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Model specific boards => Golf mk7 => Topic started by: clarky92 on 17 February 2019, 10:18

Title: OEM Reverse Camera - VW Retrofit
Post by: clarky92 on 17 February 2019, 10:18
I dont have the Reverse Camera option and I would like it.

Seen on Facebook a company called VW Retrofit based in Redditch are offering all sorts of retrofit work, including the reverse camera. Really good glowing reviews by other customers on the page.

For the OEM camera fitted and activated is £340 and takes 2 hours.

Im planning on keeping my GTI now until the MK8 GTI is available (depending on prices with Brexit etc) so probably end of 2020.

Do you think thats worth doing? £340 for essentially 2 ish years still with the car.
Title: Re: OEM Reverse Camera - VW Retrofit
Post by: kmpowell on 17 February 2019, 10:24
If you plan to do it just be wary there are two types of camera 'Lowline' and 'Highline'.

The 'Lowline' is what VW fits to the cars from the factory, but as I found out when I first used mine, it only has static guidelines which are pretty useless on their own. To add the movable guidelines (which bend and move with your steering) you need a 'Highline' camera.

When I find somewhere that'll do a p/x for my lowline, I'm going to swap mine out to the highline.
Title: Re: OEM Reverse Camera - VW Retrofit
Post by: mcmaddy on 17 February 2019, 10:29
Not all cameras are low line from the factory. I've got factory camera and it's a highline with bend lines. I do however also have park assist which may explain the highline version.
Title: Re: OEM Reverse Camera - VW Retrofit
Post by: clarky92 on 17 February 2019, 10:30
If you plan to do it just be wary there are two types of camera 'Lowline' and 'Highline'.

The 'Lowline' is what VW fits to the cars from the factory, but as I found out when I first used mine, it only has static guidelines which are pretty useless on their own. To add the movable guidelines (which bend and move with your steering) you need a 'Highline' camera.

When I find somewhere that'll do a p/x for my lowline, I'm going to swap mine out to the highline.

Thanks for the info. So your saying the factory fitted option would be the lowline version, with static guidelines?

Title: Re: OEM Reverse Camera - VW Retrofit
Post by: clarky92 on 17 February 2019, 10:34
Not all cameras are low line from the factory. I've got factory camera and it's a highline with bend lines. I do however also have park assist which may explain the highline version.

I wonder if the newer MY19 cars with reverse camera as standard get the lowline versions. I see the poster above has a 2019 model
Title: Re: OEM Reverse Camera - VW Retrofit
Post by: kmpowell on 17 February 2019, 10:46
Not all cameras are low line from the factory. I've got factory camera and it's a highline with bend lines. I do however also have park assist which may explain the highline version.
That's exactly what I was told when I enquired with my dealer after I'd discovered the lack of moving lines.

The Lowline camera is fitted from the factory as the option (or standard on MY19>), but if you spec Park Assist you get the Highline camera because of the extra functionality needed.

To answer your original question, would I pay £350 for a standard camera retrofit, I don't think I would knowing what I know know about the LowLine. I'd spend a bit more and get the Highline, but it's a a fair bit more money as it requires a lot of coding etc.
Title: Re: OEM Reverse Camera - VW Retrofit
Post by: Guzzle on 17 February 2019, 11:12
My October 17 built GTD has the lowline camera fitted. I specced this as a standalone option and don't have Park Assist. The cost at the time was £265 from memory, however VW increased the price before it became standard.

The static green lines are pretty useless, however the camera still offers greater rearward visibility than relying on rear view mirror and parking sensors so I don't regret speccing it.

If all you want is as a visibility aid, the lowline version is fine, however as a parking and manoeuvre aid the highline is better. Whichever one it is though, I don't think £340 is too bad a price for a retrofit, as long as they're not using low quality parts.

