Review: Volvo Mk.2-I C70 Convertible (2006-10)

Overview

Released in December 2006, the Volvo Mk.2 Phase I (Mk.2-I) C70 Convertible was a four-seat convertible with a power-operated, retractable steel roof. Manufactured in Uddevalla, Sweden, the front-wheel drive Volvo C70 Convertible was available with naturally aspirated 2.4-litre and turbocharged 2.5-litre petrol engines (the ‘2.4’ and ‘T5’ variants, respectively).

B5244S4 and B5254T3 engines

Of the engines,

• The 2.4-litre B5244S4 five-cylinder petrol engine had an aluminium block and cylinder heads, fracture-split steel connecting rods, double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, continuously variable valve timing for the intake camshaft and a compression ratio of 10.3:1; and,
• The 2.5-litre B5254T3 turbocharged petrol engine for T5 variants had similar properties but added a K04 Borg Warner turbocharger which provided peak boost pressure of 0.65 bar, an intercooler, continuously variable valve timing for the exhaust camshaft and had a lower compression ratio (9.0:1). In 2008, the B5254T3 was replaced by the B5254T7 which had a slightly different turbocharger design and a reprogrammed ECU.

While the 2.4 was available with five-speed automatic and manual transmissions, the T5 was also available with a six-speed manual unit.

Dimensions

Compared to the Volvo Mk.1 C70 Convertible , the Mk.2 C70 Convertible was 192 mm shorter (at 4528 mm), the same width (1820 mm), 10 mm lower (1400 mm) and had a 20 mm shorter wheelbase (2640 mm). Furthermore, the C70 Convertible introduced a three-piece folding steel roof which could be opened or closed in thirty seconds.

Suspension and steering

The Volvo Mk.2 C70 Convertible had MacPherson strut front suspension and independent, multi-link rear suspension (both with coil springs, gas filled dampers and anti-roll bars).

The Volvo C70 Convertible had rack-and-pinion steering with hydraulic power assistance.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Volvo C70 Convertible included dual front airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags, door-mounted upward-inflating (i.e. curtain) airbags for front and rear occupants, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control, anti-submarining seats, front seatbelts with load limiters and pretensioners and anti-whiplash front headrests.

The C70 was also fitted with Volvo’s Roll Over Protection System (‘ROPS’) which used a pyrotechnic release to deploy the rollover protection bars.

Features

Standard features for the Volvo C70 Convertible LE included 17-inch alloy wheels, an eight speaker sound system with CD player, dual-zone climate control air conditioning, leather seats, power adjustable front seats with memory settings, cruise control, rear parking sensors, front and rear fog lamps, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote central locking, power mirrors and windows, a tilt adjustable steering wheel, height adjustable front seats, 12 volt power outlet, trip computer and immobiliser.

Compared to the LE, the C70 Convertible S was fitted with a cloth trim and a six speaker sound system. Coinciding with the September 2009 release of the S variant, auxiliary sound system inputs were made standard across the range.

The range-topping C70 Convertible T5 was distinguished by its 18-inch alloy wheels, twelve speaker sound system with six-stack CD player, bi-xenon headlights with washers and rain-sensing wipers.

Related links

• Technical Presentation: Volvo C70 (August 2006)
• Volvo Newsroom: The all-new Volvo C70 – both a convertible and a coupe (September 2005)
• Volvo Newsroom: The all-new Volvo C70 – convertible with unique safety features (September 2005)
• Volvo Newsroom: The all-new Volvo C70 – Sporty, stable and comfortable (September 2005)
• Volvo Newsroom: Volvo C70 – model year 2008 (July 2007)
• Volvo Newsroom: Volvo C70 – model year 2009 (May 2008)

Review: Volvo Mk.2-II C70 Convertible (2010-13)

Overview

Released in May 2010, the Volvo Mk.2 Phase II (Mk.2-II) C70 Convertible introduced revised styling and an updated interior. Visually, the Mk.2-II C70 Convertible could be identified by its more angular headlights, larger air intake and redesigned front bumper; at the rear, the LED tail-lights and bumper were re-shaped. Inside, the seats were upholstered in softer leather, while the dashboard featured improved materials and instrumentation.

In August 2010, the C70 Convertible range was revised: the 2.4 variant was discontinued, while the T5 variant was solely available with an automatic transmission and offered in standard and ‘S’ editions.

Safety equipment

Compared to its Mk.2-I predecessor, standard safety equipment for the Volvo Mk.2-II C70 Convertible was unchanged. However, the Mk.2-II C70 Convertible was fitted with Volvo’s Emergency Brake Light system, which flashed the tail-lights when emergency stops were made from speeds in excess of 60 km/h.

