3074 messages,
Last post on May 14, 2013 at 8:17 PM
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Volvo S60 Forum.
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Volvo S60, Volvo S60 R, Sedan
#2713 of 3074 Re: Wanted by Volvo: 2001 S60s ???? [grantchstr]
by wpbfla9
Oct 23, 2006 (12:53 pm)
HI- well I DID just buy a new 2007 S60 only to have the transmission completely fail at highways speeds after just 5 weeks. I have been disgusted with Volvo's response. The car is just sitting in service for 6+ days waiting for the new transmission to arrive (by boat, perhaps???) Meanwhile Volvo has refused to do the right thing and just swap it for another car and the dealer has given me the run-around. I will NEVER buy another Volvo again. My second car is a VW Passat which has never had problems after 100,000 miles. I bought the Volvo for its famous safety and reliability. The German cars also handle/steer much better. Sorry I bought it.
Nov 06, 2006 (12:17 pm)
I have the S60T 2003 and have recently been driving all city miles. I checked the MPG on my last fill and calculated 14 per gallon. I'm not a lead foot. Is there cause for concern since my warrant will be up next year. Should I take it in to the dealer and have whatever checked? Is there the possibility of a software problem? Thanks for your time in responding.
#2715 of 3074 S60 AWD or T5 ?
by cj7375
Nov 07, 2006 (2:18 pm)
I am on the market for a car 1-2 years old. The choice came down to Accord V6 (2004-2005) and S60.
I am leaning towards S60 but the wife can not decide. The car is for her.
What confuses me is what I read here ....
"S60 2.5T AWD brings still more power and all-wheel drive. Last year's all-wheel-drive model was powered by the same engine as the 2.4T. New for 2003, the 2.5T AWD model runs with a slightly larger-displacement five-cylinder, still using light-pressure turbocharging to produce a responsive 208 horsepower and 236 pounds-feet of torque. The torque peaks at a super-low 1500 rpm for low-speed pulling power. The Geartronic automatic is standard. The Sport Package ($750) adds 17-inch wheels, 235/45R17 tires and T5 model's front and rear sport seats."
"S60 T5 uses a high-pressure turbo to produce 247 horsepower and 243 pounds-feet of torque for truly pulse-quickening acceleration. A five-speed manual transmission is again standard, with the Geartronic automatic a $1200 option. Aluminum mesh replaces woodgrain in the interior. Power-adjustable sport seats and a trip computer are standard. The T5 Sport Package ($750) adds 17-inch wheels, 235/45R17 tires, and a stiffer suspension. The Premium Package for the T5 ($1995) adds leather and power moonroof."
In other words the AWD using the 'Low Press. Turbo" will have more low end torque, than teh "High Press. Turbo" found in T5 .... which really kicks in at 4,000 rpm, not before.
Looks like I will be better-off going with AWD instead of T5 ?
Opinions are appreciated
Nov 07, 2006 (7:27 pm)
Volvomax, do you have an opinion as to whether I'm taking too much of a chance messing with the electronics of my 2006 S60 T5 to install the following system?
Pioneer AVIC-Z1
HDD Multimedia AV Navigation Server
Thank you for your input.
#2717 of 3074 Re: S60 AWD or T5 ? [cj7375]
by qbrozen
Nov 08, 2006 (7:37 am)
I don't see in the information you provided where the torque peaks in the T5, but according to Edmunds specs, its at 2400 rpms, not 4k.
But, yes, the 2.5T is more responsive off idle than the T5. Its past maybe about 15 mph that the T5 then runs away.
IF you want AWD, there is no T5 option. Keep in mind, though, AWD adds weight and drivetrain drag, which probably just about counteracts that off-the-line advantage that the low-pressure turbo provides.
I suggest you drive both. If you are primarily a city driver, I think you'll find the 2.5T more to your liking (although, if you are considering the T5, I suggest simply the FWD 2.5T). If you spend more time at higher speeds where passing power can be important (or at least intoxicating), the T5 is where its at.
