Retro fit trip computer

[Andru]

I have just bought a 2008 C30 D5 R Sport. I am a little disappointed that it has no trip computer,average speed,mpg etc. the stalk is there with the controls on but the only info it shows or can can is the 'DTSC' I think it is,that being the anti wheel spin.

Is it possible to get this installed at a reasonable price anywhere as it's something I feel the car is lacking in.

Thanks

[SonyVaio]

Installation couldn't be easier really, visit a Volvo dealer and they will conduct a software update which will see you have a functional trip/fuel computer.

The downside is the update is rather expensive! IIRC approx. £250 -£300.

[Barnsey]

Apparently there are independent garages that have written their own software to enable the trip computer but if you have any software updates by Volvo e.g. when in for a service, this can reset the hack if that's what it is, many argue its perfectly legal to do. You have to ask yourself if having a trip computer would help you save £250+ during ownership as I'm in the same boat, stupidly thought they all had it as standard as all the previous S40s I test drove did.

I've just gone for old school, reset the trip distance with a full tank and wait for the light.

[Andru]

Thanks both for the replies, I agree that price is astronomical considering it's only a software update.
I do have a brilliant indie dealer near me so I will ring to see if he has this option. I wouldn't dream of paying that much even though I did find all the info an interesting read on long trips and very informative.

I can't believe a 2008, car and a volvo at that, doesn't have this as stnd. I thought the spec of a R Design Sport would have had that installed.

Even my wife's basic 2002 Honda jazz has one fitted for average mpg.

[Barnsey]

I've read that same response of surprise/dissapointment many times, my 01 basic spec Yaris had one, although most Japanese cars would. Just see it as a quirk and a way of forgetting how relatively uneconomical many of these Volvo's are.

[pringle_addict]

An alternative option is to buy a bluetooth OBD reader such as

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/like/25146...f14=108&ff19=0


and the torque app
https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...l.torque&hl=en

and get all the data you want, at a fraction of the cost.

[Andru]

Originally Posted by pringle_addict

An alternative option is to buy a bluetooth OBD reader such as

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/like/25146...f14=108&ff19=0


and the torque app
https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...l.torque&hl=en

and get all the data you want, at a fraction of the cost.

Have you tried either of these? I see on the Ebay page there are many more similar. Is there anything I need to look out for in one specifically?

Thanks

[pringle_addict]

Yes, I have this one..

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mini-ELM32...p2054897.l5663

and it pairs to my Galaxy S3 perfectly and using Torque pro, displays all the information I could ever need - average mpg, instant mpg, air temp, water temp, turbo boost, torque etc.. some of them are a bit estimated - i.e. the torque figures needs the max torque inputting, then displays a prorate figure based on throttle travel etc.

You can also plot graphs using actual data and download data sets to analyse later (if you that way inclined).

Well worth a tenner for both, even if you only use it infrequently.

[Andru]

Thanks for that, I've just ordered the scanner for £4.59 inc free postage. It's amazing when you think of the mileage it's going to cover to get here. I have the app aleady so that's no problem.

Thanks

[julianps]

My light comes on at almost 45.5L, so take the trip and divide by 10 for MPG.