Volvo AWD 850 Forum

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Help me pick out a PHONY 850 R 850

Hey Everyone,

I just have kind of a dorky fun one here. I am going to school with someone who drives what appears to be an 850R. However, i am not entirely convinced. I'd like to ask anyone who knows - what are the tell tale signs of a fake R? And what are the signs of a real one, because I know they are a somewhat rare breed.

I can tell you, he's got a standard 850 front bumper, no front spoiler. Just your run of the mill bumper. He's got the badges, the 17in Volans or Titans - not sure, the dark charcoal grey ones. He's got the wood grain dash, leather wrapped gear shifter and hand brake. Sunroof, what appear to be two tone leather/suade seats and R spoiler. Everything to my eye spells out R, except for that bumper. Is there something else I should look for that would give it away? Anyone who owns an R would be able to tell me some of the very very subtle differences which discern an R from a Turbo?? Colors, weird interior features, theres got to be something. Help me out, I have to call the kettle black on this one, if he's driving a fake R - let the light of truth shine upon him!

David
--
WA State - 850








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    Help me pick out a PHONY 850 R 850

    Let us know how you go!!!

    The vin number would definately appear the definitive way to go. My money would be on the real thing. If its not, it sounds like this guy has spent more trying to make it look like the real thing that it actually would have cost him to buy one in the first place!

    Anyway, would be great if you could update us once the result is in ;)
    --
    245GL 370,000km, 850R 175,000km








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    Help me pick out a PHONY 850 R 850

    Thanks for a fun topic...takes my mind off of the tranny woes that I originally came to the forum for today. The suede seats would make me a 98% believer since they are only in the R's and would be hard to find for a swap and to switch to make a fake. My first guess echos a previous post that the car had front end damage and was replaced w/ a different bumper cover/airdam/spoiler. The color should probably only be red, yellow, black, or white(?). I have to admit my 95 855T is a fake R..but only by the rear badge. You see, the 'T' on my turbo badge came off, and since the 'R' is perfectly centered under the '850' and in the same font as the
    original 'R'(only smaller), I removed all the letters and left just the 'R'. I know it isn't just like a real 'R' wagon, but it looks kinda cool and leaves the tuner car drivers scratchin' their heads when my wife leaves 'em behind after a trip to the grocery store!


    Chris
    81 242TIC
    95 855T








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    Easy from the VIN 850

    Unless I'm mistaken, you can simply look at 2 numbers in the VIN and figure out what 'type' of 850 it is. The VIN is normally like this :

    YV1LW58
    ^^

    Don't bother with the letters and numbers before 58 above. 58 indicates the engine type, 'R' in this case. High-pressure turbos are 57, instead. Low-pressure turbos are 56 (I think), and normally aspirated engines are 55,

    W in before 55/56/57/58 is for a wagon, S is for a sedan. There are sites that explain the fully decode ring, but this should be enough for your search for the truth.

    Let us know whether your friend is a faker or not. :)










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    Help me pick out a PHONY 850 R 850

    Hope this helps:

    1996 850 R Sedan


    See the 1996 850 Maintenance Schedule
    Volvo's Owners Manual Library

    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    FEATURES
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Safety
    Driver and front passenger supplemental (air bag and knee bolster)
    Side Impact Air Bags
    Five 3-point, inertia-reel belts. Front seat belts have automatic height adjustment and pretensioners
    Five padded head restraints (center-rear is adjustable)
    Anti-lock Brake system (ABS)
    Side Impact Protection System
    Daytime Running Lights
    Remote keyless entry with alarm
    Central power door locking system includes trunk and fuel filler lid locks
    Traction control System (TRACS)

    Interior
    Dual Zone Electronic Climate Control
    SC-815 Premium Sound System with in dash CD, cassette, eight speakers, 200 watts amplifier, anti-theft coding, pre-wired for Volvo Compact Disc Changer
    8-way power adjustable driver's seat with 3-position memory; 8-way power adjustable passenger seat with 3-position memory.
    Split leather and Alcantara suede upholstery
    Tilt/telescoping Leather steering wheel with color accents
    Scandinavian Light Birch or Black Burled Walnut wood trim on instrument panel and floor console
    Power glass sunroof with slide and tilt positions and sliding sun shade
    Cruise control
    Front and rear floor mats
    Front door-panel storage pockets. Front seat back storage pockets
    Long-load pass through to trunk
    Tool kit
    Interior cabin light delay
    Two entry lights (in front door foot wells)
    Four, front and rear reading lamps
    Illuminated, lockable glove box
    Illuminated vanity mirrors in driver's and front passenger's sun visors
    Luggage compartment light
    Split 60/40 folding rear seat; front passenger seat backrest folds forward
    Four cargo tie-down rings
    Power windows with auto down for driver's window
    Trip computer
    Heated front seats
    Outside temperature gauge

