Is my XC90 2006 D5 AWD Polestar?
 

Ok, so last year I bought a 2006 XC90 D5 Euro 4. I already had a 2004, 163 BHP XC90 but the additional BHP is certainly apparent in the 06 model. Thing is, there was a Polestar blue badge on rear lower door of the car when I bought it; although it wasn't sold or bought as a Polestar car. Wondering if anyone out there can advise if they know of a way to find if the badge is actually just a 'cosmetic' thing (bought from Amazon or the like). As I understand it, Polestar remapping is only done only by Volvo dealers but is there any way an owner can determine whether the ECU has in fact been re-mapped without going back to a Volvo dealer to check the history?

Yes, read ecm with Vida.
It will be clear if remapped. Remapping leaves checksum errors

Polestar Q
 

Thanks SwissXC90. Unfortunately no access to Vida/Dice. Looks like it'll be a visit to my nearest Volvo dealership about 20 miles away. Still be cheaper than buying and going through whole learning process of buying the software.
Other option is to get it to Blackpool and put it on a dyna test to check the exact BHP.

The dealer should be able to tell you, and perhaps over the phone.

Polestar Q.
 

True Tannaton; if dealerships are the only ones who can install, there might well be a record associated with the Volvo dealer database. Worth the price of a phone call.

I once looked over the shoulder of the service receptionist when I booked my XC60 in a few years back - there's a system which appears to list everything that has been done or ordered for the car through Volvo or their official network - for example it listed the build date, options, the fact that one of the options was a tow bar but that was dealer fit etc. and all warranty work.

Hence I would be surprised if the Polestar software upgrade is not recorded.