Polestar question

[PierreC]

I had posted the following question on the XC90 forum a week ago, with no replies yet. Since it equally applies to the XC70 / R models, I repeat it here:

Although I have been on the XC70 forum for many years, this is my first post on the XC90 forum. As my 2002 XC70 is getting older, and I don't like the shape of the 2008+ XC70, I have started looking at the XC90. I can get a very clean 2008 D5 with 93.000 km (58.000 miles) at a reasonable price and am busy researching before I commit.

Specifically, the vehicle is fitted with the Polestar upgrade which increase power from 136 kW to 151 kw and torque from 400 Nm to 450 Nm ... This is all quite cool BUT the torque peak of 450Nm exceeds the transmission specification. The 6-speed automatic AW TF-80 SC transmission is rated at 440 Nm maximum, and if you look at the Volvo specs for all engines (V8, T6) that use this gearbox, the torque is limited to 440 Nm. [As an aside, I run a Elevate chip upgrade on my XC70, which increased power from 147 kW to 176 kW and torque from 285 Nm to 390 Nm and I love it ...].

According to the dealer and the Polestar web site, Polestar is the "officially sanctioned" Volvo chip upgrade, and fully guaranteed by Volvo. The upgrade also does not affect the standard (or extended) vehicle warranty.

I have two questions:

1. Does anybody have experience with this specific Polestar upgrade to the D5 engine?

2. Any comments / thoughts on the fact that the maximum torque with the Polestar upgrade exceeds the transmission's maximum torque rating?

[JRL]

Don't think you're going to find many (if any) here,, on this site with a diesel, they're N/A in North America
Never mind that you also want to find one that's flashed!

[ifnt420]

You shouldn't have any problem with the Polestar tune on the XC90 D5, as the tranny can hold its place after the tune;
but this is provided that you do your preventative maintenance accordingly, and dont thrash it like a rental car.
There are many local D5 here that has been tuned for 200,000km+ without any issues. (MTE stage 1 with 500NM torque)

And then again, there are many stock XC90 D5 with failed tranny simply because it was abused.
Use your common sense, and all should be fine. Good Luck!

[KB3MMX]

I'm so jealous, I wish we could get the diesel models here in the US !!

[PierreC]

You shouldn't have any problem with the Polestar tune on the XC90 D5, as the tranny can hold its place after the tune

Thank you ifnt420. Good to know that there is a lot of "reserve" in the tranny!

KB3MMX - I have never owned a diesel before so I am still not 100% sure ...