**SOLVED** Rear PDC Retrofit Question

[Overboost]

OK Guys,
Here is my question. I have scoured the interwebz for an answer before posting here. I just updated my 3.0 X5 with a 4.8iS bumper that came with PDC sensors. I have a 2004 (Build date 4/2004) and the harness from the bumper plugged directly into the prewired harness in the spare tire cargo area. There is no PDC module but the wiring exists so I ordered the module and the rear gong (also prewired).
So here is my question. What does the switch on the console do and is it neccessary? My reading shows it is used for diagnostics (blinking) and disabling the front sensors? Since I do not have the front sensors or bumper, will the PDC work rear only without the console switch? TIA for any knowledege from our family. Thanks again.

[tecboy99]

I did this retrofit last year. The mistake I made was buying a rear speaker and front and rear module. You need a rear only module from a E46. I can't remember which wires I switched around but I switched a couple of the wires around in the black connector to make the beeping go off. The rear only system actually uses the front speaker by the pedals for the alert sound. The button panel is not necessary as the system turns on and off when switching into and out of reverse, but I added it for a manual override. I'll try to take a picture of my harness so you can replicate it.

[Overboost]

Originally Posted by tecboy99

I did this retrofit last year. The mistake I made was buying a rear speaker and front and rear module. You need a rear only module from a E46. I can't remember which wires I switched around but I switched a couple of the wires around in the black connector to make the beeping go off. The rear only system actually uses the front speaker by the pedals for the alert sound. The button panel is not necessary as the system turns on and off when switching into and out of reverse, but I added it for a manual override. I'll try to take a picture of my harness so you can replicate it.

Thanks tec, I did read your post earlier today in my interwebz travels. I saw where you had a clicking in the rear speaker before you found the front chime solution. If you get the chance, please let me know what wires you changed in your harness. I guess I will find out if the missing front sensors will disable the rears and wondering if just leaving that front harness unplugged from the module will work if the missing fronts disable the rears.
Is the front chime different than the rear chime?
I assume yours was prewired as well?

[fmugur]

Originally Posted by Overboost

OK Guys,
Here is my question. I have scoured the interwebz for an answer before posting here. I just updated my 3.0 X5 with a 4.8iS bumper that came with PDC sensors. I have a 2004 (Build date 4/2004) and the harness from the bumper plugged directly into the prewired harness in the spare tire cargo area. There is no PDC module but the wiring exists so I ordered the module and the rear gong (also prewired).
So here is my question. What does the switch on the console do and is it neccessary? My reading shows it is used for diagnostics (blinking) and disabling the front sensors? Since I do not have the front sensors or bumper, will the PDC work rear only without the console switch? TIA for any knowledege from our family. Thanks again.

I just finished PDC retrofit on my daughter's 2004 X5 and all went smooth (console switch box with the PDC button, module, rear speaker, rear and front harness with sensors). I retrofit the bottom part from a 4.8is which has the sensors. The top bumper part was damaged.
The PDC will stop working if one sensor goes bad. So, this answers one of your questions, the rear will not work until you get the front sensors up and running. I use the console switch to turn on PDC manually for front mostly and when I want to stop the beeping for certain reasons. If it stops the fronts, I don't know how.

[Overboost]

Originally Posted by fmugur

I just finished PDC retrofit on my daughter's 2004 X5 and all went smooth (console switch box with the PDC button, module, rear speaker, rear and front harness with sensors). I retrofit the bottom part from a 4.8is which has the sensors. The top bumper part was damaged.
The PDC will stop working if one sensor goes bad. So, this answers one of your questions, the rear will not work until you get the front sensors up and running. I use the console switch to turn on PDC manually for front mostly and when I want to stop the beeping for certain reasons. If it stops the fronts, I don't know how.

Thank you for your reply fmugur. I am looking for a facelift 4.8i bumper with PDC sensors but it is proving hard to come by. I may go with the solution from tecboy99 until I can find one.

Originally Posted by tecboy99

I did this retrofit last year. The mistake I made was buying a rear speaker and front and rear module. You need a rear only module from a E46. I can't remember which wires I switched around but I switched a couple of the wires around in the black connector to make the beeping go off. The rear only system actually uses the front speaker by the pedals for the alert sound. The button panel is not necessary as the system turns on and off when switching into and out of reverse, but I added it for a manual override. I'll try to take a picture of my harness so you can replicate it.

Bump on the wiring modifications tec. I installed the front and rear module and I hear the long beep from the front when the X is put in reverse. I am still waiting on the rear chime (should be here tomorrow) and want to order the E46 module if my original plan doesn't work out and I get the wiring modifications from you.

[Overboost]

OK, so the rear PDC speaker/chime arrived today and plugged it in and the system is still in fault mode. I fired up PA Soft 1.4 and disabled the front sensors by deselecting PDC switch basic option and choosing 4 ultrasonic sensors. I also changed the activation/deactivation to reverse gear only since I am only using rear sensors. I cleared all the codes and it works like a champ! I am still on the hunt for a decent front facelift 4.8 bumper with sensors but for now the rear PDC works flawlessly. This might be a solution for those who have some faulty sensors and want to get the system temporarily working until they can replace the sensors.

[Overboost]

Today I added the console switch panel with PDC switch. I had to search FleaBay for the right part as I needed one with 7 switches. Heated seats, hill decent, rear hatch, DSC, TPMS and PDC. Paid $38 delivered and plugged right in and works perfectly. I also found the front PDC sensor harness on FleaBay for $18, just waiting on finding a decent facelift 4.8iS front bumper.