Parking Distance Sensors?
 

I have an 05 3.0 without the parking sensors. I find that it is difficult to guage where the front and rear bumpers are when parking and considering putting on the sensors.

Have any of you retrofited the sensors?
How much is it for parts and installation from a dealer?

Thanks!

I'm going through this retrofit now with OEM parts on my 04 4.4i. Not sure if it will all work out until I button up everything and all the parts are on. send me a private message and I can detail the whole process.

Here is a guide to what's involved if you haven't already checked it out on the home page.
http://www.bmwmotorsports.org/pdf/X5_pdc_retrofit.pdf

There's a fair bit of work involved and if you get the dealer to do it it will be very pricey.

You can check what parts are needed here
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...09&hg=66&fg=05

I don't know why BMW don't include PDC as standard on the X5 - I couldn't manage without it. I have front and rear PDC but I'm also going to add a (non OEM) infrared backup camera.

Consider also getting a generic PDC system fitted by an auto electrical specialist (most radio/alarm installers do these). This option will no doubt be much cheaper and as the E53 X5 system is audible indication only (there is no visual assistance) it may also be better than the OEM PDC.

I would go with something with display,
Dont find X5 sensors to be as helpfull as the ones with display.
When it beeps you know if it is front or back but not if it is left or right

wow...that looks like a lot of work. I definitely cant do it myself.
How much do you think dealer would charge?

they should make these standard. the x5 is hard to look in the back. also the head rests for the rear seats should flip down automatically from a touch of a button. like some other cars.

Does anyone have the part numbers for the rear sensor stand-offs?

These are the conical plastic pieces that hold the sensor elavated from the bumper. Also there are sensor lock mechanisms that hold the actual sensor stable in the bumper. The part number for those will also be appreciated.

You'll find the part numbers here
I lost one of these covers presumably during a car wash. The replacement was only EUR4 but it's tricky to get it to snap into place.

i second the vote for something with a display. (especially if you have nav)

I have PDC's in my car but hardly find any use for them while parking. Have you know your car and judge the distance by eye and experience. I quite fancy the backup camera in the RX350 with nightvision. Now that IS WORTH the effort of upgrading to. Honestly, the OE PDC is more annoying than effective .

I kind of like the idea of having both sensors and backup camera. Though completely unnecessary if you're a fairly good parker, I think the sound and visual cues make it so much easier.

re: rear license plate PDC unit...how do you like it? I know there is a tutorial in the forum on installation but I have not found threads discussing how functional it is.

I appreciate any comments on this.