Could some people please post some upsides and downsides to the S40? Thanks.

 

If you're talking about the 1st generation S40:

Pros:

- No ETM issues - good old-fashioned cable between the pedal & throttle body. Worth cleaning the throttle body every 20,000 miles.
- They didn't hit North America until several years after the early production etc. problems were sorted out. We Europeans got the early ones!
- Economical on fuel compared to larger models. Parts/servicing cheaper than larger models.
- All the Volvo safety features we've come to expect as standard.
- Nimble - better handling/more fun than many of the larger models.
- Good looking car.
- Etc.

Cons:

- Tall passengers don't have much leg room in the back seats.
- Engine & transmission mounts prone to wear.
- Trunk button can prove fragile.

If you're considering buying one, ensure that it is inspected by a competent mechanic acting on your behalf before you sign on the dotted line, make sure that it has 2 working keys/fobs and that it definitely has a full service history including timing belt & tensioner changes at (or before) specified intervals.

Hope you get a good one.

BB

 

Yeah I will tell you to get a 98 model no ETM issues.

 

Tick Tick Tick He is talking about a S40.

How many time do I have to tell you the S40 didn't get a electronic throttle setup till 2004.5. LOL

Not trying to give you to hard of a time.

 

Pros: Handling, good power in the 2.4i, safe.
Cons: High wind noise and road noise. climate control could give errors, (as mine has. It gets stuck in selecting airflow delivery and cannot make up it's mind)

 

tech like's to give everyone a hard timee

 

Pro"s - Excellent gas mileage, plenty of useable power, handles great,all the safety features you expect from Volvo, not too difficult to work on, seats are very comfortable, 5 speed AT is very smooth.

Con's- Limited rear seat legroom ,limited headroom with drivers seat up all the way, factory 10 disc CD changer in trunk is very inconvenient, not a lot of aftermarket goodies for 1st gen cars.

Do have the car checked out --they are very nice cars and at least in my location have not been "discovered" so can be bought reasonably. BJ

 

Electrical gremlins. I have problems with bulbs. climate control has a mind of its own.

handles great. get it chipped and you got a t5. looks better than 2k4.5

small back seat. but i dont usually have anyone back there. crappy plastic parts seem to get stuck, drink holder, gear shift ****.

 

What is it with Volvo and light bulbs? My S40 is ok but wife's XC70 eats them, especially the rear taillight and turn signal bulbs. Reminds me of the 60's and 70's Brit cars with Lucas electronics-totally unrelable. BJ

 

HA, Mine seems to be headlights. I buy a new one every two or three months. Interior bulbs seem to burn out a lot.

 

Thanks guys. Your information was really helpful.

 

ZIGZAG, my name is brian and I drive a 2001 1.9T S40 what "chip" are you talking about, can i get, where can i get it , and how much is it ?

thanks

brian

 

If you go to www.ipdusa.com they have a service where they will flash your ECU computer. They even have instructions on how to get the computer out. Will do the work overnite and send yoyr ECU back next day. It ain't cheap but they do good work and depending on what Stage you want (1,2, or full race) the car can pick up from 20 to 100 hp. I think there are chips avaolable but I dont want someone monkeying around the innards of my ECU. BJ

 

does that upgrade give your torque as well? Evolve has some programs out where you do the same thing and when you get the more hp you also get the same amount of torque.

 

I used upsolute, they reflash you epromm for you. I took about 2 hours. I am very happy.

here are the spec's
base 160 hp final 202 hp
Power (kW) base 118 kW final 149 kW
Torque (ft/lb) base 170 ft/lb final 229 ft/lb
Torque (NM) base 230 NM final 310 NM

Max Speed base 134 mph (215 km/h) final 141 mph (225 km/h) I have gone past this
Fuel consum. 56 mph (90kmh)

35 mpg (6.8 l/100km)


35 mpg (6.7 l/100km)
Fuel consum. 75mph (120kmh)

26 mpg (8.9 l/100km)


27 mpg (8.8 l/100km)
Fuel consum. city

19 mpg (12.5 l/100km)


20 mpg(11.9 l/100km)

 

thats a pretty goood improvement

 

how does this exactly work and how much did it cost you? My volvo s40 2002 is pretty much stock except for the air filter. What do I have to do?

 

I had to take my car to an upsolute dealer in Toronto and spend about 2 to 3 hours while he reprogrames epromm. It is a complete computer overhaul and changes most everything with the car. timing, boost psi, ect. I am not sure on everything it changes but it is nice to have the car run more like it should. I got a deal but I think the average price is under 1000 CAD. worth it if you ask me