Hello all,
The coolant level light to my 2000 v70 came on and has stayed on ever since I removed the resevoir tank to replace my timing belt a few months ago. The float seems to be working okay (coolant level in tank also ok)and I suspect the problem to be related to the coolant level sensor. Before I just go ahead and replace the sensor, I would like to know if there is a way to test it before replacing it, just to be sure. Thank You.

Also,I am looking to replace my V70 (110,000 miles)in the next few months. My wife is considering the '06 BMW 325 or the later model Volvo S60...Any comments or suggestions to help me decide is greatly appreciated.
Happy New Year.

Quick test of low coolant sensor. Unplug the sensor, start the engine, wait 10 seconds, jumper the 2 wires on the harness side of the conector, the light should go out. If so, the sensor or float is the problem.

Thanks Bob and Klaus...I tested the sensor by multimeter and by jumping the 2 wires on the plug end; both tests indicated faulty sensor. I replaced the sensor and all is good again. Many thanks for your help. -John

Thanks Bob and Klaus for your help...I tested the sensor as you both instructed and found it to be faulty. Replaced the sensor today and all is well again. Still undecided about upgrading to BMW or staying w/ Volvo.
Many thanks,-John

Thank you Bob, I'll let you know how I make out. -John

You could unplug it and attach a multimeter to check the resistance. There should be some. It could be that the plug didn't seat properly or one of the female plugs pushed away from the male plug and is no longer making contact.

We are a little biased regarding Volvo 5 cyl engines. The BMW is a far better car, but... They have a tendancy to blow water pumps and head gaskets. For me and my lack of education, I prefer to work on the 5 cyl engine Vs the 6 cyl BMW. But the BMW is much more fun to drive!!!

Klaus
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The 164 has a new home, all I am left with are a 95 854T and a 98 V70R :)

Klaus is right, the BMW is great fun but the recent ones (post-1995 or so) are not too reliable. Too many electronic components and a general cheapening led to trouble. I speak from experience because I own a 2002 530i. The 1999 V70 has been much less trouble. There are similarities in philosophy: both will reward you with dependable service if you are willing to do fiddly maintenance and keep up with things.

If you buy a 3-series, definitely get one with manual transmission. I can't imagine someone buying a sport sedan with automatic - buy a Camry or Accord if that is your degree of interest in the driving experience.

BG,
What you said is my main concern: having to rely on the dealership for maintenance and repair = $$$. I am not the most mechanically savvy person, but with the help from people on this site I have managed to do many repairs myself such as the abs module, brakes, etc.
I agree about the manual transmision on the BMW but not sure if my wife would want to change from an automatic. Hopefully she'll enjoy the S60 and I won't have to make the dificult choice myself.
Thanks for your input and have a great day, -John

Klaus you are a wealth of knowledge and I greatly appreciate your assistance. I will try your advice w/ the multimeter. My wife is leaning toward the BMW; she is not concerned about repair issues. Thanks again and have a great New Year. -John

My wife had a 2000 328. Nice driving car, but we had continuous problems with the windows failing (including the back ones that got used once or twice a year). Then it was the moon roof, then the brakes... Seemed something was always failing. We had extended maintaince, so most of the time the dealer fixed it, but was a hassle driving the 45 miles to get it done. The straw that broke the relationship was we were just under the max milage limit for the warrenty (90K) and we called in to have another window fixed. We explained the milage situation, and that since they couldn't get us in right away, we would probably go over the limit. Got a verbal "No Problem". Once the work was done they wanted paid since it was over the 90K, and all we could do to get the car back was pay them. We complained, all the way up to BMW North America, and couldn't even get a response. Hopefully the newer ones have the problems worked out, but if you are serious, check out their forums just like this one, there is a wealth of information! Good luck on your decision. I have a 2001 V70 T5 with 88K and have only had the ABS module fail, which through this forum I got hold of Victor and had it repaired at a very reasonable price.

Jester
01 V70 T5 and a now gone 1973 P1800ES (370K) :-((

Jester,
Thanks for sharing your experience. I too had my ABS module repaired by Victor-very pleased with his service. The only problems I've experienced w/ my V70 is the ones commonly mentioned: check engine light always on, interior door skin separating around door armrest on all 4 doors and the window control switch had to be replaced. All in all, I have been pleased with my '00 V70, but w/ almost 110,000 miles, I am concerned about facing that major repair.
As to upgrading, my wife likes the look and drive of the BMW 325, but knows nothing more than that about them. Talking to friends who own them, most tell me they love the drive but complain about the cost of having them maintained. I will check out the BMW forums as you mentioned. As for the later model S60, I am going to get her to test drive one w/ the hope she becomes sold. Despite the problems I have experienced w/ my V70, it has been a dependable car and somewhat easy to work on thanks to this site.

Have a great day, -John

Can you explain the "door skin seperating around the arm rest"? In looking at how my 2001 is I can't see this happening. Perhaps it's a 2000 thing?

Jester

The interior (vinyl/leather)door panel separated along the armrest on all four doors. Looking at previous threads, I've learned that Volvo used a poor quality adhesive which resulted in this problem. Despite many complaints by owners experiencing this problem, Volvo would not declare it a recall problem. Not sure if this problem is unique to the '00 year.

John