The Volvo B5244SG2 is a 2,435 cc, inline‑five naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 1999 and 2002. It featured a dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) 20 — valve design with a cast iron block and aluminum head, delivering 125 kW (170 PS). Its refined valvetrain provided smooth, linear power delivery for comfortable daily driving.
Fitted to models such as the S80 and V70, the B5244SG2 was engineered for drivers seeking a balance of economy, refinement, and reliabilit…
Production years 1999–2002 meet Euro 3 standards .
The Volvo B5244SG2 is a 2,435 cc inline‑five naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for executive sedans and wagons (1999-2002). It combines a DOHC 20-valve head with sophisticated port design to deliver smooth, linear power delivery. Designed to meet Euro 3 emissions standards, it balances everyday drivability with regulatory compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
Displacement | 2,435 cc | |
Fuel type | Petrol | |
Configuration | Inline‑5, DOHC, 20‑valve | |
Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
Bore × stroke | 83.0 mm × 90.0 mm | |
Power output | 125 kW (170 PS) @ 5,700 rpm | |
Torque | 230 Nm @ 4,500 rpm | |
Fuel system | Bosch Motronic 4.4 | |
Emissions standard | Euro 3 | |
Compression ratio | 10.3:1 | |
Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
Turbocharger | None | |
Timing system | Belt-driven | |
Oil type | Refer to vehicle handbook / manufacturer specification | |
Dry weight | 170 kg |
The Volvo B5244SG2 was used across Volvo's P80 platform with longitudinal mounting. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-reinforced engine mounts in the S80 and revised accessory brackets in the V70-and from 2002 the P2 platform adopted the B5244SG5, creating a clear model year cutoff. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Engine Finders UK Ltd, which operates EngineCode.uk, can pass your enquiry to engine suppliers in the UK. The service is for vehicles in the United Kingdom, with UK delivery or fitting. This is a commercially connected service, and sending an enquiry does not confirm diagnosis or compatibility.
Diagnostic reminder: If a technician has recommended replacing the engine, you can send an enquiry to engine suppliers in the UK. Confirm the diagnosis first: an engine-code record does not diagnose a fault.
The B5244SG2's primary reliability risk is timing belt failure due to tensioner wear, with elevated incidence in engines subjected to extended service intervals. Volvo service documentation links this to component fatigue and improper maintenance, while its belt-driven interference design makes neglect catastrophic. Adherence to the 80,000 km replacement schedule is non-negotiable.
Analysis derived from Volvo technical bulletins (1999-2002) and owner club maintenance records. Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
The most common questions about engine codes, what they mean, how to find them and how this database works
The B5244SG2 can be very reliable if meticulously maintained. Its main critical point is the timing belt and tensioner, which must be replaced every 80,000 km to prevent catastrophic engine failure. With proper care, including regular oil changes and fuel system maintenance, these engines can easily reach 300,000 km.
The most critical issue is timing belt tensioner failure leading to belt slippage or breakage. Other common problems include faults in the Bosch Motronic fuel injection system, coolant leaks from aging plastic components, and failure of the individual ignition coil packs.
The B5244SG2 was used in the Volvo S80 (1999-2002) and V70 (1999-2002) in the 2.4-liter variant. It was the standard naturally aspirated engine for these executive models during this period, distinguished by its Euro 3 compliance.
Aftermarket ECU tuning is common on the B-5244-SG2 platform, but increasing boost or altering engine parameters accelerates component wear, impacts emissions compliance, and may void vehicle warranties. Any modifications should be evaluated carefully by a qualified specialist.
Fuel economy is good for its size. Expect 11-13 L/100km (21-25 mpg UK) in city driving and 8-9 L/100km (31-35 mpg UK) on the highway for a car in good condition. Economy is heavily influenced by driving style and the state of tune of the fuel injection system.
Yes. The Volvo B5244SG2 is an interference engine. If the timing belt breaks or jumps, the pistons will collide with the open valves, causing severe internal engine damage that requires a costly rebuild. This makes the 80,000 km timing belt replacement interval critical.
Volvo specified SAE 5W-30 semi-synthetic oil for the B5244SG2. A high-quality full synthetic 5W-30 can also be used and may offer better protection. Oil changes must be performed every 15,000 km or 12 months, whichever comes first.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
EngineCode.uk is operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. It provides engine-reference information and an optional commercial enquiry service. It is not an official manufacturer website. Check the record's sources and confirm vehicle-specific details before relying on it for parts, repairs or replacement.
Our editorial standard prioritises relevant manufacturer documentation and official regulatory sources. The sources and verification status for a record should be checked alongside the data.
A statement is not verified merely because a source is listed. Where supporting evidence is missing or conflicting, the record should identify that limitation. Please report unsupported or inconsistent information.
Transparency in gaps
A missing or unverified value does not mean the manufacturer has withheld it. We distinguish information not yet verified, information not available to us, and information explicitly not disclosed by the source.
Regulatory Stability
EU regulations are referenced using CELEX identifiers for long-term stability.
EUR-Lex
EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C
UK vehicle approval processes, import rules, and MoT guidance.
DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.
Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
UK type-approval authority for automotive products.
Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
WLTP and RDE testing procedures for emissions certification.
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval
UK compliance and certification requirements for imported and modified vehicles.
VCA Certification Portal
Type-approval guidance and documentation.
Records are subject to review and correction. Source links, dates and verification notes should be read with the technical information. Our Editorial and Sourcing Policy explains our standards and review process.
Found an error or missing source? Report a problem with this page. Include the field or statement concerned and a supporting source if available. You can also email corrections@enginecode.uk.
Copyright and permissions
Images and other material may be protected by copyright. Attribution does not by itself grant permission to reuse material. If you believe material on this site infringes your rights, contact copyrights@enginecode.uk with the page URL and details of your claim. We will review the material and take appropriate action.
Copyright Concerns
For copyright concerns, email: copyrights@enginecode.uk
Our Privacy Policy explains how Engine Finders UK Ltd uses information from visits, vehicle lookups, enquiries and messages. Our Cookie Policy explains cookies and similar technologies and how to change your choices.
For access, correction, or deletion requests, email: gdpr@enginecode.uk
Trademark Notice
All trademarks, logos, and engine codes are the property of their respective owners. Use on this site is strictly for reference and identification.
Ownership and commercial services
EngineCode.uk is owned and operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. Alongside our reference content, we offer an optional replacement-engine enquiry service through Engine Finders and may identify relevant services provided by businesses connected with us. These commercial connections are disclosed. Using an enquiry service is not required to read our reference content.
Engine Finders UK Ltd operates this website. Our optional enquiry service has a commercial purpose. Our Ownership and Commercial Disclosure explains the relationship between the reference website and that service. Participating suppliers pay a fee or subscription to participate on the network and receive quote requests.
Use this record as a starting point for identification. Specifications and vehicle applications may contain errors or omissions. Confirm the exact engine variant and compatibility using vehicle-specific documentation and a qualified supplier or technician.
All external links open in new tabs. Please verify current availability of resources.