850 T5R, back from the brink or a step too far?

[Andy G]

OK I collected a very unloved 1994 850 T5R in black.

The car has done stellar mileage and the clocks stopped at 260+, estimated miles is in the region of 320+.

Faults, and there are many.

Paint flat but can be revived I'm sure
Suspension rides hard on the front, rattles at the rear
The odd bulb doesn't work inside
Ignition barrel is a little temperamental
It needs a damned good clean inside though, filthy, seats out job this one
Front headlight wiper stays in the up position, possibly seized as I can't move it
Needs a new steering wheel, the one on there is split.

Noise to the engine bay which appears to be idler related.

But for all its issues, it starts first time and seems to be all working. Its mot'd etc. It looks better in the pics than the metal, there's no rust though but it feels like it needs much TLC.

[Andy G]

one thing I'll not understand is, why do owners just let their cars stay so dirty inside, I've found pens, euro's, bottles, receipts, more pens, paper, sweets, lighter, pen knife of sorts, a few parts in volvo bags. Its going to be an interior strip out to clean at least.

The floor mats are very good though for the miles, and I have located the handbook but I don't think its the cars original, certainly haven't got the T5R folder.

[Wobbly Dave]

how much do you want to spend on it? What is the end game?

[Andy G]

no idea and no idea! To be honest it seemed a crying shame to see in languishing in a yard so I decided to at least give it a dry home, this is after all bargain basement territory.

I would say end game is to have a useable car, nothing fancy or special, just one that can be used on the road as Volvo intended. It has a tow bar which will prove useful, but I'm not looking too long term. I've had my old BMW for around 14 years and it was in a bad way when I got it, and now its like the pic below, so this 850, if I can play at garages and repair as and when then I'll not lose much sleep. It's not like I have a deadline just yet.

[Wobbly Dave]

I was more curious about what you're looking to do. Bear shell restore to original spec/Show and Shine shrine? Track Animal? RWD conversion? T6 Conversion?

[Tomcat]

Dare I ask how much you got it for?, I really miss my black T5R so it's nice to see another

[Andy G]

£500 all in Tomcat.

I'd love to do something like this properly but I don't have the means really but I could take my time I suppose. I really liked my old V70R of years gone by and the 850R saloon I had for a few years, so wouldn't mind getting it to an acceptable standard. I don't think it will see the track though.

Intention is to bring it back from the brink initially, get most of the small things or annoying things sorted, then go from there. I may be able to save the paint as it stands then one day have it blown over.

[LiamT4]

Is that an e23, which model?

[Ettienne]

Got to have a go at restoring it surely.

I hate seeing the t5r / 850rs broken, as they're getting rare and going up in value.

I have enough stuff here sitting in the workshop to pimp one, but I just can't do it and put them back to standard now.

Oh black is a reasonably rare colour, you won't see many driving it.

[t5 pete]

I wish mine was in that condition when I started out its certainly not too far gone a decent restro if ypu can do the work your self and you will always be quids in

[craigoodwood]

you'll have to change your sig

[Andy G]

I will have to change it now.

It won't be broken in my ownership, I hate breaking them (besides I have neither the time nor the space!). It is in need with many smaller items missing but I think we can save her for god knows how many more miles to come. The engine seems very healthy.

The T5R isn't that bad really but like has been said by Wobbly, how far do you go? I'd like to refresh the suspension, and tidy up the paint, give it some shine and get those wheels refurbished, they were so dirty and the dirt has sat for so long that they are in desperate need, not too bad as they can't be saved but I reckon the car including the wheels have not seen a bucket and sponge for a very long time.

Liam, that is an e23, it is a rarity though as this is one of the few Alpina 'converted' cars carried out by Sytners in Nottingham, this car was the ride of the director of Park Lane in the mid 80's, cost the same as the average semi in 85!! I found it in Bristol and took a chance on its originality and drove it the few hundred miles home, a wing and a prayer comes to mind and its been with me ever since.

They modified the engine, suspension and gave it the distinctive front spoiler and alloys, it currently has a full dark red leather interior but it should have a buffalo leather, but that's very hard to find, why mine lost its I can fathom.

[V70 Graham]

Be good to save her if you can, just take it bit by bit if there's no rush.

ps I'll have the euros for the wife lol

[jamesy12345]

love the alpina is it a B10 E23?? Only 22 built!

[dant5r]

The seats look like there from a 850R not a t5r

[hemihusky]

yeah those are 850R seats but depends how far you wanna go original. mine has the original leather middle with alcantera outter T5R seats and they are nice yes. but god do they make you hot on a long drive! and considering for the past 4 weekends on the trot ive done 600 miles per weekend it gets rather annoying!

[Andy G]

Hi guys, yes the seats are from another car, I thought they were V70R to be honest. They did say the originals were worn so were replaced. The drivers seat is suffering a little so I may replace that with another R item and leave it as that.

Yep, e23 B10 3.5, They made an initial 22 manual cars in 85 but this is one of approx 13 auto's made. I've managed to track down 8, crazy, most have rusted away, probably like the 850's today.

[hemihusky]

V70R seats are black with straight alcantera inserts and quilt stitching across them, i got a set for my T5R. those what you have are definetly 850R seats

[jamesy12345]

Hi guys, yes the seats are from another car, I thought they were V70R to be honest. They did say the originals were worn so were replaced. The drivers seat is suffering a little so I may replace that with another R item and leave it as that.

Yep, e23 B10 3.5, They made an initial 22 manual cars in 85 but this is one of approx 13 auto's made. I've managed to track down 8, crazy, most have rusted away, probably like the 850's today.

there's a B10 bi-turbo for sale in 4-star classics. Once I've sorted out a buyer for one of my kidneys I think I'll go for it

[LiamT4]

Yep, e23 B10 3.5, They made an initial 22 manual cars in 85 but this is one of approx 13 auto's made. I've managed to track down 8, crazy, most have rusted away, probably like the 850's today.

Its a lovely car and very rare too.
My dad had a couple of bmws, an e12 525, e28 527i and an e32 735i with a few engine mods on it.