I recently moved from KY to MD, and MD requires a front license plate in addition to the rear. I bought a front license plate holder from Volvo, but when I opened it at home, I found 4 dagger shaped nails I have never, ever seen before. Here lies the problem: the "handle" portion fits securely into the eyelet of the holder, while the "blade" portion is much thinner and longer and would more easily be nailed into the front bumper. I believe that this nail is supposed to be nailed into the bumper through the eyelet with the sharp, thin side going into the bumper, but if this is done, the "handle" side of the nail portrudes out and does not permit the actual license plate to be attached to the holder. Sounds like a simple problem, but I have no idea. If anyone has installed their own front license plate holder for their S40/V40, please give me some insight!

Moved my 2000 V40 from Arizona to Maryland last year - not only did I have to put on a front plate, I had to have my window tinting removed before it would pass inspection.

With the license plate holder, I'm not sure what you are describing when you talk about nails, etc - the bracket that came with my car (I stored it in the tire well after I bought the car, just in case) used black screws to secure the holder to the bumper. No problems fitting the plate on afterwards.

Are you sure they gave you the right parts?

Yes, I believe they gave me the right part, but the "nails" that I described are actually dome head pop rivets--I do not know anyone who has or would be expected to have a pop rivet gun to install these. The problem is solved anyway, since I will just screw the license plate holder into the bumper. Thanks anyway.