240 DL GL GLE trim differences and possible diesel engines

[revolvor]

Hi,
I am still searching for a good Wagon and almost tempted to go for a 240 2.3

But the trim levels are confusing me - what are the differences between the DL GL GLE etc is the spec listed in the forum anywhere by any chance - I have been searching but no luck.

Does the DL have elec windows etc, is it the next one up from a Torslanda ?

Also has anyone on here fitted a later type diesel engine in a 240 and if so what type or make ? I have heard some of the later RWD Nissan diesels have been used - has anyone done this ?

Thanks

[brodgar]

just a start

dl-- very basic model- no electric windows/mirrors

gl- front elec windows (mirrors-i dont know)

gle- all electric windows/elec mirrors/ usually leather interior

[240]

theres also the se......... all electric windows, electric heated mirrors, 2300cc engine, usually has wheel trims. 4 headrests,

and then theres the torslanda........

and the topping glt....

theres a good write up of the 240 and trim levels here on wikipedia....http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volvo_200_Series

[S40T3]

I had an A-reg 240 with a Nissan Cabstar engine, 2.5 diesel, for several years.

It vibrated madly at rest, did 33mpg (30 for my petrol Torslander and derv is dearer) and managed all of 40mph up the M40 gradient near Aylsbury!

On the plus side, it pulled in to a petrol station whilst the wife was filling up last year, eleven years after we sold it and still going strong!

A modern engine might be better, but don't expect to save much on fuel.

Edit to add: Some Spanish 240s have a straight-six diesel engine, possibly a VW lump, but I have never looked under the bonnet. Do you have any expat pals to ask?

[wooble]

Trim levels:
L (not sold in the UK): base commercial model, no radio, no rear seats and rubber mats instead of carpet. the rear cargo area and rear seat area is panelled in ply.

DL: base model, manual windows/mirrors, cloth/tweed seats (vinyl in rare cases). usually fitted with single stromberg/pierburg 175CD carb. 14" steel wheels.

GL: mid-range model, may be fitted with front electric windows or other options, sometimes have 14" alloy wheels. Interior is usually velour. Engines vary with year, but most common is the B200E with mechanical fuel injection. late ones may be fitted with B200f or B230F EFI engines, early ones can have a carb.

GLE: as GL but usually fitted with B230K engine which has a different head and pistons from other engines, and a solex-cisac carb. Not a popular choice as rebuild parts for this carb are non-existent and fault-finding is difficult.

GLT: range-topping model, basically a 240 turbo minus the turbo. All electric windows and mirrors, leather seats, 15" alloys, gas-charged shock absorbers, 15mm lower springs, thicker anti-roll bars and black body trim instead of chrome. Engine is B230E with mechanical fuel injection.

SE: run-out model produced 1991-1993. Spec varies wildly on these, but usually have electric windows/mirrors (heated mirrors on 1993 model), B200F EFI engine, velour interior and 14" steel wheels. many of these cars had extra options fitted so it's not unusual to find them with leather interior/alloy wheels and other factory accessories.

Torslanda: the other run-out model, produced 1992-1993. As SE but with manual rear windows and mirrors, black GLT body trim, stripe decals on the lower body, and cloth/tweed seats. Only available in silver, white and red.

Most of the trim levels mean completely different things overseas, Volvo was very fond of changing trim levels between countries.

The factory 240 diesel was powered by the Volkswagen D24 6-cylinder 2.4 diesel also fitted to the VW LT commercial vehicles. either very few or no diesel 240s were sold in the UK depending on who you ask, but it's not too hard to find a diesel 940 (with the same VW engine, but turbocharged).

Fitting a newer diesel engine into a 240 is a waste of time in my opinion unless the car has some kind of special value to you, when the cost and difficulty of the engine swap has been taken into account, you'd have been better off buying another car which was diesel to begin with, plus you'll be ruining what little performance a 240 has, and removing the one part which makes them famous for their long life!

if you're looking for maximum MPG (as I'm guessing from the diesel question) get a 2.3 over a 2.0 - they actually get better mileage than the 2.0 as you don't have to press the loud pedal down as much to get it to move. Even the handbook rates the 2.3 as the more economical engine!

[Mike_Brace]

If fuel costs are the issue look for an lpg converted one.

[240]

wooble.... my three se models all have b230f engines

[wooble]

Since when did you have three! last time I checked you just had Bob!

I know SEs did come with b230 or b200, but the b200 seems to be the more common engine for whatever reason, when I was buying my current one I spent a while looking for a 2.3 and couldn't find one and had to settle for a 2.0.

[tannachyallen]

As wooble says, SEs vary wildly. Mine has a 2ltr 200F auto, front electric windows and blue velour upholstry and originally had 14" steel wheels.

Dave A.

[Clifford Pope]

I have a DL with a B230K engine originally with Cisac carburettor.
I dismantled a GL with exactly the same engine and carburettor.

The DL originally had a 4-speed gearbox, changed to 5-speed by a PO.
The GL had 5-speed as original, but apart from that there were no apparent differences. Neither had electric windows.