Volvo 850

Volvo 850 Saloon

Volvo unveiled an entirely new model series in June 1991, the Volvo 850 GLT. The Volvo 850 GLT was launched under the banner of "A dynamic car with four world-beating breakthroughs".

The four new features were: transverse 5-cylinder engine driving the front wheels, Delta-link rear axle which combined the dynamics and ride comfort of independent suspension with the security of a live rear axle, the SIPS integrated side-impact protection system, and the self-adjusting front seat belt mechanism.

The exterior design of the 850 bore a strong Volvo identity, and its 740 and 940 heritage was immediately apparent.

Volvo 850 GLT received a tumultuous welcome; seldom has a new car reaped so many awards as the 850.

Over the intervening years, the 850 series has been expanded with additional variants, among them turbocharged petrol versions and a direct-injection turbo-diesel.

The Volvo 850 was also the first car in the world to offer side-impact airbags, which were introduced in autumn 1994.

In model year 1997, the S70 replaced the 850 Sedan car.

Technical Specifications
Model: 850 Sedan
Variants: FWD, AWD, T5, T5-R, R
Produced: 1991 - 1996
Volume: 390835
Body: 4-door sedan
Engine: 5-cylinder in-line DOHC unit, 1,984 cc to 2,435 cc or 5-cylinder in-line 2,461 cc SOHC turbo-diesel
Transmission: 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic, FWR or AWD
Brakes: Hydraulic, all-round disc brakes
Dimensions: Overall length 467 cm Wheelbase 267 cm

850 - 716,903 worldwide.

850 AWD - 2039 produced worldwide.

850 T5-R - 6964 produced worldwide.

850 T5-R in yellow - 2537 worldwide.

850 T5-R in black - 2516 worldwide.

850 T5-R in Dark Olive Pearl - 1911 worldwide.

850 T5-R in white - 2, pre-production.

850 T5-R in aubergine - 2 pre-production.

850 T5-R in grey - 2 special order for Arabian market.

Volvo 850 T5-R Production Numbers Worldwide (PDF).

Volvo 850 Estate

Less than two years after the introduction of the 850 GLT in 4-door sedan form, the 5-door estate car version was unveiled in February 1993.

The design of the 850 estate showed a rear section with a typical Volvo profile, that is to say an almost vertical tailgate - a practical feature that maximises interior space.

The Volvo 850 GLT received a tumultuous welcome; seldom has a new car reaped so many awards as the 850. The estate car version was awarded the prestigious Japanese "1994 Good Design Grand Prize" award.

Over the intervening years, the 850 series has expanded with more than just the estate car version. The range includes a wider selection of engines, including turbocharged petrol units and a direct-injection turbo-diesel.

When Volvo decided to return to the racetracks in 1994, it did so under the banner of the BTCC, the British Touring Car Championships. The first Volvo to take on the competition was an eye-catching Volvo 850 estate car, a load-lugger and road-burner in one.

The Volvo 850 was the first car in the world to offer side-impact airbags, which were introduced into series production in autumn 1994.

A spectacular addition to the 850/V70 range was the first generation of AWD (All Wheel Drive) and XC (Cross-Country) models.

In model year 1997, the V70 replaced the 850 estate car.

Technical Specifications
Model: 850 Estate
Variants: FWD, AWD, XC,T5, T5-R, R
Produced: 1993 - 1996
Volume: 326068
Body: 5-door estate car
Engine: 5-cylinder in-line DOHC unit, 1,984 cc to 2,383 cc or 5-cylinder in-line 2,461 cc SOHC turbo-diesel
Transmission: 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic, FWD or AWD.
Brakes: Hydraulic, all-round disc brakes
Dimensions: Overall length 472 cm Wheelbase 267 cm

Source: Volvo Car Corporation.

Volvo 850 Celebrates 25th Birthday.

Brief background to the Volvo 850

Register Keeper's reports. This page contains a series of articles of technical and general interest by the club official who specialises in this particular Volvo.

Volvo Brochures These contain technical and general specifications.

S70/V70 and 850 Range. Information on the 850 and S70/V70 Series

Service light reset Procedure on resetting the service light on the 850/70 models

Cracking body shell Technical information on 850

The KALMAR UNION 1397 850/S70/V70/C70 Performance Tuning in the UK

TME Swedish site offering high performance products for many of the newer Volvo models, 850, S70, V70, C70 Series

850 Styling Swedish site with lots of information and parts on improving the 850 and S/V70 range.

Volvo Service Schedule The approved Volvo service schedule for the 850 and S/V70 and TDI models

Volvo 850 Service and maintenance documents

850 ABS EBD valve, and ABS wiring problems Some 850 models have a faulty valve in the ABS unit, others have a fault in the ABS wiring. See this report for chassis numbers affected.

850/70 Starting Problem Some of these cars suffer difficulties starting.

Ticking Noise Cause and cure

Replacing valve guides Revised Volvo procedure

Identification plates. 850 1991-4 Interpreting the information on the various plates in the engine compartment

Buying a Volvo 850 or 70 Series Some tips and advice

Engine cutting out when slowing down Cause and cure for this problem

Superchips Improve the performance of your car with a new ECU chip.

1999 Engine Changes A very good summary of the technical changes (and related benefits) made to the N series engine late in 1999.

Volvo 850 club in The Netherlands

Volvo 850 Owners Manual Parts may also apply to early S/V70

850 and early 70 Technical Service Bulletins VOC Members only have access. PDF file

850 Tyre pressures