As a "Rule of Thumb" If its an ME7 Engine its got a AW 55-50 SN box (Volvo Changed em around the same time) I think I've seen 1 (possibly 2) V/S 70's with Dizzys & cables with a AW 55-50 SN box ... VERY BLOODY RARE

Keith

Easy way to spot the type of autobox is from the selector switche(s) if its got a single "W" mode behind the gear shift selector and no other options then its the 55-50, earlier autoboxes had three selector switches for S, W, E as I recall - Mike

Well Remembered Mike .... I believe you are correct there Mate !!!

Not so apparently.!...Mine has only the "W" (adaptive box)..and has the 42 autogearbox.
Checked it through the VIN. (gearbox option No. 6)
I think mine was very much a change over model...Registered November '98 on a '99 MY basis.

Neil

Neil, Not doubting you here mate but are REALLY SURE you have a 50-42 LE Box ???

ALL 50-42's have the 3 "Mode" button .. "Econ, Sport & Winter" where-as the 50-55 SN box only has the "W" button, & is classed as "Adaptive" Gearbox

If you've checked it on VADIS that COULD be wrong, Vadis is WRONG on MY "C" it states it is NOT ME7 (but it is!!!) it also states it has a 50-42 Box (which I KNOW it Hasn;t!!).. Makes finding Parts a Bloody Nightmear!!!

Personally I would do a touch of "Shuvin Head in Engine bay" Tomoz & find the Actual Box Data plate...

As I said up there ^^^ VERY VERY rough Rule of Thumb

NOT ME7 Engine 50-42 LE box

WITH ME7 Engine 55-50 SN Box

Below is info from the "R" spec (but holds true for the "Standard" V70 with regards to Engine Management systems & Auto Gearboxes ....)

Phase 1: were produced from 1997 till February 1999 (UK P to S reg) and were available with either the B5234T-4 (2319cc) engine (18T turbo 250 bhp/350 N·m) and five-speed manual gearbox; or the B5234T-6 engine (16T turbo 240 bhp/310 N·m) and four-speed three-mode automatic gearbox (AW 50-42 LE) Both engines used the Bosch Motronic 4.4 engine management system.

Phase 2: were produced from March 1999 (UK S to T reg) and were only available with the B5234T-8 (2319 cc) engine (18T turbo 250 bhp/310 N·m) and four-speed adaptive automatic gearbox. (AW 55-50 SN) These cars use the Bosch Motronic ME7 engine management system with drive-by-wire throttle and variable exhaust camshaft valve timing.

Phase 3: were produced from May 1999 till May 2000 (UK T to W reg). They were only available with the larger B5244RT (2435cc) engine (19T turbo 265 bhp/350 N·m) and five-speed adaptive automatic gearbox. These also use the Bosch Motronic ME7 engine management system, drive-by-wire and VVT.

So I would THINK yours is one of the VERY FIRST "Phase 2" V70's (Possibly even a "Pre Production" Model for the dealerships ect (Very Like my C70) if you only have a "W" Button you MUST have a 55-50 SN box as the 42 LE box had the "3 Mode" Sport, Econ & Winter button. Easy way to tell are you running ME7 (NO throttle Cable or Dizzy)??? if so its DEFFO a 55-50 Box ...

Keith

The principle is still the same! and it gives better results,cleans out all the muck.

My '99 T5 is ME7 and I defo have the AW50-42LE box with just the one 'W' button.

If your lever positions go : P R N D 3 L the box is a four speed 50-42, regardless of whether you have three 'S,W,E' buttons or just one 'W' button. Dexron 3 is fine in any 50-42 box.

If your lever positions go : P R N D 4 3 L the box is a five speed 55-50, in which the expensive JWS3309 spec fluid is required.

Simples!

Yep...I was under the same impression.....I have PRND3L on mine (4 speed)...and ONE "W" button only....and the VIN supports a 42 box.???..it's a Denso car btw
Seems cars of this sort of vintage were diverted through Volvos pick 'n mix department during the manufacturing stage..??LOL

Neil

Thanks for that, Keith...but still totally confused...I'm not even sure I actually have a bloody Volvo...LOL..
There seem to be SO many possibilities and variations...!!!
I'm getting to the point where I don't CARE what damn box I have...LOL
Mine can't be a Phase 2...(if Phase 2 started production in March 1999)..mine was made in 1998.???..and my engine is a N/A B5254s.?..Denso.!...with a FOUR speed PRND3L box.?..AND ETM.!!
Neil

My 99 V70 xc has the 42 box with a W button and PRND321