Volvo Accessory Prices

[wimorrison]

ALSO POSTED IN THE TOWBAR SECTION

I have been thinking about having a towbar fitted to my XC60 and checked theaccessories list on the Volvo website to see that a price of GBP662.40 for the removable towbar, fitted with 13 pin electrics. Two local dealers have quoted significantly over this price, one at GBP750 and the other at GBP690 - and neither recognise the VOC 15% discount as described on the website - one says he may give 10%, the other nothing.

I have several questions for the assembled knowledge

a) has anyone had a towbar fitted by Volvo, if so how did you pay?

b) has anyone had an aftermarket installed, if so what did you pay?

c) Volvo say that the warranty is invalidated if you have an aftermarket fitted - is this true?

d) when buying accessories what has been the reaction to asking for VoC discount?


Many thanks for all the answers on other subject, I hope that this question will prove that I am not barking mad and these dealers are turning into stealers

Iain

[pdrvolvo]

hi,

have had a bar fitted to a v70 cost £550.

had a quote for a bar fitted to an xc90 £800.had the bar fitted by the same guy who does them for volvo stealer.cost £240.done at my house.

as regards warranty dont know but IMO should not affect it if job done properly.i.e approved parts used.

not a voc member so have not asked.

peter.

[4wheeldriver]

Audi tried the same line with me and they wanted 1500 quid for a detachable bar!!! Told them to cancel the order and the price suddenly over halved and they promptly sent the car to the local auto electricians that I was going to get to fit the bar......... Stealers!! dontcha just love 'em........

[wimorrison]

Originally Posted by pdrvolvo

hi,

as regards warranty dont know but IMO should not affect it if job done properly.i.e approved parts used.

The story on the warranty is that connections to the wiring systems not using their loom are not supported and there are software updates that can only be performed by Volvo that are required.

They maintain that as the vehicle is CAN-bus you cannot connect additional lighting onto the system without affecting the signals that are processed by the computer and that the safety systems are compromised.

Sounds feasible - but very expensive - is this correct?

Iain

[4wheeldriver]

That was the patter that Audi gave me but then sent it to a sparky to get done so a) did they supply looms or b) did they do the software for it when they got it back or c) was it a load of boks?

[cumbrianmale]

I believe a software update may be required, and I would opt for the Volvo loom for it's pull and play simplicity. Give Rufe (Simon) at FRF Volvo a call for advice and price.

[TruckbusUK]

Originally Posted by cumbrianmale

I believe a software update may be required, and I would opt for the Volvo loom for it's pull and play simplicity. Give Rufe (Simon) at FRF Volvo a call for advice and price.

Making a wild assumption here that the "software" update on the XC60 is the same as the one on the XC90, then it is only required when using a Volvo trailer module and it acts to enable the auto disconnection of the rear fog light when a trailer is connected to the electrical socket.

If you dont get it done then all that happens is that the rear fog light still works in conjunction with the fog light on the trailer .... if you are towing a van then you may get some glare .... personally I only use mine for a Thule bike carrier and I didnt bother getting the update done, much to the annoyance of a certain Glasgow dealer who proclaimed that I was "doomed, I tell ye ... Doomed!"

I fitted a Westfalia detachable (£200) myself in less than 3 hrs, and the Volvo trailer module (£120 for both module and wiring harness/loom) in about another 2 hrs, the Westfalia instructions were excellent and the Volvo one were outstandingly good .... oh .... they also stated that the "software" update is only required if the auto disconnect fog light functionallity is required.

Hope it helps

[cumbrianmale]

Here is what Towequipe has available.

[pdrvolvo]

Originally Posted by 4wheeldriver

Audi tried the same line with me and they wanted 1500 quid for a detachable bar!!! Told them to cancel the order and the price suddenly over halved and they promptly sent the car to the local auto electricians that I was going to get to fit the bar......... Stealers!! dontcha just love 'em........

thats exactly right.the stealer quotes you a silly price.if you agree which some probably do they get an outside bar fitter in pay him a sensible rate and pocket the rest.in my case the salesman just gave the name and number of the bar fitter to arrange it myself and save a fortune.

peter.

[SKH]

The software update on the XC60 also 'programs' the Trailer Stability Assist function which is part of the traction/ stability control system already on the car. I think that is why Volvo say it can only be carried out by them.