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Volvo S40

1807 messages,  Last post on Jul 01, 2011 at 7:51 AM

You are in the Volvo S40 Forum.

What is this discussion about? Volvo S40, Sedan



Messages Page 153 of 182

#1515 of 1807 Re: Volvo S40 T5 AWD vs. BMW 325xi vs. VW Jetta 2.0T [qbrozen] by mdid

Aug 02, 2006 (12:22 pm)

Replying to: qbrozen (Jul 19, 2006 1:24 pm)
FWIW, I have a 2005 S40 T5 AWD stick and am very happy with it -- it is a blast to drive. Handles great and quite comfortable on the highway at high speeds. Also, while this is pretty dependent on wheels and tires (I have the 16 inch rims and all season performance tires) it handles great in the snow. Had it out in ten inches of unplowed snow and cranked through everything no problem.
 
Performance wise, I would think it is comparable to the 325 (perhaps a bit quicker off the line, but I suspect the 325 steering is superior). I looked at the 3 series when I was shopping and ended up going with the Volvo. From a pricing standpoint (I paid under $30K fully loaded) it was pretty hard to beat. I also plan on being a long-term owner, so the quicker depreciation didn't phase me, but I think that is a good point.
 
From a maintenance standpoint, I think the jury is still out on the Volvo. I've had the car for 14 months now, and have had one problem (a faulty switch in the starter that caused the security system to prevent the car from starting). That's probably par for the course with a lot of new cars these days, but frustrating nonetheless. I think the more recent 3 series BMWs have had better maintenance records than other models in the BMW lineup.

#1516 of 1807 Re: Premium gas required for S40 T5 [au94] by warrior_pr

Aug 11, 2006 (5:24 pm)

Replying to: au94 (Oct 13, 2005 11:19 am)
Interesting point you are talking about. My last car was an Nissan Maxima V6 that use premium fuel (91 or more) so when I was looking to change that car I asked the salesperson which one use the Volvo 2.4i. He said to me Regular. In Puerto Rico you got Regular 87 or Premium 93 on mayors stations. I read the manual after I bought the car and surprise !!! It use 91 or better. Reading that I star using 93 Premium No much changes in performance. At 1200 miles the check service light burned on. Called dealer.. Re-setted computer , said a open gas plug did the service light up. 300 miles latter... light up again. I changed to regular gasoline again .... 500 miles latter the light goes off alone. I believe 2.4i doesn't like 93 premiun gas. Any other store near to this one ????

#1517 of 1807 Climate control problems by newvolvoguy

Aug 15, 2006 (10:17 am)

My neighbor purchased an 06' S40 T5 a few months ago and has been plagued with problems with the climate control system. Specifically, when the system is in the auto mode, she hears a constant rubbing noise in the dash that will not stop. According to the dealer, the noise is due to a problem with the motors that control the opening and closing of the vents and the flow of air. Apparently, this is a problem effecting many S40 vehicles and Volvo is working on a fix? I just purchased an 07' S40 T5 and whicle I don't have the rubbbing noise inside the dash, I do notice clicking noises which seem to be coming from the transmission tunnel area or between the two front seats or perhaps the lower part of the center stack when the air conditioning is on and working particularly when it is over 80 degrees and I am accelerating or driving at a steady speed above 45 mph? The clicking noises sound like relays or something switching on and off and do not occur when the climate control system is off. Has anyone else had these problems? Thanks for your input!

#1518 of 1807 Re: Climate control problems [newvolvoguy] by suspendmix

Aug 15, 2006 (10:33 am)

Replying to: newvolvoguy (Aug 15, 2006 10:17 am)
I've got tons of rattles and squeaks from all over the front of the dash but i thought it was due to cd changer install...maybe not...i do notice a squeak coming from the overhead console...and i know this for sure as it goes away when my hand is on it...sigh...a bit frustrating since this brand new near luxury/luxury car feels more like my 1990 integra...

