Positioning:
The Volvo 850 was positioned as a premium, safety-focused, front-wheel-drive (or all-wheel-drive) European executive car, known for its distinctive styling and advanced safety features for its era.
Competitors:
BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Audi 80/90, Saab 900/9000, Acura Vigor
Innovation:
Transverse engine mounting, front-wheel drive, patented 'Delta-link' rear suspension, integrated safety cage, Side Impact Protection System (SIPS).
Performance Variants:
Notable for the introduction of the T5 and T5-R models, offering significant performance gains via turbocharged engines.
Engine:
All gasoline engines (2.4L, 2.5L Turbo, 2.5L Turbo AWD)
Engine Management:
Fuel injection, ignition, emissions control, OBD-I/OBD-II diagnosis
Transmission:
FWD & AWD Automatic (AW50-42LE), FWD Manual (M56H)
Drivetrain:
Front axle, rear axle (AWD), driveshafts, CV joints
Brakes:
Front disc, rear disc, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Suspension:
Front McPherson strut, rear multi-link independent
Steering:
Power assisted rack and pinion
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, battery, alternator, starter, lighting, instruments, power accessories
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, air conditioning, climate control
Body:
Exterior panels, interior trim, doors, windows, glass, seats
Chassis:
Frame, structural components, mounts
Maintenance:
Routine service, oil changes, filter replacements, tune-ups, fluid checks
Repair:
Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, brake service, suspension repair, electrical troubleshooting
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnosis, fault code interpretation
Installation:
Component replacement, accessory installation
Specifications:
Torque values, clearances, fluid capacities, diagnostic parameters
Depth:
Comprehensive: from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including electrical system diagnostics and bodywork repairs.
Engine Code Family:
Volvo 'Whiteblock' (Modular Inline-5)
Common Displacement 1:
2.4L (2383 cc, B5254F)
Common Displacement 2:
2.5L Turbo (2435 cc, B5254T, B5254T2)
Naturally Aspirated Hp Range:
168-170 hp
Turbocharged Hp Range:
222-240 hp (T5/T5-R)
Turbocharged Torque Range:
230-250 lb-ft
Injection Type:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Requirement:
Premium unleaded gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended for turbo models)
Transmission Type FWD:
5-speed Manual (M56H)
Transmission Type FWD AWD:
4-speed Automatic (AW50-42LE)
AWD System:
Viscous coupling AWD system, often referred to as 'On-Demand AWD'
Automatic Modes:
Sport and Economy modes on automatic transmissions.
Length Sedan:
Approx. 185.9 inches (4722 mm)
Length Wagon:
Approx. 188.8 inches (4800 mm)
Width:
Approx. 69.5 inches (1765 mm)
Height:
Approx. 55.7 inches (1415 mm)
Curb Weight Range:
3200-3600 lbs (1450-1630 kg)
Cargo Volume Wagon:
Approx. 24.8 cu ft (0.70 m³) with rear seats up, 63.7 cu ft (1.80 m³) with rear seats folded.
NHTSA Driver Side Frontal Impact:
Four-star rating (1993-1996 models)
NHTSA Passenger Side Frontal Impact:
Four-star rating (1993-1996 models)
IIHS Frontal Offset:
'Acceptable' to 'Good' ratings depending on specific test year and parameters.
ABS:
Standard on most models, optional on early base models.
Airbags:
Driver and passenger airbags became standard by 1995/1996.
Sips:
Standard Side Impact Protection System (reinforced door beams, energy-absorbing materials).
Seat Belts:
Three-point inertia-reel seat belts with pretensioners.
Audio System:
Factory premium audio systems (e.g., Dolby Surround Sound) were available. Head units often integrated cassette players and early CD changers.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was a key safety technology, standard on most models by mid-production.
Automatic Climate Control:
Optional automatic climate control system available on higher trim levels.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first (synthetic oil recommended).
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 5 years. Crucial for preventing catastrophic engine damage due to interference design.
Engine Oil:
API SJ/SL, SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 (check specific model/climate recommendation in manual).
Coolant:
Volvo specified Long Life Coolant (Blue) or equivalent G48 ethylene glycol coolant. Capacity approx. 7.5 quarts (7.1 liters).
Transmission Fluid Auto:
AW-1 Synthetic ATF or Dexron III equivalent. Capacity approx. 4.5 quarts (4.3 liters) for drain and fill.
Common Problem 1:
PCV System Clogging: Can lead to oil leaks, rough idle, and increased oil consumption.
Common Problem 2:
ABS/Srs Warning Lights: Often due to faulty ABS wheel speed sensors or SRS control module issues.
Common Problem 3:
Fuel Pump Failure: A common wear item, often accompanied by hesitation or stalling.
Common Problem 4:
Transmission Issues: AW50-42LE can develop solenoid failures or torque converter issues, especially if fluid is not maintained.
Common Problem 5:
Ignition Coil Packs: Can fail prematurely, leading to misfires.
Common Problem 6:
Drive Belt Tensioner: Can wear out and cause noise or belt slippage.
Volvo Legacy:
Volvo has a long-standing reputation for safety, durability, and robust engineering, established in Sweden since 1927.
850 Introduction:
Introduced in 1991 in Europe and 1993 in North America as a successor to the Volvo 240 series, marking Volvo's first venture into front-wheel drive for its larger sedans and wagons. It was a radical departure from Volvo's traditional RWD sedans.
Design Language:
Designed by Jan Wilsgaard, featuring a distinctive, rounded, and aerodynamic Scandinavian design.
Manufacturing Location:
मुख्यतः गेन्ते, बेल्जियम और टोरसलांडा, स्वीडन (मुख्यतः यूरोपीय बाज़ार के लिए)
Production Span:
1991-1997
Safety Award Mention:
Consistently recognized for safety in its class, often cited for its robust construction and advanced safety features by contemporary reviews.
Car And Driver 10Best Mentions:
While not a frequent 10Best winner itself, the 850 represented Volvo's entry into a segment where such awards were common, demonstrating Volvo's commitment to modern automotive design and performance.
