4000 Mile update into my 2006 S60 D5 Geartronic

[sami100]

So, I have had the car now for a few weeks and have completed 4000 miles.

So what do I think?

I think it's awesome! The car is incredibly comfortable and I am happy to do all my short and long runs in the car. It is the most comfortable car that I have had and I can honestly recommend it to anyone in this price budget.

Car drives well on the long journeys and the seats are very comfortable. Cruises well, suspension is great and the ride quality is really good. The sound system is great even with a blown speaker! Autobox is great, no problems or issues. The heated seats are fantastic in this cold weather.

The best thing I have learnt about this is, for a diesel engine, as soon as I get into the car first thing in the morning, after defrosting the windscreen, I can get hot air blowing thorugh the vents after driving 20 metres down the road, which is unusual for a diesel! Don't know why, but i am not complaining.

The only problems I have had are 2 flat batteries, because I kept the side lights on and forgot to turn them off, because there is no beep or buzz to remind you lights are on. So a trip to the dealer was required and it cost £60 to turn the daytime running lights off, because it needed a software upgrade. Thought it was pricey, but I called a few dealers and some others quoted £60, whereas one quoted £87! The dealer also gave me a quote for replacement speaker supllied and fitted including vat of £187! So I am having a little think about that one.

The fuel consumption isn't the best, but is still reasonable. A tank that costs about £83 diesel, returns approx 550 miles with sensible (ish) driving on my long commute of 53 miles (12 miles local roads with traffic). Around town only, it would only be about 380-400 miles.

So, I think it is time to treat the car to it's first wash this weekend! and maybe a service soon. I also want to change the headlight bulbs, as one is white and one is yellow!

Overall, it is an impressive car, and friends and family have been impressed by it. Very spacious in the cabin, feels odd sitting in smaller cars now. Oh and I finally understand about the turning circle, feels like im turning a bus!

[Brendan W]

Usually the D5s take about 7 miles of open road driving to get the temp gauge needle to the middle. Obviously there is some heat available before that. Still, 20 meters ? Must have a gizmo in there to get fast heat.
Think nautical when turning - the SS 60 ?

[pb1jb1]

its thoughs Heated Seats that drink your fuel.

I have just changed my S60 s for a S60 se.

The se has heated seats am i am finding im doing about 7 mpg less.

[cheshired5]

Originally Posted by pb1jb1

its thoughs Heated Seats that drink your fuel.

I have just changed my S60 s for a S60 se.

The se has heated seats am i am finding im doing about 7 mpg less.

Turn off your heated seats and you'll find it makes no difference to your mpg.
Your increased consumption compared to your old car will be caused by something else.
There's quite a long list of subtle "faults" or running issues that can be responsible.

[Brendan W]

Could never figure out if I had an S or SE. Not that I'm that bothered either way. It has STC, heated seats, winter pack stuff, headlamp wipers but no front fogs and no fuel consumption calculation display ?

[cheshired5]

Originally Posted by sami100

I finally understand about the turning circle, feels like im turning a bus!

Hmm, it's the price we pay for mounting a 5 cylinder engine that way. The upside is that the engine is nice to work on with pretty good access.
I'd say you'll get used to it but the turning circle still catches me out in a car park sometimes.
Tight multi-storey ramps are the best (worst).

Nice review btw. That's pretty much my experience too.
I might be a tiny bit concerned with the hot air within 20 metres thing.
The heater is very good but not that good.

[Darranna]

I'm assuming he is running the engine while scrapping the windows etc

[cheshired5]

Originally Posted by Brendan W

Could never figure out if I had an S or SE. Not that I'm that bothered either way. It has STC, heated seats, winter pack stuff, headlamp wipers but no front fogs and no fuel consumption calculation display ?

How about full leather and the pro logic stereo Brendan?
They're SE standards.
My car is definitely an SE, spec-wise but the log book and insurance companies say it's an S.
I've been meaning to bring this up for a year but keep forgetting.

[Brendan W]

Full leather ,yes. Head unit is bog standard. Feels like someone ordered an S to keep the company car benefit in kind tax bill down ( 30% of list price) and then loaded it with invisible extras.

[GrahamBrown1]

mine is an SE with leather and the pro logic stereo with front fogs but no heated seats and no headlamp washers. Were these part of an option pack I think they call it the winter pack now?