Title: Re: OEM Reverse Camera - VW Retrofit
Post by: mcmaddy on 17 February 2019, 14:17
I've got a mate in Dundee who retro fitted the rear camera to his Polo (parts are exactly the same). He sourced all the parts from eBay Germany I think and parts were 300 quid all in. He fitted everything himself. I've always specced rear camera mainly due to the fact it's easier for me to use than twisting my already knackered back. Making me think it's worth speccing park assist every time now too although I don't really pay much attention to the bendy lines so maybe not :grin:
Title: Re: OEM Reverse Camera - VW Retrofit
Post by: hog_hedge on 17 February 2019, 16:21
£340 for a retrofit for two years is a steal in my eyes. I have the normal “low line” camera and it was worth every penny. If I was in your shoes then I’d be getting it done ASAP, I cannot tell you enough how useful the camera is. I’m not sure that bendy lines would be any better, but then I typically use mine to line up with the back of parking bays and getting about an inch away from my garage door.
Title: Re: OEM Reverse Camera - VW Retrofit
Post by: JB GTI on 17 February 2019, 20:10
To throw a spanner into the works I have park assist and have not got the bendy lines on my rear view camera just the static green ones  :huh:
Title: Re: OEM Reverse Camera - VW Retrofit
Post by: mcmaddy on 17 February 2019, 21:11
🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️
Title: Re: OEM Reverse Camera - VW Retrofit
Post by: clarky92 on 18 February 2019, 11:32
Thanks for all the replies and info

Had it confirmed the kit being fitted is the OEM lowline version, just as if you spec'd the reverse camera option from new, which is what I wanted.

I think for around 2 years use, £340 is not too bad at all. Going to book in and will report back on how it goes.

Title: Re: OEM Reverse Camera - VW Retrofit
Post by: Jim_mk7.5 on 18 February 2019, 12:07
£340 for basic camera for a small hatchback car that is easy to park?  :shocked:
Title: Re: OEM Reverse Camera - VW Retrofit
Post by: clarky92 on 18 February 2019, 14:20
£340 for basic camera for a small hatchback car that is easy to park?  :shocked:

Yeah I know I see your point. Its always an option Ive wanted and with the new car park space at work I've got it will be a lot easier with the camera.
Title: Re: OEM Reverse Camera - VW Retrofit
Post by: mcmaddy on 18 February 2019, 14:57
£340 for basic camera for a small hatchback car that is easy to park?  :shocked:
Doesn't matter if you think it's easy to park Jim, I spec the camera due to having a chronic back problem so the fact I'm not twisting and turning is a big plus point to me. 👍
Title: Re: OEM Reverse Camera - VW Retrofit
Post by: hog_hedge on 18 February 2019, 15:03
£340 for basic camera for a small hatchback car that is easy to park?  :shocked:

Until you have one fitted to your car and use it regularly you just won't understand how useful it actually is.
Title: Re: OEM Reverse Camera - VW Retrofit
Post by: Jim_mk7.5 on 18 February 2019, 15:54
£340 for basic camera for a small hatchback car that is easy to park?  :shocked:

Until you have one fitted to your car and use it regularly you just won't understand how useful it actually is.

I had one for 2 years on my Merc before the GTI and I can't think of a single occasion I thought ooo I wish I had a camera to reverse this small hatch into a space!  :grin:
Title: Re: OEM Reverse Camera - VW Retrofit
Post by: SRGTD on 18 February 2019, 16:28
£340 for basic camera for a small hatchback car that is easy to park?  :shocked:

I dare say we could all find reasons to question why others choose to spec and pay £x’s for certain options on their cars. We’re all individuals and place different importance and priorities on different options that can be had.

Doesn't matter if you think it's easy to park Jim, I spec the camera due to having a chronic back problem so the fact I'm not twisting and turning is a big plus point to me.

