Does anyone know of any issues I should be aware of while looking at this vehicle? I'm unsure of the differences and possible issues with european volvos. I was told that it was a 5 spd rather than a 4spd with electronic overdrive and that it was carburated with a manual choke button on the dash?

I guess it will have the 112 HP B230A engine with a Pierburg carb, with the pros and cons of carb'ed engines. It has a bit higher compression rate than you might be used to if you've driven B230F equipped Volvos (10.3:1 vs. 9.8:1). Depending on possible differences in diff ratios you may experience better pulling power from low speeds compared to the B230F.

Take a look at the headlamps to check that the reflectors are okay - these lamps are not sealed (glass and housing are held together by clips). Glass and reflectors are sold separately BTW. See if you see the name "Volvo" in the glass, if not they are aftermarket. Check the headlight wipers/washers too, that they work when you engage the windshield washer and that the rubber is reasonably okay.

Erling.
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My 240 Page

Any special fuel requirements with the higher compression engine? What about the transmission, ever seen an actual 5sp on a volvo 240?

Thanks

I feed mine 95 octane ("regular"), it's the lowest I can get here in Norway and also what Volvo recommends. [Disclaimer: I do not know if octane is measured the same way in the US as it is in Europe.]

Like George says, the M47 box is pretty common. That's the "true" 5 speed manual. The M46 box (4 sp + OD) is generally considered to be stronger, but as this car isn't a turbo it shouldn't matter.

Good luck!

Erling.
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My 240 Page

You most likely need higher-octane fuel for higher compression. A little search on the Web should help you, or you could try to ring some Volvo places.

The 5-speed M47 transmission is pretty common. Since most 240s sold in Europe had manual transmission, it should be even more common than in overseas export markets preferring slushboxes. Check the Brickboard archives on M47s: it is widely recommended to overfill them with lubricant, as some parts do not get enough with the normal level. If looked after, they should be fine, and there is no overdrive electricals to go wrong.

George

I might get corrected on this, but it seems like there was negligible difference between European and overseas export models - with the exception of the carburetted engine. So, all those accumulated tips that you can find in the archives should apply.

Good luck,
George