#1519 of 1807 Re: Climate control problems [suspendmix] by newvolvoguy

Aug 15, 2006 (1:52 pm)

Replying to: suspendmix (Aug 15, 2006 10:33 am)
Thanks for your message. I'm sorry to hear about your rattles and squeaks. However, the problem that my neighbor has with her 06' S40 T5 is actually not a rattle or squeak due to cheap construction or materials or any modifications but rather a mechanical problem with the motors in the dash which are "going haywire" trying to constantly adjust the doors and airflow when the climate control is on automatic. As far as the clicking sounds in my 07' S40 T5, they sound like relays or switches clicking on and off and are also not rattles or squeaks due to cheap construction or materials. Does anyone know if there are relays associated with the climate control system located low on the center stack or between the two front seats. I was thinking that with the various sensors which monitor temperature, sun intensity and speed of the car, perhaps what I am hearing are the associated relays constantly being activated so as to effectuate adjustments in the climate control. I've had other cars with automatic climate control before but I've never heard this type of clicking noise. Perhaps other cars have the relays located further from the passenger compartment?? I have no clue....so some thoughts. Any input would be appreciated. Thanks!

#1520 of 1807 Re: Climate control problems [newvolvoguy] by snead_c

Aug 15, 2006 (6:32 pm)

Replying to: newvolvoguy (Aug 15, 2006 10:17 am)
I just returned from my Volvo dealer this afternoon having complained about the same noises in the center dash area..the service manager also described the problem the same way..motor moving vents. He also said several others have complained and that he had sopken to Volvo support and they do not have a "fix" at this time. He said he'd replaced the motor and related parts on a similar complaint and the noises remained. I call them dog barks. My only current relief is the stereo turned up ...
Hopefully Volvo will locate a satisfactory solution before I lose patience and replace the car and Volvos for good.
 

#1521 of 1807 Re: Climate control problems [snead_c] by newvolvoguy

Aug 15, 2006 (8:06 pm)

Replying to: snead_c (Aug 15, 2006 6:32 pm)
Thanks for your reply. Well, it seems then that the noises that my neighbor has been having in her 06' S40 T5 are in fact a problem for others and it sounds like the explanation she was given is the same as what you were told. I am curious though......are you also getting the separate "clicking" noises which seem to come from the area between the two front seats or the transmission tunnel when your climate control is on? The clicking noises that I have in my 07' when the climate control system is on occur most often when it is at least 75-80 degrees and on either acceleration or at steady higher speeds 45-50 and up. Do you know what might be causing this clicking?

#1522 of 1807 Premium gas requirement? by buyer5

Aug 16, 2006 (9:35 am)

I'm considering an 2006 S40 and doing a little research right now. I've found this board very helpful so far so I was wondering if anyone can answer any of the following questions:
 
I've read a few previous post regarding the gas requirement on this car and noticed that some people were saying it required premium gas, while others (and dealers) were saying it didn't, could anyone advise what they are using?
 
Also, can anyone speak to the room in the backseat? I do a lot of carpooling to work and I'd prefer not hear any complaints from fellow passengers . I thought of this after the test drive so I didn't think to sit in the backseat at that time but the dimensions I've seen online seem to be pretty standard with some of the cars I've been looking at. Can anyone advise how comfortable (ample leg room, etc.) they feel the backseat is though? Thanks.

#1523 of 1807 Re: Premium gas requirement? [buyer5] by suspendmix

Aug 16, 2006 (12:15 pm)

Replying to: buyer5 (Aug 16, 2006 9:35 am)
i used premium the first 2 times I filled and regular the last 3-4 times and really noticed no difference in pick up or performance nor a difference in gas mileage...in fact, i think the gas mileage has gotten a bit better as the engine as broken in more...1st was at 24mpg and now its between 26-27 with mostly 3/4 siting in traffic and 1/4 freeway...
 
i also pick up carpoolers and no complaints...i sat in the back and it has more room than my civic and i picked up carpoolers for years in that...no complaints from carpoolers bout the s40 and if anything, the car itself seems to be a conversation starter...

#1524 of 1807 Re: Premium gas requirement? [suspendmix] by buyer5

Aug 16, 2006 (5:05 pm)

Replying to: suspendmix (Aug 16, 2006 12:15 pm)
Thanks suspendmix!

Messages Page 153 of 182

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