2000 S40 Maintenance Questions

[iggyz]

Hi all, I've been lurking here the last few days while I wrap up the purchase of my nearly pristine 2000 S40. biggrin.gif I'm hoping fellow S40 owners will be able to give me some constructive information regarding care and maintenance for the car. My apologies for the lenght of the post, I've got a lot of questions/thoughts.

Car Stats:

2000 S40, Blue, bone stock, 97k miles

Questions:

After doing my due diligence before the purchase, I'm aware of the major electrical issues along with the complaints about brake dust and quick wear. However, I have a complete service history for the car which indicates that it was taken in for the various TSB issues, and I'm hoping I won't have to deal with anything more than replacing a headlight or two. It was also regularly serviced for oil, along with a few notes for transmission, brakes and suspension. It has never failed a NYS inspection.

My biggest concern is the computers. I currently drive a '95 Civic EX, which means all of my issues are mechanical, NOT digital. Is there anything I can do at home to keep the computers accurate (in addition to/other than Stage 0)? What has your experience been with error codes and CEL notices?

2ndly, brakes. Is this really a big issue? The brakes are in very good condition right now but will need to be replaced in approx. 15-20k miles. Have you upgraded/changed your rotors and calipers? Do you recommend it or does it not matter? What do you do to deal with the brake dust (how harmful is it)?

How often do you find yourself at the shop for repairs?

Aside from the two main issues, are there any other issues I should be aware of about the car?

Sorry to ramble on! Thanks for your input.

[DouginDenver]

Hi all, I've been lurking here the last few days while I wrap up the purchase of my nearly pristine 2000 S40. biggrin.gif I'm hoping fellow S40 owners will be able to give me some constructive information regarding care and maintenance for the car. My apologies for the lenght of the post, I've got a lot of questions/thoughts.

Car Stats:

2000 S40, Blue, bone stock, 97k miles

Questions:

After doing my due diligence before the purchase, I'm aware of the major electrical issues along with the complaints about brake dust and quick wear. However, I have a complete service history for the car which indicates that it was taken in for the various TSB issues, and I'm hoping I won't have to deal with anything more than replacing a headlight or two. It was also regularly serviced for oil, along with a few notes for transmission, brakes and suspension. It has never failed a NYS inspection.

My biggest concern is the computers. I currently drive a '95 Civic EX, which means all of my issues are mechanical, NOT digital. Is there anything I can do at home to keep the computers accurate (in addition to/other than Stage 0)? What has your experience been with error codes and CEL notices?

2ndly, brakes. Is this really a big issue? The brakes are in very good condition right now but will need to be replaced in approx. 15-20k miles. Have you upgraded/changed your rotors and calipers? Do you recommend it or does it not matter? What do you do to deal with the brake dust (how harmful is it)?

How often do you find yourself at the shop for repairs?

Aside from the two main issues, are there any other issues I should be aware of about the car?

Sorry to ramble on! Thanks for your input.

I just bought an almost identical car. All I have noticed is that something is goofy with one headlight - either a mismounted bulb or a loose reflector, and the front end makes a very indistinct sound I cannot really describe on right turns. As for the brakes, when they go, I'll buy new ones - brake dust is not worse than on any car. Do check your cabin air filter under the glove compartent. I have all the service records too, and as far as I can tell, it was original - 95K miles. The AC barely blew.

[Guest Guest]

Thanks for the info DouginDever. I was lucky to find the AC in great condition and I think it's because the system was serviced recently according to the records. I'm of course planning to continue the up keep so I'll keep an eye on the filters.

[iggyz]

Sorry, that guest post was me.

[DouginDenver]

Sorry, that guest post was me.

But do you know the cabin air filter was actually changed within the last 7,000 miles or so? If you have no record it was, you might as well look. Takes 5 minutes.

[iggyz]

^^

No. But I can ask my mechanic (purchased from him). I just picked up the car yesterday afternoon so I haven't had a chance to really look it all over yet. :)

[loseR99]

if you're looking for a virtually dust free brake pad try mintex. For example, say you had mintex on the front and oem rear pads, you'll have more dust on the rears, honestly.

As for stage 0 on an s40 with 97,000 You'd probably be best off just doing a complete 100,000mile tune up. That would include timing belt, idler pulley, tensioner pulley, (might as well due the water pump while doing the timing belt), serp belt tensioner and idler, spark plugs, coil packs, fuel filter, air filter, tranny fluid powerflush, coolant (with timing belt change), check/clean/replace pcv oil trap and hoses. I'd also check sway bar endlinks, bushings, and motor mounts and replace as needed. Bilstein also has struts and shocks for the 2000 model that are very affordable compared to konis.

Volvospeed users are very knowledgeable, but you might also want to try s40concepts.net for an s40 dedicated site with over 1600 s40 owners. Good luck with your new ride!

[iggyz]

1clean01 Thanks for all that info! If the brake dust isn't a big deal, I don't really care what gets put on, but there was so much mention of it in the reviews that it seemed like it might be an issue. I'll check out the brand you mentioned when the time comes to replace them.

Honestly, and this will sound absolutely insane, I just can't get used to the AT and I'd much rather drive my Civic. I think the S40 will end up being DH's car, although I still have to deal with all the maintenance.

Thanks again.