1996 s40 issues/faults?

ramone · Apr 29th, 2019, 19:42

Hey guys and gals.

Need some (first hand) info on the 1996 s40 1.8. I've read somewhere the first year s40s are plagued by faults and it's best to avoid them up to 2000. The thing is, I've stumbled on a 1996 1.8 (non gdi) which was looked after (one owner), has around 150k km on the clock and some high end features for around 800€. I've also spotted a 2001 1.8 (also non gdi) for about the same cash with 200k km with two owners (also in good nick) with standard features. Now my question is, what are some of the faults on the 96 and would it be better to go for the 01?

Also: I've owned a 99 and had zero trouble so I'm kinda confused.

Thank you.

canis · Apr 30th, 2019, 00:02

Basically, there are two types: Phase 1, and phase 2.

And somewhere in the middle (around 1999) some cars were half-n-half.

There are pros and cons to each. If you like a car with all manner of rules about what you're allowed to do, the P2 is for you! I absolutely detest the way it wipes the rear screen if i select reverse with the front wipers switched on - but some people marvel at this stuff, and delight that they can't turn on their fog lights unless they turn on the lights as well, which is wierd since they're already on, blah blah blah. It's a ton of relays, basically. Deciding what you're allowed to do, and when.

The P2 takes all this further, and decides all this junk in one box instead of many, notwithstanding the P2 still having many boxes full of relays anyway.

So:
Phase 1 - modular logic
Phase 2 - centralised logic

Take your pick. They're both a bloody nuisance when they go wrong.

EDIT: In other words; There's no reason to favour the 01 over the 96 except that it's newer. And if you're planning to run decatted and don't want to be messing around the particulate filters and other nonsense - don't buy anything after 1998. It depends what's important to you.

ramone · Apr 30th, 2019, 07:34

Thank you canis.

I'll probably go and check both and ask the owners if there is anything particular they dislike. I forgot to mention - I really don't have any particular technical or other preferences/rules apart from minimum spending on maintenance. Tinkering with the car is something I'd rather leave to the mechanic.

Apr 29th, 2019, 19:42	#1
ramone New Member Last Online: Apr 30th, 2019 07:34 Join Date: Apr 2019 Location: Celje	1996 s40 issues/faults? Hey guys and gals. Need some (first hand) info on the 1996 s40 1.8. I've read somewhere the first year s40s are plagued by faults and it's best to avoid them up to 2000. The thing is, I've stumbled on a 1996 1.8 (non gdi) which was looked after (one owner), has around 150k km on the clock and some high end features for around 800€. I've also spotted a 2001 1.8 (also non gdi) for about the same cash with 200k km with two owners (also in good nick) with standard features. Now my question is, what are some of the faults on the 96 and would it be better to go for the 01? Also: I've owned a 99 and had zero trouble so I'm kinda confused. Thank you.

Apr 30th, 2019, 00:02	#2
canis Non Fragile Last Online: Today 16:13 Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Chadderton, Oldham	Basically, there are two types: Phase 1, and phase 2. And somewhere in the middle (around 1999) some cars were half-n-half. There are pros and cons to each. If you like a car with all manner of rules about what you're allowed to do, the P2 is for you! I absolutely detest the way it wipes the rear screen if i select reverse with the front wipers switched on - but some people marvel at this stuff, and delight that they can't turn on their fog lights unless they turn on the lights as well, which is wierd since they're already on, blah blah blah. It's a ton of relays, basically. Deciding what you're allowed to do, and when. The P2 takes all this further, and decides all this junk in one box instead of many, notwithstanding the P2 still having many boxes full of relays anyway. So: Phase 1 - modular logic Phase 2 - centralised logic Take your pick. They're both a bloody nuisance when they go wrong. EDIT: In other words; There's no reason to favour the 01 over the 96 except that it's newer. And if you're planning to run decatted and don't want to be messing around the particulate filters and other nonsense - don't buy anything after 1998. It depends what's important to you. Last edited by canis; Apr 30th, 2019 at 00:07.

Apr 30th, 2019, 07:34	#3
ramone New Member Last Online: Apr 30th, 2019 07:34 Join Date: Apr 2019 Location: Celje	Thank you canis. I'll probably go and check both and ask the owners if there is anything particular they dislike. I forgot to mention - I really don't have any particular technical or other preferences/rules apart from minimum spending on maintenance. Tinkering with the car is something I'd rather leave to the mechanic.

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