Just a quick one. just bought '98 S70 T5 with 56000 miles. Manual says that oil change is required after 5K but my oil change guy said that everybody should chang theri oil after 3K. who is right?
also what is going on with 60K maint? is it expensive and do you recommend it?

If you do a lot of city driving and use conventional oil, 3k changes isn't a bad idea. If you don't drive much, say 5-6k mi. per year, 3k is also a good idea.

I also use Mobil 1 with 5,000 mile drain intervals in my '99 T5. Mine has a sticker under the hood indicating synthetic oil (that may have been the factory fill). Enjoy your T5, they are great cars!

Oh, I forgot to mention brakes. A set of front pads last about 30K miles
and front rotors are good for about 60K miles. Rear pads probably
need replaceing at 60K, too. Rear rotors should last a long time.

Brake work is very easy on these cars and the parts are not too
expensive (front rotors about $60 each and set of front brake pads
is abour $45). Bay 13 has the instructions on checking the brakes
for wear and replacing worn components.

A final thing to check is the upper engine motor mount. My dealer
now calls it a "wearable" item and they do seem to go out about
every 30K miles. I've replaced mine but it requires a press. You
should check it for cracks and have it replaced as needed. A dealer
can do it pretty quickly.

I have a 98 S70 T5M (M means manual tranny) and I change mine about
5K to 8K miles. But, I drive 70miles a day and 65 are freeway so the
wear and tear is pretty low. I also use synthetic and think that is
the way to go with turbos. I would stick with 5K unless you drive
it almost exclusivly in city traffic (or every 6 months if really low
milage driving).

The 60K service is a major service (every 30K is major).
For 60K you replace air filter, plugs, pollen filter, change oil.
All easy services (these are easy cars to work on). Other items are
listed in the owners manual.

If you have an automatic tranny the fluid should be flushed.

The throttle body should be cleaned.

The accessory belt (fan belt) needs replacing at 60K miles.
www.ipdusa.com sells a tool that makes it easy.

Brake fluid should also be flushed at 30K intervals. The brake fluid
will absorb moisture over time (it is designed to do that) and needs
to be flushed. This is also reported to reduce problems with the ABS
components. I use Volvo brake fluid and this tool to flush: http://www.motiveproducts.com/

You should also have a look at: http://volvospeed.com/bay13.htm
since it is a great resource to owners.

www.volvoparts.com also has pretty good prices for OWM parts.

5K oil change interval for turbo is what Volvo recommends in the manual (dino or synthetic). I use Mobil1 synthetic with 5K change to get better lubrication at lower temperatures, high temperature protection, less sludge, etc. 60K maintenance is very much DIY job and gets you acquainted with your car better and faster. Tranny flush is also very DIY job (easier than oil change). I suggest using synthetic ATF (I use Mobil1 ATF) and check www.volvospeed.com for instructions.
Good luck.

If your running synthetic, then 5K is fine because it doesn't breakdown as quick as normal oil. I would recommend synthetic because it lubricates the turbo and engine better, especially on cold starts and runs at a lower temp which is major for a turbo engine.
As for the 60K maintenance, I would do it myself. It really easy to change the spark plugs and air filter, cabin filter. The only thing I would have changed that I don't handle myself is the trans fluid. It might be a good idea to have it flushed at the dealer or a reliable mech. It's pretty costly to have the tune-up done at the dealer so consider do some yourself and pocket the cash.

Don 98 T5a
IPD ECU, IPD Exhaust, K&N Filter

I concur with Don. The 60K service interval is easy to do yourself and you will save $200+. I would also reccomend changing your fuel filter. I know its not part of the 60K service, but it's an easy job and good preventative maintenance. Also, for resale, if you are doing the service work yourself, you want to save receipts for parts just as an added security blanket for the next buyer. Just my $.02. Good luck and happy driving.

Jeff

98 S70 SE T-5, IPD Power Pac