S40 (New) General : - S40 Newbie

Lensmonkey · Feb 19th, 2008, 23:14

Hello everyone!

Just bought an S40 Sport, 55 plate. Would love to know if anyone has experience of upgrading the spec of this model? The newer version has a better stereo, Xenon lights, parking sensors etc. Is it possible / economical to get my lamps changed to Xenon, install a cd changer or to get a parking sensor fitted??

Thanks in advance.

Phil

Griffsters · Feb 20th, 2008, 07:27

I'd say the Xenon lights is out for upgrading. I know there are after market kits (some decent some not) but in my mind this is something not to be messed with unless standard. The cost of a dealer upgrade I would guess to be astronomical, there will be all manner of electrical and software shenanigans quoted i'm sure - take a deep breath before asking. I'd go as far as saying I doubt any dealer would touch it, but maybe worth asking for the comedy value in the response

Parking sensors I cant see a problem but would get third party and have a bodyshop paint / install them unless a bit handy yourself. Probably worth getting a price from a couple of dealers but expect to pay a hefty premium for the privilege of the OEM kit.

Cd changer - hmmm, not sure. I've currently got a broken one and its a grey area as to whether I can swap like for like (6cd for 6cd) without some software tomfoolery so changing single CD to 6 CD I would guess at minimum would require updated ICM software to recognise it but I think this would be a dealer question for sure. Again, take a deep breath and dont expect it to be cheap!

Good luck.

Kostas · Feb 20th, 2008, 08:57

Regarding the parking sensors, let me suggest this site: http://www.proxel.com/
This is what I have on my car and I am fully satisfied. The cost was 84 Eur, and you don't have to drill holes on your bumper or modify the image of your car.
Apart from that, this system allows you to reach 10-15cm from obstacles, whereas usual sensors stop at 30cms. Another positive point is that this doesn't start beeping as soon as you engage reverse gear (like other systems), but at 60cm of obstacles.
However, I have to mention that the system may generate false alarms when reversing under heavy rain, but this is a minor fault in my opinion.

The volvo parking sensor kit gives the possibility to turn it off through controls of the central console, and lowers the volume of the radio while reversing, but sensors are quite large (not very discreet like on bmws for instance), and the price is exagerated.

Lensmonkey · Feb 21st, 2008, 08:31

Thank you both. Appreciate your response.

Phil

Dazza-diesel · Feb 28th, 2008, 23:59

from one newbie to another..... the rear park kit is £320 fitted at a main dealer regards Xenon lights i know when i asked about it for my last car (vectra) vauxhall wanted £1800 + vat.....

hope this helps

Kostas · Feb 29th, 2008, 07:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dazza-diesel

the rear park kit is £320 fitted at a main dealer

This is way overpriced for a parking sensor kit. You can easily find good solutions starting from £30 + fitting ...

Lensmonkey · Mar 4th, 2008, 23:11

But will the cheaper option look as good?? I don't fancy black dots on the bumper, and the option of painting them leaves room for me to mess things up big time!! Or would a body shop do a good job?

Kostas · Mar 5th, 2008, 08:32

If you get the dot sensors, get them painted by a body shop, unless you have an artistic hand.
Otherwise, try the solution that I used in my car (http://www.proxel.com/, the model I chose is EPS micro plus), no drilling, no painting, invisible sensor, and still very helpful when it comes to parking. You just need to take off the rear bumper for installation, and if you decide to change car you just take off the central unit and the buzzer (easy) and use the second sensor tape that they provide (no need to take off the bumper again).

iainmd · Mar 5th, 2008, 09:44

Xenon's can be fitted but it isn't straightforward. A great many folk on other forums have done it with varying levels of complexity and success. Kits are produced but all of them seem to interfere with the DRL function of the headlights. You'd need to get a Volvo dealer to disable your DRL's first (they will likely charge for this) and then try one of the kits from the likes of sharphid or the McCulloch kit.

Many people report issues with the ballasy kits provided and strobe-like flashing occurs. Some find answers for how to fix this others give up. In short, yes, it can be done but only with a bit of money and a lot of patience. I haven't done it as I haven't the patience to persevere.

Iain

Lensmonkey · Mar 6th, 2008, 22:55

thanks Kostas, if I went for a kit like this, could I be so bold as to get Volvo dealer to fit it? Would they fit a non-Volvo party part??

I'm sure it's easy to do yourself, but I never was a DIY man!

