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MOTRS

850 / 850 T-5R / 850R

1991-1997 / Sedan / Estate / Sweden

All 850 / 850 T-5R / 850R problems All workshop issues
Critical Engine

Oil Consumption (Turbocharged Models)

Symptoms

You're adding a litre of oil every 1000-2000 km. Blue smoke on startup or under boost.

Cause

Piston ring wear, especially on high-mileage T5s. The 2.3L and 2.4L turbo engines from the mid-1990s can be oil burners. This is often down to extended oil change intervals and poor-quality oil.

Fix

If it's mild, live with it and check the oil obsessively.

Severe cases need a bottom-end rebuild or engine replacement.

Forged pistons and upgraded rings will sort it permanently but that's a full build, not a repair.

Expect $3000+ for a proper engine rebuild.

Cost mentioned in fix
$3000+ for a

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Other known issues

Common Engine

PCV System Oil Leaks and Breather Box Failures

Oil everywhere, particularly around the back of the engine and firewall. You might see smoke at idle or a rough idle. In severe cases, the turbo oil feed line can blow apart because the crankcase is pressurised like a balloon.
Critical Engine

Timing Belt and Water Pump

The engine suddenly stops. If you're lucky, nothing else happens. If you're not, you've just destroyed pistons, valves, and possibly the head. This is an interference engine.
Common Engine

Turbo Failure (T5 and 850R)

Loss of power, screaming noises, oily exhaust smoke. The car feels gutless and the boost gauge stays flat.
Common Cooling System

Radiator and Expansion Tank Cracks

Coolant loss, overheating, the temperature gauge climbing past 12 o'clock. You might see pink coolant pooling under the car or steam from the bonnet.
Common Cooling System

Cooling Fan Failures

The temperature gauge climbs in traffic or at idle. The radiator fan doesn't spin up when it should.
Common Cooling System

Heater Core Leaks

Sweet smell in the cabin, fogged-up windscreen, wet passenger footwell. Coolant loss with no visible external leak.
View all 26 850 / 850 T-5R / 850R problems