Anthony wrote:

> Rims: The fact is they didn't offer anything else. I would of thought

> Volvo knew what they where doing in using 15inch rims, but after

> having my car broken in, I started to drive harder then notice 15inch

> wasn't that great for the car, plus the body roll was much more than

> anything else I have driven.

Strange? I bought my car here in Brazil and had several rim options. I went with the 16X7 Crater (BBS).

> I guess I expect too much for a car maybe? Naw

Same thing happened to me. I was used to BMW ///M Power cars...

> Current Problems

> 1. Windows still crack and pop when rolling up and down the front

> windows

Strange, never heard of this problem.

> 2. Steering wheel is not as tight as it should be, will move 1/2 inch

> to 1 inch in either direction to start turning car.

It's definetly not an ///M car steering wheel.

> 3. Steering Pump makes high pitch sound.

Same here, I think it's just that way, and nothing can be done. Believe me I gave my dealer a lot of headaches because of this until I finally gave up.

> 4. Stereo clip springs cause rattling in dash

Never noticed...Maybe I hear music to loud. ;-)

> 5. Seat does not always click into place correctly

I guess this is just with manual seats and doesn't apply to electric seats??

> 6. Rear passenger door sounds odd when closing

??

> 7. Too many suspension noises

Agree. But hey...Roads are so bad here that any car would be full of noises.

> 8. Radio still have bad reception, tried the 4 thing trick and 3 and

> 2.

Sao Paulo is the world most edified (building) city in the world. Cell phone's don't work and lot's of other crap. But other than driving on the main avenue (Paulista) where all the towers (TV & Radio) are because of the hight (it's on the "spinal cord" of the city), my radio works fine. Also since it's a Double Din you have lot's of options for much better aftermarket radios. Pay attention to FM sensitivity spec when searching for an aftermarket stereo. The smaller the better (www. crutchfield.com).

> Wear and tear

??

> Head Light burn out too fast

I always drive with my fog lights and low beams on. Reduces in 15% the chance of somebody "closing" your way. Kind of like DRL in Scandinavia.

> Cabin filter need replacing too often

Don't know. But my car has 8000km, I' change it just in case when I reach 15000km and have the car serviced. Here the oil change is every 7500km and the car is serviced every 15000km (retightening, etc...)

> Break pads wear out too fast

I actually think this is probably good. It's like tires. The noisier, the faster they wear, the better grip they have. It's a trade off. This is like Yokohama's. That's why I use Yokohama A520 (upto 17"). And AVS Sport (18"). Yokohama even came out with an A519 for the "market" that doesn't understand the above formula and isn't concerned with safety first, and made this A519 more durable, less noise. BAD! Guess what: probably doesn't have the same grip.

Anyway I always swap my pad's at half life and the rotors with every other pad replacement. SAFETY FIRST!

> Front head lights have sand pits in them, fog light cracked from

> small rock. Front Windshield chipped from small rock. I've had cars

> that last 10+ year with rocks hitting it all the time with out any

> damage. Maybe my luck? Or just soft glass for safety reason?

??

> Problems that where fixed.

> Steering column replaced because of popping noise when turning

Is this popping related to the whining noise?

> Drivers side door pooped and needed arm replaced

Jesus!

> Passengers Light lenses was replaced due to faulty installation at

> factory

Human nature.

> Fog light burnt out first day

Jesus!

> Drivers seat creaks, it stop due to more use over 1+year period

> Annoying Check engine light that comes on for any little reason. Gas

> cap

I think Arno mentioned this in earlier posts.

> I hope every other Volvo X40 is good and I was the only one to get

> the lemon. :) good luck. I know every car is going to have problem,

> an it's only man made. But dang so soon into the car life? I would

> rather of bought a used car for half the price, twice the car, and

> still have the same mantiance.

I know how you feel. I also was "disappointed" with the Volvo. But then learned to live with it and see the good things. Like safety and more of a lower profile (compared to my E34 ///M5). Which is good here in Sao Paulo. Unless you bullet proof your car. :-((

Regards,

///Martinez