A response from Volvo UK
 

Volvo UK have offered a goodwill payment of 20% off the bill and the balance to be knocked off the price of a new Volvo. Ad I have never bought a new Volvo and am unlikley to, that is of little benefit to me.

I have asked for the offer to be put in writing.

Which in reality means diddly squat.

I shelled out £550 for the replacement ETM with an offer of only 5% from Volvo UK, pathetic.

I have had about 10 Volvo's, but I will never buy a Volvo again. How much has that cost them in lost revenue? Mega money over the next 20 - 30 years.

When it comes to replacing my car I will buy a propper car, Audi.

Mr Angry at Volvo here, can you tell?

Patrick

I am going to politely and formally reject the offer. That Volvo UK have finally made any kind of offer after seven days of solid rejection is at least a degree of progress. I am formulating a rejection letter and a more realistic suggested alternative for full and final settlement of the matter will be submitted to them. I shall, of course, keep you posted on developments.

I wish you the very best with your efforts.

The following link may be of some use to you:
http://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showth...t=8536&page=19

Patrick

There is an americam web site where an american engineer has stripped one of these ETM units and written a report. There ia a lot of information on the problem on this problem over the POND.

See http://www.vexedvolvo.org/

Tecnical information - Under the bonnet etc

Thank you very much - this is excellent.
I'd heard of Don Willson but had not delved into his research - most impressive.
I am about to reject the 20% offer from Volvo with the balance off a new Volvo and have now involved Consumer Direct who have transferred the matter to Trading Standards.

Ever onward...

Well, I've just joined this forum. I've been thinking of buying a S60/80. I'm thinking twice now!
Do they really have many problems?

Final Offer...
 

...is 20% back in cash and the remainder of the bill deducted off a used Volvo when bought from a dealer. This payment would be on top of any negotiated discount.
So, I get 20% of my money back now and the other 80% when I buy another Volvo - within 12 months. Trading Standards have advised I accept this and NOT to pursue in court as they are fairly confident I would lose. This advice is based on their numerous experiences.
Oh, well, at least I made an advance from no reimbursement at all back at the beginning.
Good luck to any others that go into battle, my battle will now end with me accepting this.