    Exterior
    Dual power mirrors
    Tinted windows
    Two-speed windshield wipers with intermittent cycle
    Rear-window defroster with automatic timer
    Open door traffic warning lights on doors
    Special Lower front Bumper and spoiler with integrated foglights
    Rear fog light
    7" x 17" Titanium Grey Seven-Spoke Alloy. 205/45/17 ZR Rated Pirelli P-Zero Tires; 6.5" x 16" Five-Spoke Alloy. 205/50/16 ZR Michelin MXM. No Charge (OPTION);
    Rear-spoiler
    Stainless steel door sill plates
    Headlamp washer/wiper

    Engine
    Transversely mounted, 2.3 liter, 5-cylinder double overhead cam, 4 valves per cylinder, aluminum engine block, forged vanadium steel crankshaft and connecting rods, cast-in iron cylinder liners,microprocessor-controlled multi-point, direct port fuel injection system with Lambda Sond. Electronic ignition system with knock sensor.
    Horsepower (SAE net): 240 @ 5200 rpm
    Torque (ft/lbs., SAE net): 221 @ 2100 rpm
    Compression Ratio: 8.5:1

    Transmission
    4-speed microprocessor-controlled automatic with lock-up torque converter and selectable shift modes (Economy/Sport/Winter) Final drive ratio: 2.54

    Suspension
    MacPherson strut with asymmetrically mounted coil springs, forged aluminum lower link arms, hydraulic shock absorbers, 21 mm stabilizer bar.
    Delta-Link semi-independent rear suspension with coil springs, gas-filled shock absorbers, 20 mm stabilizer bar

    Tires
    7" x 17" Titanium Grey Seven-Spoke Alloy. 205/45/17 ZR Rated Pirelli P-Zero Tires; 6.5" x 16" Five-Spoke Alloy. 205/50/16 ZR Michelin MXM. No Charge (OPTION);

    Steering
    Power-assisted rack and pinion, 34.5 ft. turning circle, 3.2 turns, lock to lock

    Brakes
    Four-wheel, power-assisted disc brakes.
    Front: 11-inch diameter, ventilated discs with sliding calipers.
    Rear: 11.5-inch diameter solid discs; Proportioning valve on rear brakes. Three-channel anti-lock braking system (ABS); Separate self-adjusting mechanical rear-wheel drum parking brakes

    Dimensions and Weights
    Wheelbase 104.9 in. 266.5 cm.
    Overall Length 183.5 in. 466.0 cm.
    Overall Width 69.3 in. 176.0 cm.
    Overall Height 55.7 in. 141.5 cm.
    Front Track 59.8 in. 152.0 cm.
    Rear Track 57.9 in. 147.0 cm.
    Trunk Capacity 14.7 cu ft. 1.6 m3
    Curb Weight 3148-3208 lbs. 1431-1458 kg.
    Interior Total Volume 111.5 cu ft. 12.4 m3

    Color & Upholstery
    Colors Black, Red, White
    Upholstery Alcantara Beige or Grey


    1997 850 R


    See the 1997 850 Maintenance Schedule
    Volvo's Owners Manual Library

    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    FEATURES
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Safety
    Driver and front passenger supplemental restraint system (air bag and knee bolster)
    Side Impact Protection System Air Bags
    Five 3-point, inertia-reel belts. Front seat belts have automatic height adjustment and pretensioners
    Five padded head restraints (center-rear is adjustable)
    Anti-lock Brake system (ABS)
    Side Impact Protection System
    Daytime Running Lights
    Remote keyless entry with alarm
    Central power door locking system which can be operated from three positions, includes trunk and fuel filler lid locks
    Prewiring for security system & front fog lights
    Traction Control (TRACS)

    Interior
    Dual Zone Electronic Climate Control
    SC-815 Stereo cassette with in-dash CD, eight speakers, 200 watts
    8-way power adjustable driver's seat with 3-position memory; 8-way power adjustable passenger seat with 3-position memory;
    Adjustable driver's seat with lumbar support
    Split leather and Alcantara (Suede upholstery); Leather-faced upholstery (OPTION)
    Leather-wrapped steering wheel with color accents
    Scandinavian light birch or burled black walnut wood trim on instrument panel and floor console
    Power glass sunroof with slide and tilt positions and sliding sun shade
    Cruise control
    Front and rear floor mats
    Front door-panel storage pockets. Front seat back storage pockets.
    Long-load pass through to trunk
    Tool kit
    Interior cabin light delay
    Two entry lights (in front door foot wells)
    Four front and rear reading lamps
    Illuminated, lockable glove box
    Illuminated vanity mirrors in driver's and front passenger's sun visors
    Luggage compartment light
    Split 60/40 folding rear seat; front passenger seat backrest folds forward
    Four cargo tie-down rings
    Power windows with auto down for driver's window
    Center console with cupholders.
    Trip Computer

