timc01

Just got my new 2016 GLC this week. Am I right in saying that the parking sensors only comes with the parking assistance package? My car LOOKS like it has the sensors, so I wrongly assumed it was fitted.

Is it retrofitable?

dejongj

You don't have the lights near the tail gate or on the dashboard in between the dials for the front?

timc01

I have the backup camera and there are sensors in the bumpers front and back but they don't seem active.

dejongj

see my previous response. Have you got those? It is independent of the backup camera.

timc01

Sorry, but I don't understand "lights near the tailgate" can you be more specific? Thanks

decorily

The lights he refers to are in the centre of the headliner just behind where the rear centre head rest is located. They light up to indicate the rear sensors are active while in reverse. They change as the car nears an obstacle to the rear. If they are not there you don't have parking sensors!

timc01

Thanks then I guess I don't. It's just really weird as the sensors appear to be in the bumpers. Unless MB just produces one bumper for the model and these are "blanks" to cover the holes?

I assume it would not be able to be retrofitted?

decorily

I doubt it can be retrofitted but I can't tell you for sure.


I find the sensors pretty useless anyway........ they only activate when you are extremely close to an object already and because of the positioning of aforementioned warning lights they are difficult to see without taking your eyes off what you need to be focused on while in such close proximity to hazards!!!


The rear lights are positioned too far forward and can not readily be seen in the rear view mirror while the front lights are in the instrument panel instead of in easy view on top of the dash.

dejongj

I find them brilliant. Best system of any car I've had. Had them previously in the GL class and they were just as good.

Strange that hat you can't see them in your rear view mirror. Together with the camera and my mirror I find it a very good system.

decorily

If you sit as you normally drive and adjust the rear view mirror so that it frames the rear window for max visibility can you see the lights without moving your head?

dieseldoc

If you do not have the park assist package, the car does not have parking sensors. I went from a GL to a GLC. Ordered park assist so my wife would have the sensors as well as the other features of park assist. Can't get sensors alone.

dejongj

Yes

decorily

OK....must be just my awkward 6' 4" frame!!

dejongj

I seriously doubt it, if you can see the full rear window without moving then you can't miss the lights for the sensors either.

decorily

Well the lights are located in a stepped up section of the roof approx. 18 inches forward from the actual glass so I would have to have mirror angled up slightly taking in a view of some of the rear roof to be able to see them.

dejongj

Indeed, if you position the mirror such that they aren't in view, well then they aren't in view

Jeez fella I guess many millions of Mercedes vehicles have this design flaw, hence it is included in every review as pointless positioning. Oh wait a minute ....

Low_e_Red

As an expediter for MB, there are aftermarket solutions for the lack of Parktronic. These actually work quite well and allow for the rear display to be put in a location that is visible to the driver while in reverse.

P.S. This was my yesterday...

hifivoice

You can (probably not yourself, and with the help of a specialist), e.g. look here for a description of a retrofit (in Dutch): http://www.mercedesforum.nl/forum/vi...p?f=85&t=84480