My 2010 S40 T5 AWD R-Design just hit the 90k mile mark. It looks like the 90k service involves the oil change, cabin air filter change and the various inspections. I'm going to take it in for an oil change but considering checking and changing the cabin air filter myself. Anyone have any recommendations or experience? Going forward I'm also wondering if it's worth spending the extra money to have the full factory maintenance schedule performed or just continue on with the oil changes.

 

There is great value in following the factory maintenance schedule at a minimum if you want to continue to drive that car to 150K miles or beyond, but doing it at the dealer is at the least not necessary, and quite frankly typically a rip off. They tend to list all the items inspected to "build value" in the customers eyes so they will continue to use the dealer for service, but in reality the tech does not spend near as much time as they build into the price for the service and that causes a price point that simply doesn't make sense. If you are not a DIY person then seek out a local independent Volvo only shop or at least a shop that specializes in European cars. For independent shops it is very helpful to have someone who works on your particular brand day in and out because they get really good at spotting the typical high mileage issues for that brand/model, and when those things are caught early it can save you a break down and keep your car reliable day to day. Those types of shops also tend to have good business only if they are doing a good job for customers that don't blindly return to the dealer, so they either have happy customers or they soon go out of business. If you list what city you are in or near I'm sure a member would be glad to point you to one they are happy with.

 

If you service it at a dealership, don't buy the service package. Just buy the actual items that are replaced during the service. For example, the 90k gets an oil change, pollen filter and tire rotation. Just go have those items done and it will most likely be cheaper. As a tech, I inspect a car coming in for an oil change just the same as I do a car coming in for a scheduled maintenance. Unless the customer never buys anything or takes the recommendations to some other shop to have done. Those customers don't get an inspection from me.

 

Thanks guys. I'm in Easton, PA. My thought process was with the 90k mile service mainly consisting of an oil change and the cabin air filter that it wouldn't be necessary to take it in and ask them for the scheduled service because I figured they would nail me for additional cost to "inspect" the vehicle. I figure that I can probably manage to replace the cabin filter myself. I've gone to a local shop in Easton that specializes selling used Volvos and BMWs and also servicing the vehicles. I'll have to go to them from now forward to avoid the dealer from ripping me off when any more involved maintenance is required. I recently had to get my windshield resealed. Dealer wanted $290. Local auto glass shop wanted $150.

 

Not all dealers will rip you a new one. Also, with newer vehicles, they are very aware of things that need to be checked. Yes they have higher cost of service, and if you had just a few minutes to peek at their overhead, you would understand why.

To me it boils down to economics. Can you afford the usually more detailed and specilazed manufactured service? Or will you be better off dealing with a shop that is good at keeping a car on the road but usually can not service speciality items? Most places can rotate tires, do an oil change and replace a CV axle. However, they rarely get service bulletins about checking some wire that may be getting damaged from vibration near the rear trunk hinge (prior to causing some weird short).

It can be a tough call, especially if you have gotten jacked around by your local dealer. It is really tough when you don't know that a tech has done several nice little things to help you out because your dealer has a PR buffer there who never let's you know that. On the flip side of that, some dealers **** off their techs and they do nothing more than they have to.

 

The 2005 requires unbolting the gas pedal to replace the cabin air filter. It's not overly difficult to squeeze up under the dash and get to the nuts. Is the 2010 the same?

 

Yes, 2010 is the same. All P1s are. The 2010 has a wingnut holding the door onto the climate box instead of three screws, so that part is easier. Also, the kickpanel can stay in to remove the accelerator pedal on the 2010