Ya, OK, I don't visit the board for two months and then I post three messages in one day. Just the ebb and flow of things I suppose...

I just wanted the other S70 owners to know that you CAN win the battle with Volvo North America concerning the "spotting" that occurs on the leather wrapped steering wheels. I honestly would have NEVER thought to make this an issue at my last servicing had it not been for this forum. From what I recall, most people were not getting anywhere with Volvo on the issue, but one person had succeeded with getting a replacement.

Well, at my 30K maintenance I mentioned the unsightly wear on the top-right of the steering wheel and stated that I know of at least one case where Volvo agreed to replace the steering wheel. The new Service Manager went into a diatribe about how HIS Volvo is 150 years old (sic) and how HE has owned it since new, and how by PROPERLY caring for your leather you will NEVER have these problems and, alas, he finally stated that Volvo has officially decided that this is a non-issue.

I was satisfied that I had made my point, but only after letting the ownership know what a pompous ass they had hired. This should have been the end of the story, but...

The dealership called a couple of weeks ago. Mind you, this is three months after my visit. They stated that Volvo had a change of policy on the issue, and that they were ordering a new steering wheel for my vehicle. That item showed up today, just in time for the 37.5K servicing which is unfortunately about 1K overdue.

Bottom line - if you are seeing the spotting on your leather steering wheel then let your dealership know that you want it replaced. If, by chance, this has already been addressed in the past two months then I do apologize.

Dave