Feb 19th, 2008, 23:14	#1
Lensmonkey New Member Last Online: Mar 17th, 2008 10:34 Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: cardiff	S40 Newbie Hello everyone! Just bought an S40 Sport, 55 plate. Would love to know if anyone has experience of upgrading the spec of this model? The newer version has a better stereo, Xenon lights, parking sensors etc. Is it possible / economical to get my lamps changed to Xenon, install a cd changer or to get a parking sensor fitted?? Thanks in advance. Phil

Feb 20th, 2008, 08:57	#3
Kostas Prancing Moose Last Online: Dec 1st, 2008 13:09 Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Athens	Regarding the parking sensors, let me suggest this site: http://www.proxel.com/ This is what I have on my car and I am fully satisfied. The cost was 84 Eur, and you don't have to drill holes on your bumper or modify the image of your car. Apart from that, this system allows you to reach 10-15cm from obstacles, whereas usual sensors stop at 30cms. Another positive point is that this doesn't start beeping as soon as you engage reverse gear (like other systems), but at 60cm of obstacles. However, I have to mention that the system may generate false alarms when reversing under heavy rain, but this is a minor fault in my opinion. The volvo parking sensor kit gives the possibility to turn it off through controls of the central console, and lowers the volume of the radio while reversing, but sensors are quite large (not very discreet like on bmws for instance), and the price is exagerated. __________________ K. ----------------------- Last edited by Kostas; Feb 20th, 2008 at 09:01.

Mar 5th, 2008, 08:32	#8
Kostas Prancing Moose Last Online: Dec 1st, 2008 13:09 Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Athens	If you get the dot sensors, get them painted by a body shop, unless you have an artistic hand. Otherwise, try the solution that I used in my car (http://www.proxel.com/, the model I chose is EPS micro plus), no drilling, no painting, invisible sensor, and still very helpful when it comes to parking. You just need to take off the rear bumper for installation, and if you decide to change car you just take off the central unit and the buzzer (easy) and use the second sensor tape that they provide (no need to take off the bumper again). __________________ K. ----------------------- Last edited by Kostas; Mar 5th, 2008 at 10:10.

Mar 5th, 2008, 09:44	#9
iainmd Member Last Online: Today 13:38 Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Fife View Photos By: iainmd	Xenon's can be fitted but it isn't straightforward. A great many folk on other forums have done it with varying levels of complexity and success. Kits are produced but all of them seem to interfere with the DRL function of the headlights. You'd need to get a Volvo dealer to disable your DRL's first (they will likely charge for this) and then try one of the kits from the likes of sharphid or the McCulloch kit. Many people report issues with the ballasy kits provided and strobe-like flashing occurs. Some find answers for how to fix this others give up. In short, yes, it can be done but only with a bit of money and a lot of patience. I haven't done it as I haven't the patience to persevere. Iain __________________ Present: 2009 Volvo V50 1.6D DRIVe SE Past: 2004 Volvo S40 T5 SE

Feb 20th, 2008, 07:27	#2
Griffsters Junior Member Last Online: Dec 10th, 2011 11:08 Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Rochdale	I'd say the Xenon lights is out for upgrading. I know there are after market kits (some decent some not) but in my mind this is something not to be messed with unless standard. The cost of a dealer upgrade I would guess to be astronomical, there will be all manner of electrical and software shenanigans quoted i'm sure - take a deep breath before asking. I'd go as far as saying I doubt any dealer would touch it, but maybe worth asking for the comedy value in the response Parking sensors I cant see a problem but would get third party and have a bodyshop paint / install them unless a bit handy yourself. Probably worth getting a price from a couple of dealers but expect to pay a hefty premium for the privilege of the OEM kit. Cd changer - hmmm, not sure. I've currently got a broken one and its a grey area as to whether I can swap like for like (6cd for 6cd) without some software tomfoolery so changing single CD to 6 CD I would guess at minimum would require updated ICM software to recognise it but I think this would be a dealer question for sure. Again, take a deep breath and dont expect it to be cheap! Good luck.

Feb 21st, 2008, 08:31	#4
Lensmonkey New Member Last Online: Mar 17th, 2008 10:34 Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: cardiff	Thank you both. Appreciate your response. Phil

Feb 28th, 2008, 23:59	#5
Dazza-diesel VolVo Learner Last Online: Jun 10th, 2011 15:44 Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Southampton	from one newbie to another..... the rear park kit is £320 fitted at a main dealer regards Xenon lights i know when i asked about it for my last car (vectra) vauxhall wanted £1800 + vat..... hope this helps

Mar 4th, 2008, 23:11	#7
Lensmonkey New Member Last Online: Mar 17th, 2008 10:34 Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: cardiff	But will the cheaper option look as good?? I don't fancy black dots on the bumper, and the option of painting them leaves room for me to mess things up big time!! Or would a body shop do a good job?

Mar 6th, 2008, 22:55	#10
Lensmonkey New Member Last Online: Mar 17th, 2008 10:34 Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: cardiff	thanks Kostas, if I went for a kit like this, could I be so bold as to get Volvo dealer to fit it? Would they fit a non-Volvo party part?? I'm sure it's easy to do yourself, but I never was a DIY man!

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