On my wagon, which does not have fog lights, there are two little black grilles below the front bumber, on each side of the license plate. They appear to pop in and out. Well, one popped out and has gone astray. I'm hoping that a), I can buy just one I need and b), snap it back in without much fuss. Comments my fellow board members?

The "little grilly things" cover up the hole where the fog lights would otherwise be located. With fog lights installed, the light takes half the space and a smaller grill covers the balance. They can be easily popped out to access tow hooks. If you check them to make sure they are securely snapped every month or so, you shouldn't lose them. They tend to get loose in the winter when parking in snow and getting bumped around. As per the previous responses, they are cheap to replace.

I can't help you with why they exist on the car, but I can tell you that they are replaceable. I lost the one on the passenger side on my '98 V70 Base, and was holding my breath at the parts counter. Hmmm, moulded plastic unique to Volvos .... gotta be steep. Well, it was $11.07 in November 2001. Not sure if the part is the same on your '99, but my p/n was 9151509-8, Lid, Right.

No idea why they call it a "Lid", but for $11 I wasn't going to belabor the point with the parts guy.

Good luck.
--
Dave in Virginia; 98 V70 T5(M): IPD MOTRONIC+ ECU Upgrade, Sport Muffler, VDO Boost Gauge, IPD Anti-Sway Bars; 88 245 DL; 67 MGB

Thanks. Does it snap back in, or are tools and fasteners required?

snaps right in, covers up the towing rings. Oh yeah, if you ever run your car
thru a carwash take a look see after you are done and check to see if they are
all present and accounted for. I lost one, came back a day later at the car wash outfit, talked to manager, he said "Oh yeah, we have quit a few items at the end of a day. Yepper, he had it. a LOT of cars lose plastic trim. any and all makes.
cheers

A black tie rap does a wonder holding those cover in position.