Same reason I have one on my even smaller car (Polo GTI); having suffered back-related problems for nearly 40 years I’m happy to have something that helps reduce the need to twist and turn when reversing. Plus, when I bought my car, it was only £25 to spec the reversing camera when it was added to a bundled pack of other options I wanted. At £25, it was a bit of a no brainier IMO. 
Title: Re: OEM Reverse Camera - VW Retrofit
Post by: hog_hedge on 20 February 2019, 10:30
£340 for basic camera for a small hatchback car that is easy to park?  :shocked:

Until you have one fitted to your car and use it regularly you just won't understand how useful it actually is.

I had one for 2 years on my Merc before the GTI and I can't think of a single occasion I thought ooo I wish I had a camera to reverse this small hatch into a space!  :grin:

Good for you, I find it really useful and use it all the time.
Title: Re: OEM Reverse Camera - VW Retrofit
Post by: kmpowell on 20 February 2019, 11:02
I had one for 2 years on my Merc before the GTI and I can't think of a single occasion I thought ooo I wish I had a camera to reverse this small hatch into a space!  :grin:
(https://media.giphy.com/media/v26dch75CVR84/giphy.gif)
Title: Re: OEM Reverse Camera - VW Retrofit
Post by: Adam T7 on 22 February 2019, 14:40
Had one for nine years - hence included on my order as just got used to the convenience. It’s also very cool IMO in the way it pops out from under the badge and also keeps the lens clean.
Title: Re: OEM Reverse Camera - VW Retrofit
Post by: Sootchucker on 22 February 2019, 16:01
Whilst the static lines on the low line camera has always been a little disappointing, I still think the reverse camera is a great asset. Sure the lines don't move, but they still greatly assist in getting your car perfectly central in a car park slot, and reversed back to the ideal spot.

Also, I'm always amazed how much it can see in the dark. Admittedly the new 7.5 Golf I have has some decent LED reverse lights fitted now as standard, which seem to be much brighter than the standard filament ones on the previous GTD's, but even so, even in complete darkness (so no street lights), rearward visibility with the camera is superb. It's the first option I ticked and nothing to do with not being able to reverse park BTW  :D
Title: Re: OEM Reverse Camera - VW Retrofit
Post by: Jim_mk7.5 on 22 February 2019, 16:57
Had one for nine years - hence included on my order as just got used to the convenience. It’s also very cool IMO in the way it pops out from under the badge and also keeps the lens clean.

AFIK, only Merc and VW have decent hidden cameras. Most others including supposedly luxury cars like Range Rovers have them open and so are useless after 5 min drive in winter.
Title: Re: OEM Reverse Camera - VW Retrofit
Post by: kmpowell on 22 February 2019, 17:00
Most others including supposedly luxury cars like Range Rovers have them open and so are useless after 5 min drive in winter.
Range Rover's have a water jet positioned over the rear camera, so when you put it into reverse and/or put the rear windscreen wash on, it jets the camera clean. It's not perfect though, and after a few motorway trips in deep winter it will need wiping down.
Title: Re: OEM Reverse Camera - VW Retrofit
Post by: daleski on 22 February 2019, 22:19
A bit off topic but would it be a safe assumption that any gti's delivered from march onwards would now come as standard with RVC?
Title: Re: OEM Reverse Camera - VW Retrofit
Post by: Guzzle on 22 February 2019, 22:35
A bit off topic but would it be a safe assumption that any gti's delivered from march onwards would now come as standard with RVC?

Depends on what you mean by 'delivered'. If it's brand new, fresh off the boat then it probably is safe.

If it's a car that's from existing stock then possibly not.
Title: Re: OEM Reverse Camera - VW Retrofit
Post by: daleski on 22 February 2019, 23:01
The car will be brand new.
Title: Re: OEM Reverse Camera - VW Retrofit
Post by: Crockers on 23 February 2019, 05:54
I like the fact its wide angled so if reversing out of a spot it lets you see if traffic is coming .....just likr cross traffic alert but without all the beeps. 😀
Title: Re: OEM Reverse Camera - VW Retrofit
Post by: Adam T7 on 25 February 2019, 07:59
Most others including supposedly luxury cars like Range Rovers have them open and so are useless after 5 min drive in winter.
Range Rover's have a water jet positioned over the rear camera, so when you put it into reverse and/or put the rear windscreen wash on, it jets the camera clean. It's not perfect though, and after a few motorway trips in deep winter it will need wiping down.

