S60R Suspension Code Reading

[TJ#86]

I just bought myself an '04 s60R (yes, I know they're arguably the worst/most "buggy" year) knowing it had the typical suspension issues (most likely a strut/shock with electrical failure). Before you suggest switching to normal shocks, I have already considered that and would rather get the 4c functioning before I make the decision on which I like more. As I'm sure you've all figured already, I'm the kind of guy who likes turning wrenches and up keeping/repairing cars myself, however, all of my experience is with US domestic vehicles, and even then mostly with diesel trucks. I have a Snap-on Mt2500 scanner, but have recently found out the old brick doesn't work for volvos at all (one of few common car companies that were somehow completely ignored). So now I have to find a scanner that will read all the codes (not just engine, abs, and srs like most OBDII) that this car can put out. What I've found so far is the (obvious) VIDA DICE that everyone seems to use and a series of OBDII scanners made by iCarsoft that are supposedly specialized for Volvo and Saab. Personally, I'd really like to just get a simple scanner that will only read the codes the car puts out, and use the old Vadis literature for the repair, however, I can see the advantage of having real time and all the other features the DICE offers. I only need to be able to target the specific part that is causing the fault. So now I will pose my questions (and I'll letter them so they're really easy to reply to if you so choose).

A) What scanners are people using besides the DICE and what systems do they cover.

B) What exactly is VADIS (I get the impression it is only service literature if you don't have the interface to go with it and that it is also technically outdated).

C) If I get the DICE, what all will I need to go with it? (Does it come with the VIDA software? Has anyone successfully run it on anything besides windows 7 pro?)

D) Is their any way to acquire a real dice? (I really would prefer to get a true Volvo dice so that if I ever choose to take it to the mechanic, the mechanic will actually work on it. I have read on the volvo site that mechanics won't work on cars that have been diagnosed/treated with non-authentic devices/software.)

E) What device have you used, and how/where did you get it.


Thank you for you're help. As I have stated, I'm very new to this complicated foreign (to the US) car stuff and would love those with experience to bestow their wisdom on me.