Hi,

I was at my local Volvo dealer this morning, getting my 4-wheel alignment done on my 1998 Volvo S70 GLE sedan.

I decided to iqnuire about adding the auto. dimming rearview mirror to my S70 from the Volvo Accessory catalogue.

The part manager quoted me $ 40 Cdn for the part and $ 65 for the labour. Does it sound right ? ... $ 40 seem low for such a " high-tech " part !!!!!!!

However, the main reason I am posting this message is because he told me that he hasn't done this installation on any of his customers' S/V/C70. He can't confirm that it will work or even fit my sedan; although, the brochure shows that it will fit all 98-00 70-series. There was a Volvo rep from Toronto @ the department, and he too wasn't able to confirm that it will work, as he states that most customer either ordered it when they brought the vehicle or/ don't bother adding it.

Both my part mgr and the Volvo rep told that the wiring from this accessory goes to the overhead map light. Is this true ?

If any of you has installed this accessory on your S70, does the overhead headliner need to be removed ? ... I heard that once the headliner is removed, it is extremely hard to make back that " factory " look. That is my only concern that is preventing me from adding this accessory.

Any further information regarding this accessory or its installation would be much appreciated ! ... I don't mind spending this $100 odd dollars Cdn for this accessory, providing that:

1) It will work & fit my 1998 Volvo S70 GLE sedan.

2) The overhead liner doesn't need to be remove !

BTW, my part mgr was also telling me that simply changing my headlight lens to the E-code len won't make any difference if I am using back the Volvo headlight
bulbs ? ... Is this true ? ... Furthermore, he told me that if there was any things wrong with the electrical system, they are most likely going to blame it on the headlight len " upgrade ". I honestly don't see his point, but maybe some of you do. If so, pls explain !

TIA,


Best Wishes,

--
Kenny
2001 Nissan Pathfinder SE; 1998 Volvo S70 GLE

Kenny,

First of all, let me tell you that your parts manager doesn't know what the hell he's talking about and is an absolute moron (on the E-code lenses). Now to answer your questions:

1.) I can't answer this definitely as my car came with an auto-dimming rearview mirror. But I know that it will fit your car as GF's brother has that feature on his S70. By the look of it, you probably most likely have to take the headliner off to install the mirror and power needs to be taken from someone, the closest source being the overhead light. So a little re-wiring needs to be done. As far as the headliner is concerned, if done professionally (aka dealer) it should go back to where it was before. My headliner was removed because my sunroof was rattling and one of the tracks needed replacement. Looks the same. But make sure that whoever does it doesn't stress the headliner in any shape as it might crease it and so it will be visible.
2.) Let me tell you about E-code lenses, the will make a HUGE difference on the lightoutput of your car. If you look at DOT lenses closely, you will see two large blobs of light with a lot of light dispersed all over the place (most of it shooting up for roadsigns and stuff). E-code lenses have a sharp cut-off line and barely any light goes above that cut-off. Also, the majority of the light is directed towards the road, aka you will see more at night. Eventhough you are still using the same bulbs, the lenses will make a dramatic difference. As far as warranty, if there was an electrical failure with the headlights, it certainly is not going to be the E-code lenses. What you are basically doing is swapping your headlight lenses and you're not touching anything else. So, if the dealer blames it on the E-code lenses, they are full of crap.
This should answer your questions. If you need more info in regards to the E-code lenses, where to get them, let me know. I'm doing a HID conversion with E-code lenses (waiting to get custom brackets made for the ballasts and starters) so it should be done soon (brackets are holding me up). I'm doing a write-up right now, I'll send it to you if you want (it's pretty much complete, except for pictures, should save some bandwidth for now though.)

Regards,
Mike H.
--
1998 Nautic Blue C70 - minor mods here and there...and HID!!!

Mike,

Thanks for your extremely helpful, informative, and detailed reply !!! ... I will consider adding the mirror this summer when my dealer holds its annual
" garage sale ", where I get another 20% off any parts/accessories and labour costs. I will be definitely giving the installation back to the dealer, as I have too many BAD experiences with ' outside people ' on my previous vehicle.

As for the E-code lens, I was also already thinking he was " pulling one on me ", but need a second opinion. My dad, who was with me, also thinks that I shouldn't do it on the S70, but then he isn't as crazy as me adding/upgrading things on his vehicles. So, where is a better place to get a second-opinion
than here, with helpful people like you.

Sure ! ... I would sure appreciate reading your write-up. It might give me a
better idea about E-code lens. I have heard " many talks " about it and don't
know whether it makes any differences. I have heard so many conflicting tales
from that it doesn't make any differences to that it will only make difference if you're doing a HID conversion. I have no plans to do a HID conversion @ the moment ( tutition cost is killin' me !, which is why I states that I will be using back the factory bulbs ). Oh well ! ... maybe after reading your write-up, I might change my mind !!!!

Mike, I don't want to take up any more of your precious time than neccessary, but do you know whether the '98 Volvo S70 are pre-wired for the side indicator
light ( the one on the fender ). Again, I have so many stories that it isn't pre-wired and that I have to spend a fortune, getting a wire there to that it is pre-wired & it is as simple as popping the emblem out & installing the light.

