Andrea,

The clunking noise you are hearing is probably caused by a defective front subframe bushing(left-rear, under the driver's foot). This defective bushing permits the subframe to make contact with the vehicle chassis, resulting in a clunking noise, which is heard coming from the driver's footwell area. This primarily occurs when accelerating from a stop, when turning, and when driving over uneven road surfaces, primarily at lower speeds (under 40 mph). Volvo issued a bulletin (Section 2, Group 21, Number 0030, Year 00, Month 04) to its dealer stating that approximately 136,000 S80s may be affected by this defect. Their solution is to install a pair of rubber o-rings between the two rear front subframe bushings and the chassis. While this fix may have worked in most of the S80s, it didn't work for me and many others who have posted here on brickboard and other Volvo forums.

I would also suggest that you read the numerous S80 subframe bushing posts at volvospy.com and at edmunds.com, under their Town Hall forum.

The front ball joint is not really related to the front subframe bushing problem, however both defective ball joints and subframe bushings can result in a clunking noise.

As far as your transmission is concerned, the roll-back on an incline appears to be a "characterestic" of the S80, mine also rolls back on inclines. I don't know if anything can be done to change this however. I have learned to keep my foot on the brake pedal.

Regarding reprogramming charge for the remote control, it seems to be on the high side, it doesn't take the dealer 1+ hours to reprogram the remote! I would check with other Volvo dealers in you area to see what they charge. I know from a friend of mine, who recently purchased a new BMW 530i, that the salesperson asks you how you want your remote controls programmed (at no charge) prior to delivery. I personally feel that dealers shouldn't charge customers for one-time reprogramming of the remote, but I guess that's something each dealership will have to decide for themselves. If your dealership truly values your business, they should be willing to absorb the one-time cost.

Good luck!

Dissatisfied S80 Owner

Good Luck!