#2718 of 3074 Re: S60 AWD or T5 ? [qbrozen]
by cj7375
Nov 08, 2006 (8:58 pm)
Here is where I read it ...
"...Driving Impressions
From inside, the Volvo S60 sometimes feels bigger than it is because its shape doesn't allow you to see the four fender corners. Driven hard around turns, it almost seems like a '90s version of a '60s muscle car. The relatively long throw of the five-speed gearbox adds to the retro feel.
The S60 doesn't offer the razor-edge handling of the BMW 330i. Pushed through bumpy, high-speed corners, the S60's steering can't keep up. The suspension is tuned for comfort, not hard cornering, so the body leans in the chase. But the ride is excellent, even over nasty bumps, even with the optional 17-inch wheels fitted with Pirelli P6 all-season 235/45HR17 radials.
The S60 is front-wheel-drive, and torque steer rears its head, especially with the more powerful T5. Stand on the gas and you'll feel a tug on the steering wheel. It's really no big deal, though, as you get used to it. Still, the S60 definitely engages the driver, because you have to pay attention to the steering when you're driving hard. But it's extremely steady at speed if the road isn't too bumpy.
The T5 produces prodigious thrust from its high-pressure turbocharger, but you need to keep the revs up to keep the engine responsive. The T5 won't impress you until the revs climb to 4000 rpm where the power comes on really strong. At 50 mph in fourth gear the engine is turning 2500 rpm, so you'll generally have to downshift to third gear to pass on a two-lane. Volvo's turbocharged engines get great gas mileage. With the five-speed manual transmission the T5 gets 21/27 mpg.
The brakes were on the soft side, but the ABS was very smooth. We didn't feel thrown forward in the seat under hard braking, as we have with other sports sedans, including the BMW 330i.
The steering is slightly heavier in the S60 AWD, because of the weight of the all-wheel-drive system. (Volvo prefers to say it has a more "on-center feel," which is fair enough.) The ride also is firmer on the all-wheel-drive version, using stiffer shocks to handle the weight. We think it's a worthwhile tradeoff to get the AWD's improved traction and handling in the rain and snow.
We drove over gravel roads in the S60 AWD, and the directional stability on this loose surface was excellent. Power in the S60 AWD is distributed between the front and rear wheels using a wet multi-plate clutch controlled by electronics, and the distribution varies according to conditions. With a steady throttle on dry pavement, about 95 percent of the drive is transmitted to the front wheels; but up to 70 percent can go to the rear wheels when required. The balance changes instantaneously. Of course other automakers say that, too; but the difference in Volvo's Active-On-Demand system is the degree of instantaneous-ness. When one wheel slips 15 degrees, far less than any human can detect, the balance of power shifts away from that wheel, thus replacing the slip with grip. In other words, it's just more secure and better stuck to the road when the weather gets nasty."....
http://www.automallusa.net/2004/volvo/s60/reviews.html
Thank you for your reply.
#2719 of 3074 Re: S60 AWD or T5 ? [cj7375]
by volvomax
Nov 10, 2006 (2:16 pm)
Unless you enjoy torque steer or drive over 100 mph, you are better off w/ the 2.5T, AWD or no.
#2720 of 3074 Re: Aftermarket GPS [confused7]
by volvomax
Nov 10, 2006 (2:18 pm)
Find a qualified installer. Most installers are leery of Volvo's because of their complicated electrical systems.
We had a customer whose wiring harness was fried by an incompetent installer.
#2721 of 3074 Re: Aftermarket GPS [volvomax]
by confused7
Nov 10, 2006 (4:39 pm)
Good to know, thanks. I'm in Southern California, in Santa Monica to be precise.
How do I find a qualified installer?
#2722 of 3074 Re: Aftermarket GPS [confused7]
by volvomax
Nov 11, 2006 (9:12 am)
Find a high end stereo store, somewhere where they do European cars on a regular basis.