Hi all,
I have a question concerning my new (2001) V70's stereo system.
The car came with the original Volvo Radio/Cassette unit called HU-403 RDS.
I would like to add a CD changer, preferably mounted in the trunk area.
Is there any aftermarket unit available, which will connect to the factory radio?
Or does Volvo sell a CD changer for this radio? I couldn't find anything in the sales literature.
Thanks a lot for any insight,

Stefan

I contacted an independant In car Hi-fi specialist and they supplied and fitted an Alpine 6 disc changer together with the interface lead. They put it under the floor in the boot but they also said I could have it mounted in the glove compartment if I wanted. I've had no problems. I had this fitted in the UK, it may depend where you live.

Hi all,
here's what I found out at the dealer:
The radio is upgradable with a cd-changer.
It is rather expensive; necessary parts are.
- cd-changer
- mounting bracket
- connection set
- software download
- cargo area left interior panels (2)

This sums up to EURO 728.00, plus installation.

I think about the alternative to use an universal cd-changer,
one of those which connects to the antenna lead and emulates
an fm radio station. I'd place it where the original would also mount,
that means I'd have to buy the two interior panels. There's already
a power connector which could be used, and it should be possible
to slice into the antenna lead of the left rear side window.
The disadvantage would be that it's not possible to control the
changer through the radio, a separate operation panel has to be
placed somewhere.
Cost of this solution is about a third of the oem unit...

Best regards
Stefan

Stephan,
I have the same radio as you (HU-403) with cassette and was planning to swap out for the 603(?). The dealer gave me a great deal on the Volvo trunk mounted 10 disk CD changer instead so I went for it. I think it is really a nice unit with plenty of "playing time". I don't know of any aftermarket units to buy as they have to download the software at the dealer's VADIS system to make it work. I'm glad I stuck with Volvo's player as it's under warranty from the dealer in case of problems. I could'nt tell you what it cost as it was part of a package deal along with tint windows.
Regards,
Eddie W. in FL

Hi Eddie,
thanks a lot for your reply.
I will have to go to the dealer to check whether this is possible on my radio head unit. Do you know the model # of your cd-changer? Could you tell me where it is placed in the trunk? When I looked around in the rear area stowage compartments, it seems not much space to install a changer!

Thanks again,
Stefan

Volvo sells trunk-mounted CD changers, car is pre-wired. I have the in-dash 3 disc changer and that's worked out pretty well for me. That's 2-3hrs of music. More if you keep replaying your favorites. (Today, Samuel Barber's Second Essay for Orchestra and Respighi's orchestral transcription of Bach's Passacaglia in Cm. These arrangements will jar your fillings loose.)
--
(98 S70 T5SE misc mods, mostly lighting) (92 940GLE)

Hi Davidm,
thanks a lot for your reply.
As far as I know the '98 electrical system is much different than the 2001's.
When I asked my dealer, they did not know whether it's possible to add a changer. I will go there today and ask again.

Thanks and best regards
Stefan