GolfGTIforum.co.uk

Model specific boards => Golf mk6 => Topic started by: Buck on 21 February 2011, 12:51

Title: Retro fitting parking sensors
Post by: Buck on 21 February 2011, 12:51
Hi all

I'm toying with retro-fitting genuine parking sensors to my car

I've seen the sensors and control module on eBay. These are a front & rear set (not sure if they can be bought cheaper elsewhere as yet as only just started to explore)

Now I'd either have to drill the bumpers to fit and respray or buy new covers with the holes pre-drilled

Thoughts on this?

Thanks
Title: Re: Retro fitting parking sensors
Post by: am1w on 21 February 2011, 13:02
Hi all
I'm toying with retro-fitting genuine parking sensors to my car
I've seen the sensors and control module on eBay. These are a front & rear set (not sure if they can be bought cheaper elsewhere as yet as only just started to explore)
Now I'd either have to drill the bumpers to fit and respray or buy new covers with the holes pre-drilled
Thoughts on this?
Thanks

Just a thought: Have you thought of fitting the rear view camera instead? However, this does not work with the RCD310.
Regarding the parking sensors, better get it done professionally. Too much of a risk otherwise IMHO.
There are places that fit these and they do look OEM. When I explored this for a friend the cost I got was £400!
Title: Re: Retro fitting parking sensors
Post by: Buck on 21 February 2011, 14:35
Thanks Asker

I'd forgotten about the camera option. hopefully cheaper than £400!!
I'd need the RNS510 for this too!

Do you have the camera on yours? 
Is it effective?

Thanks again
Title: Re: Retro fitting parking sensors
Post by: am1w on 21 February 2011, 14:46
Thanks Asker
I'd forgotten about the camera option. hopefully cheaper than £400!!
I'd need the RNS510 for this too!
Do you have the camera on yours? 
Is it effective?
Thanks again

I've got front and rear sensors but no camera. I feel the sensors are good enough. The sensors show distances very clearly on the RNS screen and also showed distances (I think) on the RCD310 screen. They also have different sounding beeps for front and rear and the beeps sound from the rear for the rear sensors and from the front for the front sensors.
You'll have to price up the most economical solution for you. But, one thing is clear, either rear sensors or camera are very helpful. I also find the front ones worth having.
Gizzy, did not have sensors and installed the rear camera courtesy of Darren. She loves it.

There is one disadvantage of having sensors in the bumper. If you scuff the bumper, then depending on where the damage is, the bumper has to come off and the sensors removed for repair and paint due to the black rubber rings that hold the sensors in place. Otherwise, overspray could cover them. Without sensors, the bumper damage could be repaired in situ. With sensors, the repair can cost more!
Title: Re: Retro fitting parking sensors
Post by: Buck on 21 February 2011, 15:08
All good advice.
I might drop a PM to gizzy.

Thanks
Title: Re: Retro fitting parking sensors
Post by: Snoopy on 21 February 2011, 17:22
I though the sensor bumper was different as the holes were countersunk?
Title: Re: Retro fitting parking sensors
Post by: Buck on 21 February 2011, 17:39
It is Geoff. Looking at photos I think they are fitted from the rear do not sure they are counter sunk. I Need to look at one in more detail!
Title: Re: Retro fitting parking sensors
Post by: am1w on 21 February 2011, 17:39
I though the sensor bumper was different as the holes were countersunk?

That too. :smiley:
Better to go for the reverse camera in Buck's case IMO.
Title: Re: Retro fitting parking sensors
Post by: RedHP on 21 February 2011, 20:42
Sorry guys slightly off the topic, but when I passed my test 16 years ago there were no sensors and we had to park using our judgement. I have had sensors on my last 2 cars over the last 6 years and can't believe how much I rely on these. I am deteriorating......!!!!!!!!  :sad:
Title: Re: Retro fitting parking sensors
Post by: am1w on 21 February 2011, 20:47
Sorry guys slightly off the topic, but when I passed my test 16 years ago there were no sensors and we had to park using our judgement. I have had sensors on my last 2 cars over the last 6 years and can't believe how much I rely on these. I am deteriorating......!!!!!!!!  :sad:

We all are mah deah, some more than most. :cry:
Title: Re: Retro fitting parking sensors
Post by: RedHP on 21 February 2011, 20:49
Sorry guys slightly off the topic, but when I passed my test 16 years ago there were no sensors and we had to park using our judgement. I have had sensors on my last 2 cars over the last 6 years and can't believe how much I rely on these. I am deteriorating......!!!!!!!!  :sad:

We all are mah deah, some more than most. :cry:

However, when our hearing deteriorates we know we can always count on Asker !
Title: Re: Retro fitting parking sensors
Post by: Buck on 21 February 2011, 20:50
I've realised that I'm starting to reverse park like my old my mum  :cry: - sometimes I get back in the car and have another go its that bad  :grin:
Title: Re: Retro fitting parking sensors
Post by: RedHP on 21 February 2011, 20:53
I've realised that I'm starting to reverse park like my old my mum  :cry: - sometimes I get back in the car and have another go its that bad  :grin:

Thats not a good sign !
Reverse parking = one chance (however, I grew in London, so if you're a carrot-cruncher it may be different) !
Title: Re: Retro fitting parking sensors
Post by: am1w on 21 February 2011, 21:02
Boys, with or without sensors, I have always been a shocker in the reverse mode. :laugh:
Title: Re: Retro fitting parking sensors
Post by: Buck on 21 February 2011, 21:18
I think I'm still getting used to Mr G.  I used to be able to park the Audi (Avant) with my eyes shut but then I did have it for 7 years - this one's still a baby in comparison!
Title: Re: Retro fitting parking sensors
Post by: Snoopy on 21 February 2011, 21:56
I put it down to the shape of modern cars. Small windows, large pillars, large sloping exterior panels and no defined corners. I find modern cars a pain to park as you simply cannot see.
Most things upto the 90s maybe mid 90s are fine but more modern i have problems. I can remove my mates 43 cars from his unit, then later park them all back in no problem, but modern cars i have big problems with.
Title: Re: Retro fitting parking sensors
Post by: Buck on 21 February 2011, 22:19
I'm with you on that

When I drive my mums old Micra it's like driving a greenhouse :)
Title: Re: Retro fitting parking sensors
Post by: The Doc on 21 February 2011, 22:55
What about this?

http://www.ipodcarkitdirect.co.uk/Parking_Dynamics_PD1_Reverse_Parking_Sensor