I had a Disco previously - camera needed cleaning every time you stopped in winter - bit of a pain.
Title: Re: OEM Reverse Camera - VW Retrofit
Post by: clarky92 on 27 February 2019, 13:08
Had it fitted this morning.

Took the chap 1hr 20 mins for the whole job and you wouldnt even know its not a factory fitted option. All trim back in place and clipped in properly. Just like the OEM camera. Well pleased  :laugh:
Title: Re: OEM Reverse Camera - VW Retrofit
Post by: Pretzel on 04 March 2019, 19:57
If you plan to do it just be wary there are two types of camera 'Lowline' and 'Highline'.

The 'Lowline' is what VW fits to the cars from the factory, but as I found out when I first used mine, it only has static guidelines which are pretty useless on their own. To add the movable guidelines (which bend and move with your steering) you need a 'Highline' camera.

Are static lines the green lines? and interested to hear a little more about how the movable guidelines change, do they get shorter as you get closer to objects?
Title: Re: OEM Reverse Camera - VW Retrofit
Post by: kmpowell on 05 March 2019, 11:20
If you plan to do it just be wary there are two types of camera 'Lowline' and 'Highline'.

The 'Lowline' is what VW fits to the cars from the factory, but as I found out when I first used mine, it only has static guidelines which are pretty useless on their own. To add the movable guidelines (which bend and move with your steering) you need a 'Highline' camera.

Are static lines the green lines? and interested to hear a little more about how the movable guidelines change, do they get shorter as you get closer to objects?
Yup static lines are green. The moving guidelines are orange and move with your steering wheel, so when you are reversing into a space you can line the space up with the turn of your wheel and adjust accordingly as you move. The static lines are fixed and only help if/when you are in line 100%. The static lines are pretty useless to be honest. Highline also gives you some parking modes...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_2VKHzaQ9ic - LOWLINE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2gCriayhiwU - HIGHLINE (shown on a Tiguan, but it's exactly the same as the Golf)

:)
Title: Re: OEM Reverse Camera - VW Retrofit
Post by: Vwjap on 05 March 2019, 12:20
Hmmm haven’t got the parking/tow hitch part on mine
Title: Re: OEM Reverse Camera - VW Retrofit
Post by: Talk-torque on 06 March 2019, 09:15
Hmmm haven’t got the parking/tow hitch part on mine

You need a factory fitted tow bar for that to be active.

Lots of stuff in the manual. 😉
Title: Re: OEM Reverse Camera - VW Retrofit
Post by: Vwjap on 06 March 2019, 10:51
I have got a factory fitted towbar, highline camera and park assist
Title: Re: OEM Reverse Camera - VW Retrofit
Post by: Vwjap on 06 March 2019, 17:56
Sorted it, programmed it up as a lowline
Reprogrammed and

(https://i.ibb.co/HX0Fccp/B38249-E5-5-E51-4064-B345-2604-EB162-DD6.jpg) (https://ibb.co/8XJKyy4)
Title: Re: OEM Reverse Camera - VW Retrofit
Post by: Pretzel on 08 March 2019, 16:32
If you plan to do it just be wary there are two types of camera 'Lowline' and 'Highline'.

The 'Lowline' is what VW fits to the cars from the factory, but as I found out when I first used mine, it only has static guidelines which are pretty useless on their own. To add the movable guidelines (which bend and move with your steering) you need a 'Highline' camera.

