I just purchased a 94 850 wagon (100k) and I have two quick questions:

1. What weight and type (conventional or synthetic) oil should I use?

2. I want to change the auto tranny fluid and filter because I've heard
of problems with this model and could anyone tell me if there is anything specific I should know? For example: should I save one quart of the old fluid
and reuse it, etc. I've never done this to a vehicle newer than '86 so I just want to be sure I am doing the right thing.

Thanks for any replys. Also any comments about the 850 would be great.

Engine Oil Type is listed in your owners manual which takes into consideration market destination and climate type. Likely 10W30 will suffice for year round use. Going synthetic or not is a personal choice and you can do that at any time. Regarding your transmission fluid and ALL other fluids for that matter, and unless you know the complete maintenance history of the car, I would recommend you change ALL fluids including coolant and brake fluids, given the age and mileage of the car.

Do a search on oil, you'll get enough to read for years!

If you have Volvo's books, use the weight that they recommend, if you do not, go to Volvo's site, I have heard that if you register, they have a virtual set of books for your car.

Go to volvospeed.com, there are many debates on oil there also.

Bay 13 at volvospeed has instructions for flushing your transmission. (As well as MANY repairs for your brick) I have read that it has no filter that is replacable.
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96 855R, 95 855,854, 90 744 Ti - 340,000 Volvo miles put on 7 bricks