New V70 owner: advice needed!

[Pidgeonpost]

Personally, I'd feel more comfortable using an independent Volvo specialist, but if you've had good service from 'rsdlimited' it may be worth a face-to-face talk with them to see how they feel about the job. If they seem at all reticent then you'll know the score, but if they've done similar jobs on a 5-Series this shouldn't be beyond them. Obviously some 5-series have timing chains rather than belts.

There are probably quite a few members on here who would be happy to do these jobs on their own cars - might even have done so myself back in the day. Not now though!

[Sotosound]

Originally Posted by Tatsfield

I just checked Volvo's website: https://engineered.polestar.com/uk/p...automatic-2013
and they are saying Polestar would give you

Torque (Nm)
+14%

Peak Power (hp)
+20%

So it looks like you'd get 163 bhp and 0-60 would drop from 10.6 secs to 9.9 secs.

There seems to be a dealer deal for £555 until the end of September. It's not cheap but worth a haggle if you're really interested.

I suspect that this will effectively give you a D4.

[graphnic]

Originally Posted by Pidgeonpost

Personally, I'd feel more comfortable using an independent Volvo specialist, but if you've had good service from 'rsdlimited' it may be worth a face-to-face talk with them to see how they feel about the job. If they seem at all reticent then you'll know the score, but if they've done similar jobs on a 5-Series this shouldn't be beyond them. Obviously some 5-series have timing chains rather than belts.

There are probably quite a few members on here who would be happy to do these jobs on their own cars - might even have done so myself back in the day. Not now though!

I've just booked in with the specialist. They seem very knowledgable on the specifics, and that's invaluable. They were also very willing to offer advice when I called prior to purchase of the car, which was above-and-beyond. Will report back.

[graphnic]

Originally Posted by Sotosound

I suspect that this will effectively give you a D4.

Yeah, the numbers look that way don't they. I'm not sure whether to be frustrated by the fact that it's held back by the factory map (like most cars these days), or delighted that there is actually a manufacturer approved tune available (unlike most cars these days). I'll lean on the latter I think!

[tommyweaves]

Originally Posted by Sotosound

I suspect that this will effectively give you a D4.

Looks like early D4 figures. Or early D3 figures!

[graphnic]

Originally Posted by tommyweaves

Looks like early D4 figures. Or early D3 figures!

Not exactly a rocket, but the additional 27bhp (+20%) would be welcome! In normal times I would have stretched the budget and held out for a T5, but the aim was more modest this time.

These are the numbers... as per my VIN on the Polestar site

Peak Power (hp)
Original: 136
Optimised: 163

Peak Power (kw)
Original: 100
Optimised: 120

Power Peak max (rpm)
Original: 3500
Optimised: 3500

Power & Torque Mid-Range max starting from rpm shown.
Original: 350
Optimised: 400

Torque max (rpm)
Original: 1500
Optimised: 1500

Acceleration 0-100 km/h (s)
Original: 10.6
Optimised: 9.9

[tommyweaves]

I bought my D3 new in late 2010 when it was the MY2011 model and the D3 was 163 bhp(ps). I teat drove a same year D5 as well as the new D3 and much preferred the D3. It felt less coarse than the D5, similar torque figues too. The D5 had more puff at higher revs but in daily driving I didn't really think I needed that, just the overtaking punch which the D3 gives.

[graphnic]

Originally Posted by tommyweaves

I bought my D3 new in late 2010 when it was the MY2011 model and the D3 was 163 bhp(ps). I teat drove a same year D5 as well as the new D3 and much preferred the D3. It felt less coarse than the D5, similar torque figues too. The D5 had more puff at higher revs but in daily driving I didn't really think I needed that, just the overtaking punch which the D3 gives.

That's interesting... so I'm assuming if I stump up the additional £550, my 2013 D3 will be, effectively, what you have?

[tommyweaves]

Originally Posted by graphnic

That's interesting... so I'm assuming if I stump up the additional £550, my 2013 D3 will be, effectively, what you have?

I can't be sure but I've always considered the D3 (136) to be a de-tuned D3 (163) which was subsequently re-badged a D4 (163). The D4 badge was subsequently given to the new 2 litre 4 cylinder engine.

Confusing right??

[graphnic]

Originally Posted by tommyweaves

I can't be sure but I've always considered the D3 (136) to be a de-tuned D3 (163) which was subsequently re-badged a D4 (163). The D4 badge was subsequently given to the new 2 litre 4 cylinder engine.

Confusing right??

Ha, yes, I think I follow! According to the Polestar website, I have 'Engine denomination D5204T7' with 'Engine code 31'.