2005 2.5T vs 2008 3.2 XC90

[cn90]

Hi everyone,

I understand the engine is different, but I can deal with either 2.5T or 3.2 issues, so it is not a big deal for me in terms of horsepower, engine longevity etc. etc.

What I want to ask is the difference between 2005 vs 2008 XC90:

1. I assume the body, chassis is the same.

2. The safety system: airbags system (front, side, ? any curtain)---> are they the same?

If anyone can point out for me the subtle differences between 2005 vs 2008 XC90, I'd appreciate it!

[jimmy57]

safety systems- no diff
audio system is improved between 05 and 08
awd system improved with the better angle gear and angle gear collar on the 08 if both are awd
no tbelt on 3.2 but if head has to come off the special tools are nedded and not something you can circumevent with home-built versions as with the 5 cylinder.

Have you driven both?
The 5 cyl turbo has less HP but more torque and at RPM where it is more usable.

If you drive west (higher altitude) the 5 cyl turbo will shine bright and the 3.2 will fizzle out big time.

Not a cut and dried easy choice here.

[cn90]

Hi jimmy,

Thanks so much for your expertise, appreciate it!
I am mechanically inclined so I am not afraid for repair...

The 2005 2.5T AWD 81,000 miles, listed for $10,900.

The 2008 3.2 AWD 67,000 miles, listed for $17,000 or so.

A few more questions that I hope you can help:

1. Audio system, what is the difference: ? better loud speakers.
I see the head units are basically the same.

2. The 2005 2.5T with 81,000 miles, should I do the timing belt anyway, considering that it is 9-year-old TB?

3. The Angle Gear and Angle Gear Collar:
a. Any problems with the 2005, if so at what mileage?
b. If and whenever it goes out, from what I gather, I can simply the remove the driveshaft and convert it to FWD, correct?

4. Number of airbags: are they the same in terms of safety?
I am more concerned about curtain airbag, I assume it is part of the 2005 XC90 system.

[jimmy57]

They simplified the audio system. The antennae are on side glass instead of a module in rear roof with printed film antenna.

I would do timing belt due to age, agreed.

The milage varies widely with type of use. Likely an angle gear R&R while you are doing pre-emptive fron CV joint grease repack and then cleaning and greasing the collar would stave off problems. If you can see rust trail running down from angle gear to transmission joint then collar is at risk.
The angle gear on 08 is the new style that doesn't leak. The collar is different spline angle with an interference fit. You can remove driveshaft.

No difference in count or type or features for SRS as far as airbag/curtain/seatbelts. The 08 will have the passenger airbag disable system with pressure sensing bladder in RF seat.

08 has variable displacement a/c compressor which gives better cooling at idle but the compressor is more expensive but also way more easy to access. No clutch gap issues with VD compressors as they do not cycle but instead get reduced pumping volume to avert freeze up of evaporator.

[cn90]

...The milage varies widely with type of use. Likely an angle gear R&R while you are doing pre-emptive front CV joint grease repack and then cleaning and greasing the collar would stave off problems. If you can see rust trail running down from angle gear to transmission joint then collar is at risk....

What do you mean by angle gear R&R?

Is this the kit:
http://www.fcpeuro.com/products/volvo-a ... glegearkit

[jimmy57]

If rear driveshaft is out and you remove RH front axle then angle gear is 5 more bolts to remove.

[cn90]

Thanks jimmy,

I understand that these WPs are made by Aisin and are very good, I just replaced that on my 1998 S70 with 150K, zero leak but at 150K, I did the preventive maintenance.

Another question on the 2005 2.5T XC90 with 81K miles: the Water Pump is the same as 850, S70 series, with only 81K, should I leave it alone?

[cn90]

Thanks jimmy57,

Ended up buying the 2005 XC90 2.5T with 81K miles.
Nice car.

Some work ahead:

1. Replace the PCV hose (from top of oil trap to valve cover). Should be easy.
The problematic plastic hose is no longer made, it is now Rubber hose.

2. Suspension overhaul:
- Front Strut, Mount, Strut Bearing etc. etc.
- Rear Suspension later.

3. Routine tuneup:
- Fluids (Rear Diff, Angle Gear, Trans)
- Spark Plugs etc.
- Fuel Filter
- Driveline inspection.

4. Timing Belt, Pulleys at 90K (next summer.
In fact, I removed the TB cover and the TB looks to be in very good condition at 81K.
The lettering (saying Contitech, Volvo etc.) is still there.

Thanks again!

[jimmy57]

The water pump is the same Aisin pump but differences occur due to pulley width

[cn90]

Just inspected the XC90 2.5T Timing Belt with 82K miles. The surface is smooth with no visible cracks.
I think I am good until 90K-100K or so, then I will replace the TB, pulleys at that time...

XC-TB.JPG (135.39 KiB) Viewed 4989 times