Features

Standard features were initially unchanged. From August 2010, keyless start and Bluetooth connectivity were fitted as standard; other than this, the T5 S was similarly equipped to the 2.4 S.

Optional Teknik Pack

A ‘Teknik Pack’ was also available as an option, including satellite navigation, Volvo’s Blind Spot Identification System (BLIS), adaptive headlights, compass, Bluetooth connectivity and headlight washers.

Brochures

• Brochure: Volvo Mk.2-II C70 Convertible (July 2012)
• Brochure: Volvo Mk.2-II C70 Convertible (November 2012)

Technical specifications

• Technical Specifications: Volvo Mk.2-II C70 Convertible (July 2010)
• Specifications: Volvo Mk.2-II C70 Convertible (August 2011)

Related links

• Technical Specifications: Volvo Mk.2-II C70 Convertible (May 2010)
• Volvo Newsroom: New Volvo C70 rewards the owner (September 2009)
• Volvo Newsroom: The sleek new Volvo C70 (January 2010)
• Volvo Newsroom: Volvo C70 – model year 2011 (August 2010)
• Volvo Newsroom: Volvo C70 – model year 2012 (May 2011)
• Volvo Newsroom: Volvo C70 – model year 2013 (August 2012)
• Wikipedia.org: Volvo Mk.2 C70 Convertible

Review: Volvo Mk.1-I C70 Convertible (1999-01)

Overview

Released in September 1999, the Volvo Mk.1 Phase I (Mk.1-I) C70 Convertible was a two-door convertible with a power-operated soft-top roof. Manufactured in Uddevalla, Sweden, the front-wheel drive Volvo C70 Convertible range consisted of T5 and 2.4T variants.

B5234T and B5254T engines

Of the engines,

• the 2.3-litre B5234T3 five-cylinder petrol engine for T5 variants had an aluminium block and cylinder heads, fracture-split forged steel connecting rods, double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 8.5:1. The turbocharger provided peak boost pressure of 1.66 kPa, though 1.4 kPa was available from 1800 rpm; and,
• the 2.4-litre B5254T engine for 2.4T variants had similar properties, though its low-pressure turbocharger provided peak boost pressure of 0.4 kPa and the engine operated with a compression ratio of 9.0:1.

Body and dimensions

The Volvo C70 Convertible was based on the Volvo 850 platform and, like the Volvo C70 Coupe , was 4720 mm long, 1820 mm wide, 1410 mm tall and had a 2660 mm wheelbase. Furthermore, the C70 Convertible’s full automatic soft-top roof could be raised or lowered in 25 seconds via a dashboard-mounted switch.

Suspension and steering

The Volvo C70 Convertible had MacPherson strut front suspension and trailing twist beam rear suspension (Volvo’s ‘Delta-link’ semi-independent rear suspension). Furthermore, the Volvo C70 Convertible had rack-and-pinion steering with hydraulic power assistance.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Volvo C70 Convertible included dual front airbags, front side airbags (with thorax and head protection), ABS, electronic brake force distribution, traction control, front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters and an automatically deploying roll bar (Volvo’s Roll Over Protection System, ‘ROPS’). The C70 Convertible was also fitted with Volvo’s whiplash protection system (‘WHIPS’) which, in the event of a rear-end impact, would move and then tilt the front seat backrests bac kWards to support the head and upper torso.

Features

Standard features for the Volvo C70 Convertible 2.4T included 16-inch alloy wheels, a thirteen speaker Dolby Surround ProLogic sound system (including two nine-inch subwoofers) with a three-disc CD player, climate control air conditioning, leather seats, a power adjustable driver’s seat with memory settings, heated front seats, cruise control, front fog lamps, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear shift, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, a tilt and reach adjustable steering wheel, trip computer and an immobiliser.

As standard, the C70 Convertible was also fitted with a limited slip differential.

The Volvo C70 Convertible T5 was distinguished by its 17-inch alloy wheels.

Review: Volvo Mk.1-II C70 Convertible (2001-04)

Overview

Released in August 2001, the Volvo Mk.1 Phase II (Mk.1-II) C70 Convertible introduced a revised range as the 2.4T was discontinued. In 2002, the C70 2.4T returned, but only for a limited-run 75th Anniversary edition. In March 2003, the T5’s 2.3-litre turbo engine received a slight power upgrade.

Safety equipment and features

Compared to its Mk.1-I predecessor, safety equipment and features were largely unchanged.

