1 failed?

2: I read that it’s common to experience what you have on models of cars that tow. I have seen you can buy spring assistors that you insert into the suspension. These may offer the same outcome you require but much much cheaper?

[stuart bowes]

as far I'm aware the options were

• normal shocks and springs
• nivomat mechanical self levelling
• four-C electronic adjusting suspension with the different sport/comfort etc modes

there may be others im not aware of

[100K+]

Originally Posted by stuart bowes

as far I'm aware the options were

• normal shocks and springs
• nivomat mechanical self levelling
• four-C electronic adjusting suspension with the different sport/comfort etc modes

there may be others im not aware of

I have towed the same caravan over the years with all 3 types.
V70 T5 with nivomat light years ahead of V70 awd R with 4C. The awd,in my opinion made a bigger contribution to stability than the 4C.
My current V70(P3) D5 with nivomat was a cheaper/better option,IMHO, than the XC70 without nivomat,despite no awd.

Cheers Bob

[rowleray]

Originally Posted by XC90Mk1

As Nivomats are standard fit on some models, and as you have no electronics etc with them the answer will likly be yes.

The only thing is they are very expensive (probably £1,250 to £1,500 a pair for parts only).

My main comments are

1: are you sure you don’t already have Nivomats? My xc90 came standard with them across the entire range. You don’t have a pair with 1 failed?

2: I read that it’s common to experience what you have on models of cars that tow. I have seen you can buy spring assistors that you insert into the suspension. These may offer the same outcome you require but much much cheaper?

Thanks Stuart. Our previous XC70 had the nivomats, higher spec. Apparently nivomats were standard on certain specs (and possibly an option) sadly not on ours.

Yes I am aware of the (high) cost but I keep reading that it’s kind of worth it! (Especially when towing)…..and QED read on “100k+”s comments!

[rowleray]

Originally Posted by 100K+

I have towed the same caravan over the years with all 3 types.
V70 T5 with nivomat light years ahead of V70 awd R with 4C. The awd,in my opinion made a bigger contribution to stability than the 4C.
My current V70(P3) D5 with nivomat was a cheaper/better option,IMHO, than the XC70 without nivomat,despite no awd.

Cheers Bob

Thanks Bob. This is exactly what I keep hearing. that nivomats are so good especially for towing. Isn’t it surprising that the 4C is not as good

[rowleray]

So the consensus continues in favour of Nivomats!

The question remains…..so what part number (s) am I looking for, because of course any part enquiry comes up ‘this is not for your vehicle’ (because I don’t actually have nivomats!)

Thanks for the help / views so far 💪🙏

[100K+]

Originally Posted by rowleray

Thanks Bob. This is exactly what I keep hearing. that nivomats are so good especially for towing. Isn’t it surprising that the 4C is not as good

I was surprised the T5 was a better tow car then the AWD R. Obviously, both cars had enough power, both were sure footed, the van bossed by either car, but the T5 had less vertical pitching somehow, which made A/B road travel more comfortable, more assured. Motorways/dual carriage ways were much closer, as you'd expect as your basically driving in a straight line.
I've never towed with a stablizer and I think I'd go that route first before shelling out for AWD to tow. I've only ever pulled one van ( Compass 510/5 single axel) so perhaps its a good towing van.

Cheers
Bob

[100K+]

Found this on line - download.

https://www.skandix.de/en/download/c...4b8b86153def83
may be of help??
also this
https://www.volvopartswebstore.com/s...riveLine=11324
a usa site more than one page available but this is a starting point.

Cheers
Bob