Hello,

I'm in the market to replace my Volvo 240 and I typically favor manual transmission cars over automatic. But I have a couple questions.

My first reason for favoring manual is obviously they're more fun to drive. The second is that when an auto transmission goes out, which many eventually do, they are prohibitively expensive to repair/replace, whereas a manual transmission will just need a new clutch.

My question is, how long does a clutch last on a manual 240 before it needs to be replaced and, can this be done easily by the owner or does it need to be done at a shop, and (I understand this can wildly vary) about how much does that cost.

I figure if it only costs $300 to replace a clutch and I have to do that once ever 5 years, it's worth it, because I figure an automatic transmission overhaul might happen in 7 years of ownership, but could cost 500-1000 easy.

Thank you for helping me compare the pros and cons of each!!

 

How many miles did you put on your 240m? Did you have to replace any clutches?

When I had my 740 GLE, I had a tranny issue once. It was leaking like a gutter drain. Cost me $365. Transmission place that was one of the easiest to work on. The car had 405k on it when I sold it. It was a '87 model.

 

our 1987 240 has about 400,000 miles on the original AW70 transmission that was partially rebuilt once at about 250k miles, probably because we didn't do frequent enough flush/replace on the ATF the first 15 years. that rebuild cost us about $700 about 10 years ago.

there's 2 manual transmissions on 240's, the M46 4-speed with an electric overdrive, and the M47 5 speed. neither I've driven had the fun factor of my old 89 jetta short ratio 5-speed. the M46 is supposed to be the sturdier of the two, but would only be found on quite old 240's.

 

I have an M46 (4 speed + OD) with 240,000 on the original clutch. 3 high schoolers learned to drive on it. I was one. It's a turbo too, so it's been run hard. The overdrive gets a little finicky, but it's never had any real service done to it.

 

note they never put the turbo on the M47 5-speed.

the M46 4+OD, is very similar to the transmissions on classic british sportscars, with a Laycock "J" type overdrive, our 1971 TR-6 had one of these. On the TR-6, you could use OD in 2,3,4, and it was controlled by a lever on the steering column, on the Volvos, you can only engage it in 4th... early cars used a slide switch on top of the shifter **** to turn on OD, later cars used a pushbutton to toggle it, with a relay, these would automatically shut it off when you shifted out of 4th (shifting from 3rd to 4th with the OD switched on is not smooth)

all of them, the overdrive wiring is the most likely thing to go wrong, but those J units can wear out or break and need rebuilding, especially if not shifted smoothly.

 

Manual trannies can have many issues besides just needing a clutch--generally they last better than autos but that really depends on the use and care, as most things automotive. Then, there are trannies and there are trannies... Depending on the car, and such... Volvo M47 (5 Speed) have issues, not the most robust; the M46 is stronger but the O/D set up can have issues as well... The Volvo AW71 (toyota guts) is a great automatic which lasts long, long time with fluid changes and some basic care. As far as rebuilding a tranny, manual or auto, once you have to go inside, it gets pricey.
As far as "driving fun", I am a big fan of manuals, yet the Volvos I have had with manuals, several M46 have left me a little disappointed. Some cars are better mated with manuals, some better with autos. I happened to think that late models Volvo's (1985-1995) are better with AT's. I drive a V50 T5 with 6spd manual and I love it, yes a hated White Block, but it drives well although I admit it's nothing like a "real" RWD Volvo.

 

I hope I'm not thread jacking but I looked at a '84 240 GL today. It has 112,000 on the clock. I seen a timing belt sticker from 11/03 at 100,340. So the car has been driven about 100 miles per month over the past 10 years.

The guy is asking $3,400 for it and the interior looks very good. Grey on blue. The owner knows absolutely nothing about the car. Maybe he is suffering from dementia or something. Claims the timing belt has never been changed, the wires are newish, he has about 400 lbs in the trunk and just has no clue.

I'm afraid that he has been changing oil every 3,000 miles, which means every 3 years. I shiver of the thought of someone starting a car with a 3 year old oil filter in it.

Another thing... I don't get why people brag about NOT DOING A THING to a car in 10+ years. All that tells me is that there is 10 years of maintenance and repairs DUE. He said the only thing ever done to the car is oil changes, a fuel pump (in tank) and the AC was converted to R134 (which does not work now).

If anyone wants it let me know. The car is in great shape other than a right rear tail light, the sunroof crank is missing, and I don't know how often the oil has been changed. Suspension is tight, Boungie wires, drives well and strong other than the 400 lbs in the trunk. I was shocked to see that in there after the drive. No leaks, newer hoses, etc.

 

The odometer isn't broken?