Heyy- I'm new to this- but i went to volvo today to see how much an oil change was with synthetic.....80 bucks! and when i went to the parts desk to buy by own oem oil filter- he was basically telling me that it is very involved doing my own oil change...is he just Bs-ing me...or is something that is more involved than your typical oil change? (he was prob just saying this beacuse I am a girl) thanks!

 

The filter is the Hardest to change. You will need a special tool to remove the housing.
Some use a Belt filter wrench which works prety good as well.
The rest is easy.

 

What is this special tool everyone keeps mentioning to remove the oil filter? Does it have a name, or is it one of those hush hush nod nod wink wink elbow jiggle kinda things, 'cause I'd like to get my hands on one but I refuse to go into an autozone and ask a sales rep if I can purchase his special tool.

 

It is a oil filter cup looking thing. I forget what the size is they call it.
http://ipdusa.com/Volvo-SV70-1998-20...-128-730-2533/

This is what it looks like.

 

Hey Ally and smeat. You didn't mention in your OP whether you had the first-gen (2000-2004) or the current version (2004.5+). If you have the first-gen model you can get the things you need from FCP. Here's a quick link http://fcpgroton.com/sv40/sv40tuneup.htm. Filters are $5, and the wrench is $7. I got mine from them for my S60 and its a 86mm x 16 flute cap-style wrench, could be the same. Might be able to find this at your local parts store too. If you have the current-gen, I think its a canister filter, in which a belt-type wrench might work best. Again, possibly from the local parts store.

BTW, good for you that you've decided to do it yourself. I got sick of paying someone else to do mine too.

 

Have only to add calling other dealers and asking them if they'll put in synthetic at the reguler oil change price. My dealer does this, but you're still gonna be $70 at least.

Not bad considering you're getting and OEM filter and a free fix if they strip a thread or 6. I used to do that stuff on my own, but it's just not worth it to me any more. I'll pay the $70 or $80 to keep my crackely *** off the ground.