Maybe you're confusing the AW42 with the AW72? The AW70 series is the basic 4-speed autobox used in 240s, 740s, and 940s. The AW70 is a 4-speed, and the AW70L is the same with a lockup torque converter. The AW71(L) is the same as an AW70(L) but built to deal with the higher levels of power in the turbo variants of the 740 and 940 series. The AW72(L) was used in certain 740s & 940s and is another heavy-duty AW70(L) variant. The AW70/71/72(L) transmissions are some of the longest-lasting transmissions out there, and unless they are abused through lack of regular fluid changes or obnoxious driving will last & have lasted well beyond 300,000mi.

As for manual transmissions, The M46 was a 4 speed manual with an electronically operated overdrive unit providing a 5th gear. It was used in 240s and 740s until about 1991 or so. It was used concurrently with the M47, a true 5-speed, which appeared on 240s and 740s in the late 80s. The M46 is bulletproof and will last as long as any other component of the car, engine included. Its electronic overdrive is something of a weak point, but when it fails its usually either the switch on the shiftstick, the relay, or the solenoid, all of which can be repaired for very little $. The M47, on the other hand, suffered from poor lubrication due to the fact that you can't fill it completely unless you jack one side of the car (passenger, I think) up when you're filling it with fluid.

For more transmission & RWD Volvo info than you can shake several sticks at, visit http://www.brickboard.com/FAQ/700-900/. And to find out what tranny was used when, visit http://epic.mcmaster.ca/bill/volvo/volvohome.htm.

jeff daigle
'89 745GL 135,000mi