In addition to its unique drivetrain, the C70 2.4T 75th Anniversary edition was distinguished by its rear parking sensors and metallic interior highlights.

Related links

• Wikipedia.org: Volvo Mk.1 C70

Recalls: Volvo Mk.2 C70 Convertible

Overview

Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.

Recalls: Volvo Mk.2 C70 Convertible

• In January 2007, a recall was issued for model year 2007 Volvo C70 Convertible vehicles in the VIN range 0010055 to 0014752. For these vehicles, the wrong information was printed on the vehicle product label and was to be replaced (PRA 2007/8988).
• In May 2007, a recall was issued for model year 2007 Volvo C70 Convertible vehicles due to an incorrect temporary assembly instruction resulting in a faulty assembly of the left door handle Bowden cable attachment (PRA 2007/9270).
• In June 2010, a recall was issued for model year 2010 Volvo C70 Convertible vehicles fitted with a 2.5-litre engine, manual transmission and in the VIN range 098008 to 099383. For these vehicles, the ball joint and cylinder pin on the gearshift lever may be mounted with an incorrect torque, which could lead to the ball joint coming loose. As a result, the driver may be unable to change gears which could create an unsafe driving condition. However, the driver would be able to stop the vehicle by depressing the clutch, brake and turning off the ignition (PRA 2010/11719).
• In April 2011, a recall was issued for 2011 model year Volvo C70 Convertible vehicles fitted with a headlight cleaning system. For these vehicles, the headlight cleaning pump may affect the washer fluid level sensor. As such, the driver may not receive information on the instrument panel when the washer fluid level is low, constituting non-compliance with the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989, ECE R45 (PRA 2011/12502).
• In May 2015, a recall was issued for model ‘year 2008’ to ‘model year 2011’ Volvo C70 Convertibles that had six-speed manual transmissions. In these vehicles, the clutch cylinder rod may break such that it may not be possible for the driver to disengage the clutch. The clutch cylinder rod could break without warning to the driver and pose an accident hazard to the driver and other road users. The recalled C70 Convertible vehicles had serial numbers (i.e. the last six digits of the VIN) in the range 049859 to 099741 (PRA 2015/14692).

Problems and faults: Volvo Mk.2 C70 Convertible

Overview

This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.

To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.

Volvo C70 T5: PCV diaphragm rupture

For the Volvo C70 T5’s 2.5-litre B5254T3 turbocharged petrol engine, the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) diaphragm – located in the oil filter housing – may rupture. Symptoms of a ruptured PCV diaphragm include:

• A whining/whistling noise that increases with engine speed, yet stops when the dipstick is removed (since removing the dipstick releases back pressure, see video below);
• A lack of boost pressure in low gears;
• Excessive oil consumption;
• Blue smoke from the exhaust; and,
• Illumination of the engine warning light.

To fix,the air filter housing assembly needs to be removed; Sometimes, the breather hose from the assembly to the block may be damaged and also require replacement. It is understood that Volvo subsequently introduced an uprated diaphragm.

Volvo C70 T5: cracked cylinder liners

The Volvo C70 T5’s 2.5-litre B5254T3 turbocharged engine had an open deck block and steel cylinder liners that were press-fitted into the block. For the B5254T3 engine, however, there have been rare cases of cracked cylinder liners (also known as sleeves). Symptoms of cracked cylinder liners include:

• Misfire when cold;
• Loss of coolant;
• Excessive white smoke; and,
• Rough running on start-up.

Engines that have been modified for greater power are considered more vulnerable to cracked cylinder liners (particularly beyond 240 kW); it has also been suggested that cracked cylinder liners were most common for pre-April 2008 engines, though AustralianCar.Reviews has not been able to verify this.

Volvo C70 T5: solenoid boost valve

For the Volvo C70 T5’s 2.5-litre B5254T3 turbocharged petrol engine, the solenoid boost valve is susceptible to failure. If there is a lack of performance and the boost gauge boost doesn’t go beyond a quarter of the dial, this is indicative of a failed solenoid boost valve. If the valve is operating properly, the dial on the boost pressure gauge should go beyond halfway before settling down in the middle.

Problems and faults: Volvo Mk.2 C70 Convertible

• Noise from the power steering pump may be due to it coming into contact with the air conditioning accumulator.
• The Volvo C70’s convertible roof may stop working as it is being lowered due to a sensor being out of position. The remote central locking system may only work intermittently because a screw in the unit becomes loose and electrical connections are affected.
• The anti-theft alarm may be activated while driving and an ‘alarm service required’ message may appear on the driver information centre; if so, the central communications module requires replacement.
• For early models, difficulty starting the vehicle in cold temperatures may be remedied by the engine control module.
• For early models, unwanted noises may come from the speakers if an auxiliary music player is used. A revised cable for the wiring harness was subsequently released to fix this problem, though the audio module may also require replacement.

