I just purchased a 2004 s60r with 80k. had an inspection and everything came back clean, but when i drive the car now it doesn't feel right. i could just not be used to the turbo yet but when boost builds it is very choppy, and jolts almost like the turbo is going on and off from 2500-3500 rpm. does anyone know more about this, and is it normal for the s60r to drive like this. i am planning on taking it to a volvo specialist asap but would like to have some idea of what to tell them or expect. Thanks!

 

Possible it could be a misfire? Are you having any CEL's come on???

 

The message center will intermittently show a message saying its time for a regular service

 

Could be the throttle module, although I thought that issue was more or less resolved by the '04 models. Might also be a misfire, as Mad Matt stated. The ignition coils do go bad over time.

"The message center will intermittently show a message saying its time for a regular service"
If you mean the time for regular service message displays after starting the engine and goes of after two minutes, that is normal. As far as the condition of "feeling very choppy and jolts", that is not normal. If you have records check the PCV system for service.

 

what octane fuel are you running? When I first bought mine, I ran 87 or 89, being used to my T5, I didn't think it'd make that much difference. Well, I experienced the same thing you did, and realized I needed to run 91 octane.

 

i just filled up with 91 octane and i think the problem started before i filled up so that probably rules out bad gas. im taking to to the volvo expert in fort collins hopefully he is good. thanks for all the tips!

 

The problem was that the previous owner never replaced the spark plugs and it was causing the engine to misfire. Thanks for all the suggestions and good call mad matt. Now let the upgrading begin!