Are static lines the green lines? and interested to hear a little more about how the movable guidelines change, do they get shorter as you get closer to objects?
Yup static lines are green. The moving guidelines are orange and move with your steering wheel, so when you are reversing into a space you can line the space up with the turn of your wheel and adjust accordingly as you move. The static lines are fixed and only help if/when you are in line 100%. The static lines are pretty useless to be honest. Highline also gives you some parking modes...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_2VKHzaQ9ic - LOWLINE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2gCriayhiwU - HIGHLINE (shown on a Tiguan, but it's exactly the same as the Golf)

:)

Excellent, thank you.
Title: Re: OEM Reverse Camera - VW Retrofit
Post by: trueblue_ips on 10 March 2019, 11:21
Would getting this retrofitted mean the car has been modified and has to be declared to insurance companies as such?
Title: Re: OEM Reverse Camera - VW Retrofit
Post by: Exonian on 10 March 2019, 12:40
Would getting this retrofitted mean the car has been modified and has to be declared to insurance companies as such?

In theory then absolutely yes, at an extreme you could say an insurance company might consider the increased cost of replacement parts as worthy of extra premium or they could say anything retrofitted might have other potential issues such as non factory wiring being an increased fire risk.

In practice, it’s a “standard” VW part and unlikely an insurance company assessor would bat an eyelid at it if you’d been rear ended.
Unless you get a real jobsworth who goes through the factory build sticker in the boot.
In which case “it must’ve been a misbuild at the factory mate”
Title: Re: OEM Reverse Camera - VW Retrofit
Post by: mcmaddy on 10 March 2019, 14:34
I wouldn't even tell your insurance company, just be another excuse to extract more money from you for absolutely no reason.
Title: Re: OEM Reverse Camera - VW Retrofit
Post by: P6GTD on 05 October 2021, 12:41
So, as a 2021 update, does anyone have recent experience of trying to get an OEM retrofit camera?
Just asking for a friend!
Title: Re: OEM Reverse Camera - VW Retrofit
Post by: willni on 05 October 2021, 13:07
Yep, I did it about 18 months ago. Very straight forward, it's very worth while considering if you want to install a Helix Sound system at the same time as it's the same install for 95% of it.
Title: Re: OEM Reverse Camera - VW Retrofit
Post by: P6GTD on 05 October 2021, 13:20
Thanks. My problem is I’m not a practical chap so wouldn’t attempt it myself. I did see somewhere in the past that someone got a dealer to do it for around £500 but maybe that was years ago.
My dealer shows no interest.
Title: Re: OEM Reverse Camera - VW Retrofit
Post by: willni on 05 October 2021, 15:41
Thanks. My problem is I’m not a practical chap so wouldn’t attempt it myself. I did see somewhere in the past that someone got a dealer to do it for around £500 but maybe that was years ago.
My dealer shows no interest.

If you have VCD's or a phone coding system.

I'd just use an auto electrician then, the camera comes with instructions and is very very straight forward 1.5 hours to do, and they can make a good connection for power, be around what £45-65 an hour on their rate?

The camera is around £300 for a low-line or £360ish for a highline camera from memory, I'd go highline if I were doing it again it's just one extra wire.

Title: Re: OEM Reverse Camera - VW Retrofit
Post by: P6GTD on 05 October 2021, 16:55
Sounds like a simple easy job for auto electrician then. I will make enquiries.
Thanks.
Title: Re: OEM Reverse Camera - VW Retrofit
Post by: Vwjap on 06 October 2021, 17:36
Thanks. My problem is I’m not a practical chap so wouldn’t attempt it myself. I did see somewhere in the past that someone got a dealer to do it for around £500 but maybe that was years ago.
My dealer shows no interest.

If you have VCD's or a phone coding system.

I'd just use an auto electrician then, the camera comes with instructions and is very very straight forward 1.5 hours to do, and they can make a good connection for power, be around what £45-65 an hour on their rate?

The camera is around £300 for a low-line or £360ish for a highline camera from memory, I'd go highline if I were doing it again it's just one extra wire.
Not sure it’s just 1 extra wire, it doesn’t have the reverse light wire but a twisted pair going to the canbus, plus a lot of the highline cameras come with no coding so would need Odis to program them,
Title: Re: OEM Reverse Camera - VW Retrofit
Post by: martin998877 on 22 October 2021, 10:18
I had a 'low' line camera fitted this week by Alex at Retrofit.  Excellent service, a very clean and well equipped garage, Alex is a real guru when it comes to vehicle electronics and I reccomend his company. The camera works well with a good clear image at night as well as in the day.