Recalls: Volvo Mk.1 C70 Convertible

Overview

Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.

Recalls: Volvo Mk.1 C70 Convertible

• In December 2000, a recall was issued for model year 2000 and 2001 Volvo C70 Convertible vehicles. For these vehicles, transposed wiring in the side impact protection system (SIPS) may result in the deployment of the opposite airbag in the event of a side airbag. The affected vehicles could be identified by their chassis numbers which were in the range 006503 to 016012 (PRA 2000/4581).

Problems and faults: Volvo Mk.1 C70 Convertible

Overview

This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.

To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.

1999-02 Volvo C70 Convertible: electronic throttle control software update – service campaign

In November 2006, Volvo initiated recall R155 in the USA to update the electronic throttle control software; while this recall was not initiated in Australia, a service campaign was. According to the recall notice, 1999-02 model year Volvo C70 Convertible vehicles may experience the following symptoms:

• Entering ‘limp home’ mode (which limited power and engine speed); and/or,
• A warning lamp in the instrument cluster would illuminate and the ‘Service Required’ message would be displayed.

The recall notice attributed these symptoms to a combination of throttle positioning sensor irregularities, a dirty throttle housing and/or ‘inefficient’ software calibration. The electronic throttle control software upgrade that was installed as part of the recall enabled the system to better differentiate between glitches or minor disturbances, and real system faults. The software upgrade also reduced idle oscillations caused by dirt build-up in the throttle.

Itis understood that the service action for Australian-delivered vehicles included:

• Measuring pressure in the crankcase and cleaning the crankcase ventilation system. According to Volvo Cars Australia, a ‘high percentage’ of Volvo cars serviced outside its dealer service network experienced blocked crankcase breathers;
• Updating the electronic throttle module (ETM) software as per the R155 recall; and,
• Clearing any fault codes in the system.

Volvo Mk.1 C70 Convertible: other problems and faults

• For the Volvo C70’s convertible roof, the trim moulding may come loose from the drip rail.
• Water may enter the passenger compartment due to a gap between the firewall and engine compartment – applying sealant between the two may fix the problem.
• The drain holes in the rocker panels may be clogged with body sealer and therefore lead to corrosion.
• A whining noise from the front of the vehicle may require the dampers on both the half shafts to be replaced.

Released in September 1999, the Volvo Mk.1 Phase I (Mk.1-I) C70 Convertible was a two-door convertible with a power-operated soft-top roof. Manufactured in Uddevalla, Sweden, the front-wheel drive C70 Convertible range consisted of T5 and 2.4T variants. The C70 T5 variants were powered by Volvo’s B5234T engine which had maximum boost pressure of 1.66 kPa, though the 2.4T was powered by the 2.4-litre B5254T which had maximum boost pressure of 0.4 kPa… Read full Volvo Mk.1 C70 Convertible review

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Released in December 2006, the Volvo Mk.2 Phase I (Mk.2-I) C70 Convertible was a four-seat convertible with a power-operated, retractable steel roof. Manufactured in Uddevalla, Sweden, the front-wheel drive C70 Convertible was available with naturally aspirated 2.4-litre and turbocharged 2.5-litre petrol engines (the ‘2.4’ and ‘T5’ variants, respectively)… Read full Volvo Mk.2 C70 Convertible review

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Images: Volvo Mk.2-II C70 Convertible (2010-13)

Released in May 2010, the Volvo Mk.2 Phase II (Mk.2-II) C70 Convertible introduced revised styling and an updated interior. Visually, the Mk.2-II C70 Convertible could be identified by its more angular headlights, larger air intake and redesigned front bumper; at the rear, the LED tail-lights and bumper were re-shaped. Inside, the seats were upholstered in softer leather, while the dashboard featured improved materials and instrumentation. In August 2010, the C70 Convertible range was revised: the 2.4 variant was discontinued, while the T5 variant was solely available with an automatic transmission and offered in standard and ‘S’ editions.

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Men and Motors: Volvo C70 Convertible – Top 10 Convertibles of 2001

Note

Please note that these videos are applicable to vehicles as they are supplied to their respective markets. As such, the features, prices and performance of the vehicles in these videos may differ from those which are supplied in Australia.