    Exterior
    Dual power mirrors
    Tinted windows
    Two-speed windshield wipers with intermittent cycle
    Rear-window defroster with automatic timer
    Open door traffic warning lights on doors
    Prewiring for security system & front fogs
    Rear fog light
    17" seven spoke Alloy Wheels with high performance tires
    Special lower front bumper and spoiler with integrated fog lights

    Engine
    Transversely mounted, 2.3 liter, 5-cylinder , exhaust driven turbocharger with intercooler, 4 valves per cylinder, aluminum engine block, forged vanadium steel crankshaft and connecting rods, cast-in iron cylinder liners, microprocessor-controlled multi-point, direct port fuel injection system with Lambda Sond. Electronic ignition system with knock sensor.
    Horsepower (SAE net): 240 @ 5600 rpm
    Torque (ft./lbs., SAE net): 221 @ 2100 rpm
    Compression Ratio: 8.5:1

    Transmission
    4-speed microprocessor-controlled automatic with lock-up torque converter and selectable shift modes (Economy/Sport/Winter) Final drive ratio: 2.54

    Suspension
    MacPherson strut with asymmetrically mounted coil springs, hydraulic shock absorbers, 20 mm stabilizer bar.
    Delta-Link semi-independent rear suspension with coil springs, gas-filled shock absorbers,19.5 mm stabilizer bar

    Tires
    7x17 Seven-spoke Alloy; 205/50/16 ZR Rated tires

    Steering
    Power-assisted rack and pinion, 34.5 ft. turning circle, 3.2 turns, lock to lock

    Brakes
    Four-wheel, power-assisted disc brakes.
    Front: 11-inch diameter, ventilated discs with sliding calipers.
    Rear: 11 1/2-inch diameter solid discs; Three-channel anti-lock braking system (ABS); Separate self-adjusting mechanical rear-wheel drum parking brakes

    Dimensions and Weights
    Wheelbase 104.9 in. 266.5 cm.
    Overall Length 183.5 in. 466.0 cm.
    Overall Width 69.3 in. 176.0 cm.
    Overall Height 55.7 in. 141.5 cm.
    Front Track 59.8 in. 152.0 cm.
    Rear Track 57.9 in. 147.0 cm.
    Trunk Capacity 14.7 cu ft. .41 m3
    Curb Weight 3148-3208 lbs. 1431-1458 kg.
    Interior Total Volume 111.5 cu ft. 3.1 m3

    Color & Upholstery
    Colors Black, White, Bright Red
    Upholstery Leather: Ivory, Graphite, Light Grey
    Split Leather and Alcantara Suede: Beige, Grey
    Plush: Beige, Grey, Graphite
    Velour: Beige, Graphite, Light Grey

    Options
    Cold Weather Package Heated front seats, Wiper washer system for headlights, Outside ambient temperature gauge with freeze warning








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    Help me pick out a PHONY 850 R 850

    Look at the post about R model production numbers - there is a set of specs for R models for 96-98 (I think)

    I was surprised to see that a cargo net was standard equipment. (as mine has)
    --
    96 855R, 95 855,854, 90 744 Ti - 340,000 Volvo miles put on 7 bricks








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    Help me pick out a PHONY 850 R 850

    Hmm, it sounds mostly legit.

    correct me if I'm wrong, but would the 850R have the dark blue guage faces like in the V70R?

    Also, how does the 850R emblem look on the hatch door? If it looks abnormally close to the edge, that's a sure sign he stuck an R on there.
    --
    -Fred, black '00 V70R








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    Could be an 850 R 850

    Does it have 2 tone door inserts on the door panels, look for power passenger seat, usually have front foglights but sometimes front bumper gets damaged & to save $$$ people replace them with standard bumpers. Also not all 850R came with 17 inch wheels some came with optionaL 5 SPOKE 16INCH PERSUS WHEELS IN GUNmetal finish. Some R have stainless steel scuff plate on the door as well as floor mats that say 850R or just R. You can run the Vin # throughthe database to verify !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!








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    Help me pick out a PHONY 850 R 850

    Sounds like he might be legit. One thing to look at is the steering wheel -- my R has a black upper, and a tan lower segment (it's not 50/50, mind you). Is his interior black or tan? If it's tan (96 and newer), the suede is most of the seat, and there's black leather piping running horizontally. Those are just two little things to look for... I'm sure there's others








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    Help me pick out a PHONY 850 R 850

    Does it have the cold weather package? i.e. headlight wipers, heated seats? I also think the 850 "R's" only came in sevaral colors like yellow (only '95), white, black and Red (like mine). Anyways, hope this helps.

    Ben & Jen
    '97 850-R with 62 K and '01 V70 T-5 with 25 K







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