🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Volvo

Model:

850

Year:

1995

Chassis Code:

LS

Engine Codes:

B5252S (2.5L 10V), B5254S (2.5L 20V), B5234T3 (2.3L Turbo)

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

Premium compact executive car with a focus on safety, durability, and distinctive Scandinavian design.

Competitive Analysis:

Competed against established luxury and premium marques such as BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Audi 80/A4, and Lexus ES.

Key Features:

Front-wheel drive (later AWD options), transverse inline-five engines, innovative safety features (SIPS, side airbags in later models), comfortable and spacious interior, distinctive styling.

Body Styles:

4-door Sedan, 5-door Wagon (called the 850 Estate)

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

Complete vehicle service and repair

Page Count:

Approx. 2000+

Manual Type:

Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

Engine, Drivetrain, Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Climate Control, Electrical System, Body, Fuel System, Exhaust System, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Ignition System, Emissions Control, ABS, SRS Airbag System, Diagnostics, Troubleshooting

Procedures Included:

Routine Maintenance, Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Tune-Ups, Engine Overhaul, Transmission Repair, Brake System Overhaul, Suspension Component Replacement, Steering Rack Replacement, Electrical Diagnosis and Repair, Wiring Diagrams, Body Panel Repair, Component Installation and Removal, Troubleshooting Fault Codes, Lubrication Procedures, Belt Replacement, Timing Belt Replacement, Turbocharger Service

Technical Depth:

Comprehensive: From basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures and specifications.

Diagnostic Tools:

Information on using OBD-I/OBD-II scanners (for specific systems) and Volvo-specific diagnostic tools and connectors.

Wiring Diagrams:

Comprehensive electrical schematics for all major vehicle systems, including engine, lighting, HVAC, and safety systems.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

Searchable PDF, Printable

Print Quality:

High-resolution scans of original factory documentation

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Primary Engine:

2.5L (2521cc) Inline-5 Cylinder

Engine Variants:

B5252S (144 hp, 155 lb-ft torque), B5254S (170 hp, 170 lb-ft torque), B5234T3 (225 hp, 205 lb-ft torque - Turbocharged T5 models)

Performance:

0-60 mph: 7.5-9.5 seconds (depending on engine and transmission)

Fuel System:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Engine Management:

Bosch Motronic electronic engine management system

Timing Belt Replacement Interval:

Recommended every 60,000 miles or 5 years

Bore X Stroke:

2.5L (20V NA): 91.0 mm x 78.9 mm

Compression Ratio:

2.5L (20V NA): 10.7:1; 2.3L Turbo: 8.7:1

Valve Train:

DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshafts), 4 valves per cylinder (20V engines); SOHC (Single Overhead Camshafts), 2 valves per cylinder (10V engines)

Ignition System:

Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with coil-on-plug or coil packs.

Turbocharger Details:

Available on T5 models; intercooled turbocharger system.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Standard:

5-speed Manual Transmission (M56)

Transmission Optional:

4-speed Automatic Transmission (AW50-42LE)

Transmission Features:

Fwd, electronically controlled automatic with sport/economy modes, manual with overdrive.

Automatic Fluid Type:

Volvo Fluid 1161540-8 (or Dexron III compatible)

Gear Ratios Manual:

1st: 3.00, 2nd: 1.64, 3rd: 1.17, 4th: 0.89, 5th: 0.70, Reverse: 2.92, Final Drive: 3.77

Gear Ratios Automatic:

1st: 2.67, 2nd: 1.50, 3rd: 1.00, 4th: 0.70, Reverse: 2.28, Final Drive: 3.77

📐 Dimensions

Exterior Length:

Approx. 186.2 inches

Exterior Width:

Approx. 69.7 inches

Exterior Height:

Approx. 54.9 inches

Wheelbase:

Approx. 104.3 inches

Cargo Volume:

Approx. 15.5 cu ft (sedan)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3100-3400 lbs

Fuel Capacity:

15.1 gallons

Tire Size Standard:

195/60R15

Tire Size Optional:

205/55R16 (on alloy wheels)

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

5x108mm

Wheel Offset:

ET43

🛡️ Safety Features

Safety Ratings:

Known for strong safety performance in its era. Equipped with Volvo's signature safety cage and crumple zones.

Active Features:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) - Standard on most models, Traction Control System (TCS) - Available on some variants

Passive Features:

SIPS (Side Impact Protection System), WHIPS (Whiplash Protection System - introduced later, but design principles present), front and rear crumple zones, three-point seatbelts with pretensioners, reinforced door beams.

Airbag System:

Driver and front passenger airbags standard.

Crash Test Results:

Achieved good results in NHTSA and IIHS testing for its time, particularly in frontal impacts due to its robust structure.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment Audio System:

Factory fitted radio/cassette player with optional CD changer, often with premium speaker systems (e.g., Dynaudio).

Infotainment Display:

Analog gauges, climate control display, radio display.

Driver Assistance Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control.

Connectivity:

Basic for the era; no integrated Bluetooth or smartphone connectivity.

Lighting Headlights:

Halogen headlamps, adjustable aim.

🔧 Maintenance

Service Intervals Oil Change:

Every 7,500 miles or 12 months (whichever comes first)

Service Intervals Air Filter:

Check every 15,000 miles, replace as needed.

Service Intervals Spark Plugs:

Replace every 30,000 miles (standard plugs) or 60,000 miles (platinum plugs)

Fluid Specifications Engine Oil:

SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 API SG/SH certified synthetic or synthetic blend (Check specific engine requirement in manual)

Fluid Specifications Coolant:

Volvo Premium Coolant or equivalent ethylene glycol based coolant with corrosion inhibitors (e.g., Peak Global, Zerex G-05).

Fluid Specifications Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4

Known Issues:

PCV System Clogging, Fuel Pump Failure, ABS Sensor Faults, Transmission Solenoid Issues (automatic), Oil Leaks (especially rear main seal), Radiator Cracks, Heater Core Leaks, Door Seal Degradation, Electronic Control Module (ECM) issues.

Part Numbers Timing Belt Kit:

Examples: Gates TCK207 (includes belt, tensioner, idler), Volvo OEM P/N 9135626

Part Numbers Oil Filter:

Examples: Purolator L30001, Wix 51515, Volvo P/N 1275491

Fluid Capacities Engine Oil:

5.5 Quarts (5.2 Liters) with filter change (2.5L engine)

Fluid Capacities Coolant:

Approx. 7.0 Quarts (6.6 Liters)

Fluid Capacities Transmission Auto:

Approx. 3.7 Quarts (3.5 Liters) for torque converter refill

Troubleshooting Guide:

Manual includes detailed symptom-based troubleshooting charts, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), and repair procedures for common faults.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Volvo Car Corporation, founded in 1927 in Gothenburg, Sweden, with a long-standing reputation for safety and reliability.

Model Evolution:

The 850 was a groundbreaking model for Volvo, introducing front-wheel drive and transverse-mounted inline-five engines, departing from their traditional rear-wheel drive and inline-six/four cylinder configurations. It marked a significant step towards modern vehicle architecture.

Production Years:

1991-1997 (850 series). The 1995 model year represents a mid-cycle evolution.

Production Locations:

Ghent, Belgium; Torslanda, Sweden

Influential Models:

The 850 platform directly evolved into the Volvo S70 and V70, and its design and engineering principles influenced subsequent Volvo models.