i don't know if any of you have wondered this, but what are the little oval shaped holes on the front of the 240's below the headlights for? i don't know if the older ones have them, but the latest headlight style (one big rectangle) has them located under the lower corner on the grille side. they have little rubber plugs that fill them. could these have been for headlamp wipers like the newer ones have? if so, has anyone ever seen them?

Yes, holes are for wiper arms. The North American market never used them on the '86-'93 240 because the lenses are plastic and they have little nubs on them for the headlight aiming machine. If you sanded off the bumps and tried to use the wipers on your headlights, they would really scratch up the plastic. You need to switch to european glass headlights with matching turn signals. About $350-$1000 depending on where you get them, and the wipers will cost extra. If you do this swap, do it for the greatly improved beam pattern and capacity to use higher wattage headlight bulbs. The wipers are just an added bonus.
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Volvo 240 Links

Yep, that's what the plugs are for. All markets but the U.S. had headlamp wiper/washer systems. Here's a picture
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'86 245 DL Volvo Blue/ Blue Vinyl M46

so are they available in the US? (through aftermarket, mail order, or otherwise)

I think Verrigni Marine quoted me $400 for everything. Call them (800.888.6586)
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'86 245 DL Volvo Blue/ Blue Vinyl M46