USE OEM ONLY for these:

[DARK_BLU]

It's good to know that I'm not as paranoid as I thought I might be for replacing worn parts with Volvo/OEM parts. The shop I take my 96 850 GLT N/A to for repairs and maintenance only uses Genuine Volvo/OEM parts. I was considering that MSD Ignition over the Bosch, but since I recently had the Distributor Cap and Rotor replaced with OEM/Bosch, I'll stick with Bosch for the Ignition. This thread answered that for me. Thanks, guys!!

[E Showell]

I'm going to say OEM only for front sway bar end links due to a recent catastrophic failure of IPD "Heavy Duty" end link. I'd also say OEM only for radiator expansion tank cap.

Going in the other direction, I'd say OEM for replacement battery cables is a waste of money. Better to obtain custom cables from a place like genuinedealz.com. Those will be a heavier duty spec. than OEM.

[cn90]

UPDATE May 2015:

- For engine seals (cam seals etc.), stick to Corteco.

- I just found out by myself (comparing a brand-new Corteco seal vs a Volvo OEM cam seal) that Corteco is identical to Volvo at a fraction of the price.
Example 1998 S70 Front Cam Seals:
* Corteco: $9
* Volvo OEM: $19

[precopster]

Now that I recall the WS series Bosch inserts for some 1999 and all 2000 cars have disappointed because of crush in the filter which has lead to sizable holes in the filter media. This has happened twice on 2 different vehicles in close succession.

So far I've used Mahle (OX-149D) MANN (HU 819 X) and more recently K & N red inserts (PS 7002) with no issues.

[mecheng]

UPDATE May 2015:

- For engine seals (cam seals etc.), stick to Corteco.

- I just found out by myself (comparing a brand-new Corteco seal vs a Volvo OEM cam seal) that Corteco is identical to Volvo at a fraction of the price.
Example 1998 S70 Front Cam Seals:
* Corteco: $9
* Volvo OEM: $19

And If you buy a Erling seal it says Corteco on it. I believe but haven't confirmed, Erling cam seals are now made by Corteco

[hausmeister]

How about the rear traverse arm mounts/Links? (4 in all)

I wanted to use OEM, but all 4 after market parts were as "cheap" as only 1 OEM part (~170€ or something). Maybe I will regret it, but I still think OEM is way to expensive in this case - would have cost about 3x more.

[JimBee]

Maybe I missed it, but still not sure if Sachs spring seats (for 850) are OEM. Comments?

[abscate]

Sachs struts were OEM on my 1999, so I imagine its likely they made the seats too.

[precopster]

Yep Sachs are spring seat manufacturers for Volvo. It's further back in the thread too I believe, or was that the top mount?

[erikv11]

I didn't go back and check the thread but strut top mounts were INA from the factory and that is a good one to go OEM only on. There may be decent quality aftermarket ones now but the INA part lasts so long, I have never installed anything else.