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What engine is in the Volvo S40?

There isn’t a single engine powering every S40. The model used a range of petrol and diesel engines across two generations (1995–2004 and 2004–2012), with availability varying by market and trim. In practice, you may encounter engines from around 1.6 liters up to 2.5 liters, including turbocharged variants.


Engine options by generation


This section outlines the broad engine families that were offered in each generation. Exact engines depend on year, market, and trim, so check the vehicle’s documentation for confirmation.



  • First generation (1995–2004): small-to-mid-size petrol four-cylinders and early turbo variants; diesel options included smaller capacity diesels in some markets.

  • Second generation (2004–2012): expanded petrol lineup with lighter four-cylinders and turbocharged units, plus more modern diesels such as a 1.6–2.0-liter range and a 2.4-liter five-cylinder diesel in some markets.


Concluding note: The S40’s engine options were broad and redesigned across its life. To know the precise engine in a particular car, verify the engine code or VIN.


How to identify the exact engine in your S40


Use these reliable methods to confirm the engine type:



  • Check for an engine badge or stamping on the block that indicates the engine family and displacement.

  • Decode the vehicle’s VIN and look up the engine code in Volvo’s resources or a reputable database.

  • Consult the original window sticker or the owner’s manual for the exact specification.


With the exact engine identified, you can more accurately estimate maintenance needs and compatibility of parts.


Takeaway for buyers and owners


When evaluating an S40, specify the model year and trim, then verify the engine to avoid surprises, especially since turbo and diesel variants can have notably different maintenance intervals.


Summary: The Volvo S40 did not come with a single engine; it offered a spectrum of petrol and diesel options across its two generations. Check the VIN, engine code, or documentation to know the specific engine in a given car.

Is the Volvo 2.0 D4 engine any good?


The 2.0 D4 190 can be mapped to be more powerful, but it's still fwd. It is more efficient by a long way. I had a D4 190 Manual years ago,out 77k miles on it in 3 years and it was solid, always pulled about 65mpg. The 5cyls won't get close to that, around low 50s at best.



What kind of engine is in the Volvo S40?


The S40/V50 T5 (one of the several variants) features the 2.5 L B5254T3 (later B5254T7) (2521 cc) five-cylinder fuel-injected engine with a high pressure turbocharger. The valvetrain has four valves per cylinder and is a DOHC design.



Does the Volvo V40 use a Ford engine?


The engine lineup at launch are: two petrol engines; a 1.6 litre EcoBoost I4 producing either 150 or 180 hp, dependent on specification, and a 2.5 litre Volvo B525 I5 producing 254 hp, and two diesel engines; a 1.6 litre PSA Peugeot Citroën / Ford Duratorq engine, which produces 115 hp, whilst only emitting 94 g/km of ...



What is the common problem with the Volvo S40?


Drivers of some 2000-2005 and 2008 Volvo S40s have had problems getting their engines to run due to a leaking fuel pressure regulator. Many have complained about their vehicles stalling a few moments after cranking the engine. There have also been some instances where the vehicle would hesitate during acceleration.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.