Transposed (ok, copied) from Rob's post on Facebook MVS.
The Problem: A simple whole-seat swap will trip airbag, and CANBUS SRS codes.
The Solution: Swap skins and pads.
Sometimes you just want a really comfy seat. I don't recommend doing this.
So onto the fact I did this.... I swapped the skin and cushions from an 05 S60R seat to my 03 V70 seat. The seat heaters are the same connectors, which is rather nice, but I had to use the old airbag, and electronics due to the CANBUS on this car.
Not bad once you get in a rhythm, but a bunch doesn't fit the way you'd expect. The back adjustment knob is higher on an 05, so had to cut the leather a little for it to fit the 03. Also you'll have to swap the head rest skins. I haven't yet, but the 03 has a wider footprint then the 05. To remove the head rest, feel at the back of the seat, where the top seam is, like 6 inches above the pocket, and "pop" it. Takes a lot of feeling around, took me a little.
Other things to note, I had to extend the connector for the 05 back heater to hook up as well. I used a grinding wheel, and a drill to level out the seat cushion springs from the 05 for mounting, hence, the self tappers. 05 cushions just clip instead of hog rings.
But again, I don't recommend this headache, unless you're like me, and everything you drive needs to be comfy!!
Did you know? 🤔
Logged in users can get email notification of topic replies Log in or register (free).
Logged in users can get email notification of topic replies Log in or register (free).
Amazon Link
Buy your stuff using this and it helps MVS!
2005 R Seat into 2003 V70 - How To
- matthew1
- Site Admin
- Posts: 10016
- Joined: Sat Sep 14, 2002 11:03 am
- Year and Model: 850 T5, 1997
- Location: Denver, Colorado, US
- Has thanked: 428 times
- Been thanked: 159 times
2005 R Seat into 2003 V70 - How To
You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.
Help keep MVS on the web -> click sponsors' links here on MVS when you buy from them.
Also -> Amazon link. Click that when you go to buy something on Amazon and MVS gets a kickback.
1997 850 T5, MSD ignition coil, Hallman manual boost controller, injectors, R bumper, OMP strut brace [gone]
2004 V70 R [gone]
Also -> Amazon link. Click that when you go to buy something on Amazon and MVS gets a kickback.
1997 850 T5, MSD ignition coil, Hallman manual boost controller, injectors, R bumper, OMP strut brace [gone]
2004 V70 R [gone]
- abscate
- MVS Moderator
- Posts: 19131
- Joined: Sun Feb 17, 2013 5:54 pm
- Year and Model: 99T5 ,99S70,2005V70
- Location: NYC, ALBANY NY
- Has thanked: 229 times
- Been thanked: 756 times
Re: 2005 R Seat into 2003 V70 - How To
My hands ache just looking at those pictures
Empty Nester
A Captain in a Sea of Estrogen
1999-V70-T5M56 2005-V70-M56 1999-S70 VW T4 BMW
Link to Maintenance record thread
Link To Volvo Glossary
A Captain in a Sea of Estrogen
1999-V70-T5M56 2005-V70-M56 1999-S70 VW T4 BMW
Link to Maintenance record thread
Link To Volvo Glossary
- matthew1
- Site Admin
- Posts: 10016
- Joined: Sat Sep 14, 2002 11:03 am
- Year and Model: 850 T5, 1997
- Location: Denver, Colorado, US
- Has thanked: 428 times
- Been thanked: 159 times
Re: 2005 R Seat into 2003 V70 - How To
So then do SRS codes make your mind ache? 

Help keep MVS on the web -> click sponsors' links here on MVS when you buy from them.
Also -> Amazon link. Click that when you go to buy something on Amazon and MVS gets a kickback.
1997 850 T5, MSD ignition coil, Hallman manual boost controller, injectors, R bumper, OMP strut brace [gone]
2004 V70 R [gone]
Also -> Amazon link. Click that when you go to buy something on Amazon and MVS gets a kickback.
1997 850 T5, MSD ignition coil, Hallman manual boost controller, injectors, R bumper, OMP strut brace [gone]
2004 V70 R [gone]
- abscate
- MVS Moderator
- Posts: 19131
- Joined: Sun Feb 17, 2013 5:54 pm
- Year and Model: 99T5 ,99S70,2005V70
- Location: NYC, ALBANY NY
- Has thanked: 229 times
- Been thanked: 756 times
Re: 2005 R Seat into 2003 V70 - How To
Oh crap, slow can Bus speed in 2003. That’s not going to work, is it?
Empty Nester
A Captain in a Sea of Estrogen
1999-V70-T5M56 2005-V70-M56 1999-S70 VW T4 BMW
Link to Maintenance record thread
Link To Volvo Glossary
A Captain in a Sea of Estrogen
1999-V70-T5M56 2005-V70-M56 1999-S70 VW T4 BMW
Link to Maintenance record thread
Link To Volvo Glossary
-
- Similar Topics
- Replies
- Views
- Last post
-
-
looking into buying a used s40 2005-2007
by Mikele82 » Wed Nov 20, 2019 5:56 pm » in C30, C70 2006+, S40 & V50 2004 ½ + - 1 Replies
- 68 Views
-
Last post by feliciano
Tue Nov 26, 2019 10:30 am
-
-
-
2003 - 2005 volvo s80 interchangeable body parts
by nick5812002 » Mon Aug 21, 2017 4:58 pm » in Volvo S80 Forum - First Generation 1999-2006 - 1 Replies
- 498 Views
-
Last post by June
Mon Aug 21, 2017 5:21 pm
-
-
-
V70AWD Seat Belt back seat
by flyingswede » Tue Jun 07, 2016 7:39 pm » in Volvo 850, S70, V70, C70, XC models 1992-2000 - 1 Replies
- 240 Views
-
Last post by BEJinFbk
Tue Jun 07, 2016 7:54 pm
-
-
-
Fixing the little interior things... Drivers seat and seat belt, aux input and odds and ends
by 1bigklutz » Thu Feb 09, 2017 7:09 pm » in Volvo 850, S70, V70, C70, XC models 1992-2000 - 4 Replies
- 415 Views
-
Last post by 1bigklutz
Sat Feb 11, 2017 10:08 pm
-