Martin
Title: Re: OEM Reverse Camera - VW Retrofit
Post by: My other womans a vw. on 24 October 2021, 07:59
I contacted Alex at vw Retrofit about upgrading my low line camera to a high line as I thought it was a higher resolution.
He explained the only difference between the two is that the coloured lines move with the steering on the high line version.
I never bothered after hearing that,but I did appreciate his honesty.
Title: Re: OEM Reverse Camera - VW Retrofit
Post by: Vwjap on 24 October 2021, 11:52
It’s a bit more than that, the highline has a ecu in it, it also deactivated differently, and can give you more camera angles, but the bit you’ll see would just be the 2 bendy lines. Plus the camera doesn’t switch off as soon as you take it out of reverse, it carries on to 5 mph (which is a pain in the arse if you have the parking display (forgot what it’s called) and front sensors), but yeah I have a highline set up as a lowline
Title: Re: OEM Reverse Camera - VW Retrofit
Post by: P6GTD on 03 December 2021, 13:42
I have now had an OEM camera retro-fitted and I have two questions.

1) Does the badge/motor ever need lubricated?

2) The opening and closing is audible inside the car. Not by much but a slight buzz and a soft clunk as the badge closes.  Is that usual? (when I had a previous Mk7 GTI which came new with the camera I don’t remember that being present but it was a few years ago!).

PS : I love the camera espec on the larger 7.5 screen.
Title: Re: OEM Reverse Camera - VW Retrofit
Post by: willni on 03 December 2021, 14:34
I have now had an OEM camera retro-fitted and I have two questions.

1) Does the badge/motor ever need lubricated?

2) The opening and closing is audible inside the car. Not by much but a slight buzz and a soft clunk as the badge closes.  Is that usual? (when I had a previous Mk7 GTI which came new with the camera I don’t remember that being present but it was a few years ago!).

PS : I love the camera espec on the larger 7.5 screen.

1. The Badge doesn't need lubricated to my knowledge.

2. They're loud-ish something similar maybe a little louder than the E-handbrake. If I can workout how to post a video, I can take one for you to compare  :smiley:

Glad you enjoy it, it's one of those things once you have you wouldn't be without.
Title: Re: OEM Reverse Camera - VW Retrofit
Post by: P6GTD on 03 December 2021, 17:07
Thanks. Since posting I think I have got the answers I was looking for off-forum so all good.
Title: Re: OEM Reverse Camera - VW Retrofit
Post by: willni on 03 December 2021, 18:26
Thanks. Since posting I think I have got the answers I was looking for off-forum so all good.

Tough, I made a tiktok video of the noises

https://www.tiktok.com/@billy5991/video/7037543801883217158
Title: Re: OEM Reverse Camera - VW Retrofit
Post by: mcmaddy on 04 December 2021, 08:56
I have now had an OEM camera retro-fitted and I have two questions.

1) Does the badge/motor ever need lubricated?

2) The opening and closing is audible inside the car. Not by much but a slight buzz and a soft clunk as the badge closes.  Is that usual? (when I had a previous Mk7 GTI which came new with the camera I don’t remember that being present but it was a few years ago!).

PS : I love the camera espec on the larger 7.5 screen.
no lubrication required and yes it's audible from inside the car.  All the flip out cameras from the boot badge I've had have always made the same noise, it's the badge and then also the camera retracting. 👍
Title: Re: OEM Reverse Camera - VW Retrofit
Post by: P6GTD on 04 December 2021, 09:38
Thanks for replies. That’s great info.
Got me curious as to how the badge mechanism is worked. Is it an electric motor or maybe is it electro magnets with no moving motor parts?