Andrea,

Regarding the 1-button unlock S/W patch, you should also be aware that there is also available from Volvo a S/W download that has the parking lites also flash once on successful unlocking (the default is the double flash on locking only). I find this feature to be pretty handy.

Frankly, I think that if they are going to hit you with a full hour shop charge, they may as well do the two at once if you are interested. I agree with the post that indicated that it probably takes but a few minutes to download the S/W so asking for both seems reasonable. (I paid twice by the way since I did not have them done at the same time so I am not completely sure this will work.)

Lastly, I had the same sub-frame bushing problem and the recall on my ball-joints for my '99 T-6. The ball joint problem was a non-issue for me (fixed during a routine service interval) and the sub-fram bushing problem is now fully repaired with the O-ring.

I have had your same frustration with the Volvo service staff; however, in discussing this with my service manager it became obvious that for the S-80, customers often come into the shop knowing more about service issues, S/W patches, and class problems than they do. In my case, this has certainly been true on; sub-frame bushing, one-touch unlock, unlock lite flash, third remotes, etc.

I am now getting to the point where the service manager acknowledges that, thanks to the internet, I am actually a credible source of information. (It helps that he is 0 for 4 on our earlier issues.) It did help when I brought in the internet posts to prove, for example, that one-touch unlock was possible.

Good luck. BTW, in spite of the above issues I LOVE my S80, it is a ball to own and drive.

Steve