Also, does the S70 have any problem using Mobil 1 synthetic ATF ( automatic transmission fluid ) ? ... I am thinking about using synthetic ATF for the upcoming transmission change ( complete flush ). The dealer tells me that they
don't recommend using aftermarket synthetic ATF ( such as Mobil 1, Redline )and kept on insisting that I use back the Volvo ATF.

I have gone to this dealer since the sedan has been new, oh .. their service is good, but they always play that " PLAY SAFE " game when customer asks about
adding accessories or/ upgrading stuffs. Honestly, I don't blame them since most of their customers are " Mom " ( no offense to any Mom on this forum ) or
people who don't bother adding/upgrading stuffs on their Volvo or/ Subaru, since my dealer services both manufacturers. As an example, when I asked them about putting a K&N air filter, they were talking like my engine was going to blow up as soon as I installed it. Same thing when I ask them about using Mobil 1 synthetic oil. I finally gave up, and did both items on my S70. My S70 stills run, if not better. Two years ago, when my OEM Michelin life was
finished, I installed a set of Pirelli and at the next service, they were making so comments as to why I don't use back Michelin, and why I spend so much on a set of performance tire for a 168-hp sedan. blah ... blah ...

In conclusion, I have learn to listen to them, then get the " real story " from you helpful people on this forum, who probably love your Volvo as much as I do, if not more, if you know what I mean. Thanks and looking forward to receiving your write-up soon.

Thanks ...

--
Kenny
2001 Nissan Pathfinder SE; 1998 Volvo S70 GLE

Kenny,

No problem at all. Butchman and gavinl pretty much summed up what I was going to say. Now that I think about it. I think you should be fine just by taking off the overhead light section instead of the whole headliner. As far as all the fluids, like Butchman said, I think you're dealer is really conservative when it comes to stuff like that. Also, at the same time, they want to be using their stuff (aka you paying high prices for it). But I also think they don't want to be liable for anything. My dealer for example is totally cool with it. In fact, he's always looking forward to the next service cuz I come in with new stuff on the car. The K&N filter shouldn't do any harm whatsoever to the car as stated in the other replies. I'm using Mobil 1 Synthetic Oil right now on my C70 and the car (IMO) runs much smoother. I think for a higher mileage car you're better off with synthetic. As far as tires, like I said, they wanted you to buy from them. The Michelins that came with my car are over $200 a pop. Hell no! If I win the lottery maybe.
Oh yeah, for the lighting and E-codes and stuff, here a few a sites for your reading pleasure:
http://www.lighting.philips.com/forum/forum_6/wwwforum.cgi
http://lighting.mbz.org/
http://faq.auto.light.tripod.com/

For the sidemarkers, I don't know... Do what Butchman said. I don't have sidemarkers on mine as well, but I'm getting them from here: www.borton.com under parts. It's pretty cheap and the necessary harnesses are included. So if your car is pre-wired, you have a spare harness.
I'll post up my write-up as soon as I get my brackets in. Hopefully, I should get everything done by this weekend (not counting on it though)

Regards,
Mike H.
--
1998 Nautic Blue C70 - minor mods here and there...and HID!!!

Hi Kenny,

I have a friend with a souped up 850R using Mobil 1 Syn ATF and I'm using Royal Purple Syn ATF. No probs ;-)

I suggest U get either Mobil 1 or AMSOIL Syn ATFs, best in the business!

Kenny,
I have installed E-code lenses on my '98 C70 and they are by far the best modification that I have done. Add some Philips Vision Plus bulbs and you are good to go. They were very simple to install, 1/2 hour each side.
As far as the the side marker lights, the factory wiring was already there. You just tap into it. I used the wiring harness from IPD. If you're not sure if there are any wires for the side marker lights, just remove the front turn signal assembly and look into the fender with a flashlight. If not, the IPD wiring harness has the instructions to tap into the front turn signal wires.
I have a K&N filter installed now for 35K miles. I would never go back to the stock paper filter.
The Dealer you have service your vehicle sounds way to ultraconservative for my taste. I realize good, honest Dealers are hard to come by.
About the auto dimming mirror, you should be able to install it w/o taking down the headliner. Just remove the center overhead light cluster.
I hope this helps.

Regards,
Butchman

Thanks Mike H, Gavin Lim, and Butchman

Your input has been much appreciated ... look like my dealer can't forget about me using back Volvo ATF ...

Butchman, I know how you feel with that K&N ... I have surprised many vehicles @ stoplights. My friend call my S70 " A Wolf in Sheep skin ".

Like I said in my previous post, I will most likely do the auto. dimming rear view mirror this summer at my dealer's annual garage sale. My parents are afraid each time I come back from that sale ... I didn't go last year as I was away with my family on the cruise, so I definitely won't miss it this year ...
now depends on " how thick is my wallet on that day ? ", I just might come home with that " R front bumper conversion, R rims, etc .. " or just come home with the mirror - my wallet will tell me that day !

Once again, thanks !

Kenny

Kenny,

Please let us all know when your dealer has his garage sale. I might get a couple of things as well. Do they honor the 20% through phone sales? Where are you located? Thanks.
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Mike H. - 1998 Nautic Blue C70 - minor mods here and there...and HID!!!