Hi There

I am about to buy a 2002 Volvo V70 D5 but have heard reports of a know diesel injector problem with this engine. I understand it develops as a cold start problem, leading to a failure of the engine to start at all. Volvo's remedy is to replace all 5 injectors at a cost of around £1500 including labour charge.

Can anyone tell me whether :

a. this problem is common, how many cars our of 100 would be affected for example.

b. are the replacement injectors clear of the same fault.

c. I assume not all injectors fail at the same time, so can not just the failing injector be replaced - how do you diagnose which is at fault.

d. can I tell whether the injectors on this car have already been replaced (are they different in any way from the factory originals).

e. can the injectors be changed by a competent DIY owner (do the injectors have to be calibrated against the management control unit - I believe this is the case on some common rail engine such as BMW 3.0TD))

f. can the injectors be purchased cheaper elsewhere (who makes them - e.g. Bosch)

Sorry for so many questions, but I would hate to buy this car knowing that it has a potential serious and expensive fault and I'm sure the answers would be of interest to other owners.

thanks, Dave