hubertt

Hi, here's my first post with pictures, so I hope I get this right.
I've managed to install aftermarket reverse sensors and it only cost me about $80 for the kit. Here are the pics

06c230hwd

i hope its audible so you dont have to keep that big ol box on your dash
awesome mod! whered you find them?

loungn14

Nicely done.....

Im assuming you had to drill your own holes....mad fun...

hubertt

Yes, It's audible and visible :-) I bought this kit from a chinese friend.

C230 Sport Coup

Oh, do taunt us.

Post this and not say what kit you got for 80 bucks?
Or is that 80 pound...I see a C180 so you aint in the US.

In either case, wow, it looks pretty cool, and for 1/30 the price of what it would cost to retrofit from MB.

I want one! Please post the details!
Can you paint the sensors?
That would be the finishing touch.

UK-C200

Looks like Aruba to me, so $80 guilders would be even better :P

06c230hwd

Tell me about it! We want more detail!! Or shall I just ask the first chinese gentleman I see for a set?

hubertt

The problem is I don't see any brand name on the box, it's just the picture and what's included and what it does. I could buy them here and ship them to you if you want. But not sure what the shipping cost is.

NOTE: There's a picture of an SLR shown on the box

06c230hwd

Try to find out from your buddy what brand they are! Where are you from anyway?

*EDIT* When you get a chance flip the dash mounted box over and look for a model number or brand there melted into the plastic!

06c230hwd

http://www.obstaclesensor.com/?gclid...FQ58PAodkzLgKQ

They seem to have something similiar made by "Pyle".

hubertt

I'm from ARUBA, Caribbean. Not far from Florida.

And there's nothing written anywhere on this kit. I'll try to find out with my friend. Don't worry.

BF_JC230

I pick up my sensors from CARSENSORS, I have installed about 6 kits since 2005 with only one sensor malfuntion. Their tech support and warranty had a replacement to me in no time! The units I have installed have been running winter/summer and work great!

Looks like it will do the job,
Jake

benz_addict

man you did an awesome job I'm definitly going to give this a try but is there a way you can color match the sensor to the factory paint? Is it possible to paint over the sensor perhaps or would it not work?

benz_addict

that was uncalled for I had my speakers all the way up and its 11pm here everyone is sleeping

06c230hwd

Ha! If I had a set of speakers on this computer I would of been able to warn you! Woops!

stillwhipembenz

This is a nice mod. How much does it cost for install ? Do you have DIY intructions ? Also is there any sound from the sensor ? Do you have to keep that display on on your dash ?

stillwhipembenz

Also can you paint the sensors ?

hubertt

The installation is pretty easy, you just follow the manual about connecting the cables to the unit and get the power from the reverse bulb socket (a way to do it). Yes, there's a beeping sound from a tiny speaker that has to be mounted and in combination with the screen, you get accurate parking

sure1

Hi Hubertt,
I came across this thread while researching this subject. I joined MBWorld last year and is a "newbie".
I have purchased a similiar 4 sensor reverse park set. I have a few questions, I hope you can answer for me.

When tapping power supply from the reverse light, would the extra current draw trigger an error code? I suspect it would not, as in operating mode, the consumption is only 180mA (with Display) and 30mA (no Display). Did you have to use a relay in your wiring?

From the images you posted on your installation, it would appear you only removed the bumper inserts. How did you do this? Did you just pry the inserts out or you have to access the fasteners from behind the bumper via the boot?

Sure1
2007 C230

Boom vang

I put a set in from CARSENSORS and painted them as well (MB sells a 2 stage matching spray cans for the correct colour)

I do think that you put the display in the wrong spot, I hung mine from the roof liner at the back window, so that I can see it when I turn my head and also see it in my mirror. The sensors are not a replacement of turning your head while backing up but rather as an aid in tight parking spots. Having it on the front dash you will have to keep turning your head back and forth or you can get lazy and never look back which can prove disasterous in a mall parking situation.

@Sure1 CARSENSORS control box taps in to the reverse light wire to trigger it but gets the power from a separate lead that I tapped in to an empty slot in the rear fuse box

My modifications: I installed in the trunk (in the side liner at the top right at the back) a rocker switch to turn the system on and off. Since I sometimes have a trailer hitch bike rack or tow my catamaran, nothing is worse than trying to back up with this thing beeping as soon as I select reverse

Glyn M Ruck

These new units from Proxel - Italy are magic as they require no drilling. Just a tape stuck along the inside of the bumpers.

http://www.proxel.com/

Boom vang

These look great but at what cost and who distributes them. Seems that all car manufacturers (even the most expensive) are still using the traditional sensors so I wonder if there is some sort of disadvantage such as reliability and durability?

Glyn M Ruck

They have been licensed to a number of aftermarket manufacturers. Don't know where to source in the US. Popular in the UK

sure1

Thanks for all your responses. My current position are as folls:

I had purchased the 4 sensor kit, identical to that referred by 06c230hwd (http://www.sportsimportsltd.com/2serepaseki.html). I purchased them on a recent trip to Malaysia, for approx. USD70.00. Yes, these come in black and can be painted to suit your ride's colour. I had successfully used sensors from this manufacturer in my previous cars. I applied a clear, 'plastic trim primer' before applying the paint.

I have yet to explore the boot area to locate the fuse box (ref: Boom vang) to obtain supply point. I will be getting the "Add A Circuit" (LFHA200) from Littlefuse as rrf recommended in another thread. Still think I can tap the max 180mA from the reverse light supply. Can someone confirm if I can safely do this without triggering the Error Code?

Someone suggested the display located at the dashboard may be better placed at the rear screen/roof lining area. I tend to concur with it. Anyway its a personal preference.

Will keep you guys updated as I make progress and learn more from this forum.

Sure1

slammer111

The display piece actually looks VERY similar in shape to the OEM W203 front Parktronic display! Definitely interested on this end..