I am looking for an used S80 (2003/2004). As far as I know, they come with three different engines:

inline 6 (2003)
inline 6 turbo (2003/2004)
inline 5 turbo (2004)

Which engine would be the most reliable? I know other specs as hp but reliability is what concerns me the most.

Thanks.

 

Last Christmas I purchased a 04' S80 I-6cyl. Runs great no issues as far as now concerning the engine. Has just about 75K miles on it.I do hear that the turbos break down allot more and cost a bit more to fix. I could be wrong on that though...

 

I have a 2004 S80 inline 6 (non-turbo) 56000 miles. We've had the car since April 2004 (bought used), no problems so far. Just changed the plugs and air and cabin filters. Normal 3,000 mi oil & filter changes. We had the chance to get the 5 cyl turbo but opted for what we were told was a more trouble free 6 cyl non-turbo.

 

Thanks to all who replied. I guess I am leaning toward non-turbo 6-cyl engine unless I find T6 deal that I can't pass.

 

I believe it is not the engine you should worry about, it's the tranny-the 6-cyl. was mated to somewhat weak GM-made 4-speed transmission, 5 cyl. was mated to Japanise/Toyota 5-speed tranny. so 2.5 turbo + 5-speed is more reliable then 6 cyl. w/ GM tranny.

 

I've got a 2003 2.9 six and tranny was hesitating, sometime shifting hard into the next gear. Flushed it and she's shifting smooth as silk again. Gonna have the tranny filter replaced next oil change.

As far as engine itself, I've amazed how much torque it produces ~2000 RPM. I wouldn't want the exhaust wide open, even for a few more horsepower at higher revs. It's just so easy to drive the way it is now (stock), especially in traffic. I can sip a steaming hot cup of coffee during rush hour without spilling a drop.

 

I dunno, thinking maybe I should buy the trany filter and pan gasket and try to get one of the local transmission specialty shops to do it. Maybe print out the procedure I found here just in case: http://volvospeed.com/Repair/s80_transmission.html

Anywho, all other GM transmissions need maintenance, so don't understand how Volvo can say this one doesn't. A little TLC is all my S80 has need so far and it's running like a top.

 

Hey Cirto, I have an 02 2.9 and I'm considering doing the flush. What tranny fluid did you use for the job? Is there any pros and cons of changing the filter or not? I dont think the volvo dealers change the filter when doing the job
thanks

 

I paid someone to do it for me ($150) but am pretty sure was normal ATF Dextron III. Just don't think I trust the same guy to drain and drop the pan. I wouldn't want it to get bent and not seal well afterwards. I suppose the guys in the trany shop, since they do that kind of thing all day, are probably a safer bet.

 

Well as far as I can remember, the stealership charges $140 for a flush including labour and ATF etc...
i figure may as well do it there at that price..
Is there any advantage to using synthetic ATF in the GM tranny?

they claim the filter isnt changeable but if its a filter it has to be changeable.. strange, varies between opinion i guess

 

I'm surprised your dealer even does it. I was told it's "maintenance free" and doesn't need to be flushed. No wonder so many are failing.

And I thought all that red ATF stuff was synthetic... my Honda Passport (Isuzu Rodeo rebranded) has a manual/stick that uses regular engine oil though. I put Mobile One in it just so I wouldn't have to change it again for a while. It's a pain to fill.

 

I did read on one of the other Volvo forums that there's a software patch ($115) for the transmission that prevents the "auto-neutral" on stop feature. Apparently that's why the car rolls back on hills and many suspect it's also the culprit in a lot of the premature failures.