Volvo 850 VIN Plate. 1991-94
Interpreting the various plates for this model.

(Volvos are sold in versions adapted for different markets. Some of these details may not apply to all cars)

1. Type and model year designation and chassis number plate

Location of plate: Embossed on upper side of firewall in engine compartment

YV1	LS	45	0	2	N	2	001234
Manufacturing code	Vehicle type	Engine type	Emission	US/CDN:Check-digit Others: Gearbox type	Model year designation	Factory code	Chassis number

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Engine type	Factory code	Model year designation	Transmission type
45 = B 5204 S 51 = B 5252 S 55 = B 5254 S 57 = B 5234 T	2 = Belgium (VEC) 4 = Thailand 5 = Malaysia (SMA) 7 = Indonesia	M = 1991* N = 1992* P = 1993* R = 1994* * France = 0	2 = M 56 L/H 6 = AW 50-42 LE

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Vehicle type:

LS = 4-door sedan
LW = 5-door wagon

Emission:

0 = with three-way catayltic converter (TWC), heated oxygen sensor (HO2S), vacuum-reg. evap. system, without EGR-valve.

1 = with three-way catayltic converter (TWC), heated oxygen sensor (HO2S), vacuum-reg. evap. system, with EGR-valve.

2 = with three-way catayltic converter (TWC), heated oxygen sensor (HO2S), vacuum-reg. evap. system, airpump, with EGR-valve.

Model year	Model letter	Chassis (Sedan)	Chassis (Wagon)	Engine	Transmission	Final drive
1992	N	1 - 30699*		B 5204 S B 5254 S	AW 50-42, M 56 L	2.74:1 4.00:1 4.45:1
1993	P	30700** - 124999	268 - 24999	B 5204 S B 5252 S B 5254 S	AW 50-42, M 56 L	2.54:1, 2.74:1 3.16:1, 3.77:1 4.00:1, 4.45:1
1994	R	125000 -	25000 -	B 5204 S B 5252 S B 5254 S B 5234 T	AW 50-42, M 56 L, M 56 H	2.54:1, 2.74:1 3.16:1, 4.00:1 4.45:1

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Note: The following market codes applies:

Remark	Code 10 (Sweden)	Code 18 (Germany)	Code 21 (Holland)
* **	27725 27726	28813 28814	28830 28831

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2. The product plate

Location of plate: On left wheel housing in front of wheel strut

VOLVO	Made In Belgium
A	D D
B	E E E E
C1...................kg	F F F - F F
C2...................kg	G G G G G
C3...................kg	H H H H H H H
C4...................kg

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A = Type approval	F = Exterior colour, code/supplier/paint type: Pos 1 - 3: Colour 019 = Black non-metallic 130 = Silver metallic 189 = White non-metallic 214 = Dark grey metallic 406 = Mid blue metallic 411 = Beige metallic 412 = Aquamarine metallic 414 = Burgundy metallic 415 = Light blue metallic 416 = Green metallic 417 = Dark blue metallic 418 = Red metallic 601 = Red non metallic 606 = Green non metallic Pos 4: Supplier 1 = BASF 2 = Herberts 4 = IDAC Pos 5: Paint type 1 = Solvent-based
B = Identification number (Type designation)
C1 = max total weight C2 = Max train weight (car + trailer) C3 = Max front axle load C4 = Max rear axle load	G = S-bulletins (Options)
D = marketing code
E = Interior trim code: Pos 1: Model 3 = 850 Pos 2: Upholstery 2 = Tricotplush 3 =Tricot 5 = Plush 7 = Plush/leather 9 = leather Pos 3: Colour 3 = Blue 4 = Red 5 = Beige 7 = Grey Pos 4: Serial number	H = Chassikod (1994)

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3. Engine identification and specifications

Engine type	Compression ratio	Rec. octane RON	Output Kw at r/s	Output hp (bhp) at rpm	Max torque Nm at r/s	Max torque kpm (ft lpf) at rpm
B 5204 S	10.3:1	95	105/108	143/6500 (141/6500)	176/63	17.9/3800 (130/3800)
B 5254 S	10.5:1	95	125/103	170/6200 (168/6200)	220/55	22.4/3300 (162/3300)
B 5252 S	10.0:1	95	103/90	140/5400 (138/5400)	206/60	21.0/3600 (152/3600)
B 5234 T	8.5:1	95	166/88	225/5280 (222/5280)	300/33-88	30.6/2000-5280 (221/2000-5280)

Interpreting the engine type:

1st digit = number of cylinders
2nd and 3rd digits = engine capacity (20 = 2.0 litres, 25 = 2.5 litres, 23 = 2.3 litres)
4th digit = number of valves per cylinder

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