I just bought a 2006 S40 and I absolutely love it. However, in my old car I had aftermarket satellite radio hooked up with wires running here and there and it looked messy. Now with the Volvo, the last thing that I want to do is place an after market unit in it but I am definitely spoiled by my XM! I am unsure of what to do, I have heard rumors about it being difficult to wire in a unit due to the fiber optics in the Volvo.

Simply put, I want XM in my Volvo with a seamless connection. I have given the VIN for my car to a local dealer and they said that I just have a standard radio so there is no option at retro-fitting the console. Does anyone have any experience with this issue and/or know what to do and if it is even possible?

Any assistance would be greatly appreciated!!

 

Unfortunately installing an aftermarket system in these cars is a daunting task but has been done. The stereo shares the display with the climate control and components are connected via fiber optics.

There are a couple options:
1) FM transmitter is easy to install but delivers so-so sound quality

2) FM modulator connects directly to the antenna input and delivers better SQ than the transmitter. (ie. Harman Kardon Drive + Play)

http://forums.swedespeed.com/zerothread?id=52259
http://forums.swedespeed.com/zerothread?id=58894

The Premium Sound system with 6 disk changer has another option, the Denson Gateway 500 which connects directly to the fiber optic system.
Stan

 

Thanks for the info - I'll post back what we decided.