The "Cold Weather Package" did not include a block heater.

Volvo's block heater mounts to the right side of the block (or the back of the block, if you are refering to the engine as it sits in the car). Pretty straight-forward installation (once you conceptualize exactly where the thing is supposed to be mounted) but I've got to believe that a freeze plug-style heater would be more effective.

The block heater (OEM)on my 1998 V70 is bolted right to the engine block, no messy installation with freeze plugs etc. Installation takes about 1 hour and good instructons are supplied with the heater.

Michael--thought of having a block heater installed on my 97 850 wagon which is in Norway (gift to my wife who lives there. I live here in the US). This is a relatively inexpensive accessory to put on your car, but if you're in a very cold climate, a nice one to have. I looked around at a lot of cars in Norway and finally found an 850 or V-70 ( I can't remember which), and it was very neatly done, a receptacle coming out right beside the foglight in the little pop-in grill with a snap cover on the right side, if I remember correctly. I do a lot of work on my 850, but knocking out one of the plugs in the engine block to install the block heating element wasn't one I felt up to with the 850 being my only car in Norway and a merciless Volvo dealer in the next town thirty miles up the road. Here in the US I wouldn't have hesitated, because I could always lean on a friend if I screwed up. Take the car in to your "friendly" Volvo dealer, and ask how much, and then grill them about the installation in the lower part of the front bumper and how they plan to install it and what it will look like. If done right, it looks very nice. Dick

There are several types. I think the most common ones go in a one of the engine block's "freeze plugs". To install, you need to remove one of the freeze plugs which isn't usually that hard but you need to drain down your cooling system which is a pain. It's just a round heating element with a cord that you usually run out thru the grill so it's easy to plug in. There are others that install in a rad hose (easier to install) or attach to the oil pan. They are a necessity especially on diesel engines in cold areas and they help get you heat faster also. They need to be fairly high wattage to do any good. Don't remember for ure but probably 1500 watts or above. Another option is a "battery warmer" that heats your battery to give more amps at startup but does nothing for your comfort. Anyway, if the car has some form of block heater, there will be a standard looking 3 prong plug somewhere. Good luck

bl