has anyone installed reverse parking sensors on their car from the dealer? so far the prices ranged from about $530 (Tom Kerr) to $700+ (Eurocar).. why the difference between the dealers I do not know... maybe they all use different 3rd party product?
if anyone has installed one, can they comment on their functionality and pluses? thankx

 

wallerc has them on his car... IIRC he said something about them being really loud and having to get it turned down.

 

My dad has Mazda dealer fitted ones on his '6 and I reckon it is bloody annoying.

 

Just read Open Road mag for May/June and a Polaris reverse parking system that has rear view video camera to actually see objects is advertised for $495. Go to www.reverseparking.com.au

 

yes, that's actually where I'm getting it done tomorrow :D
it's about $199 + $80 for installation for hi-spec voice sensor system..

 

I had the official Mazda (thirdparty) reverse sensors (4) system fitted by the Mazda dealer before delivery. As reported it was too loud and too sensitive. I adjusted the volume (hi/lo switch only) so it is less annoying. Problem is that they fitted the two outside sensors at the start of the curve of the bumper so they point off centre and so pick up objects off to the side (like the walls of a narrow garage). Nevertheless, after living with it for a couple of months I'm pleased to have it as I feel that I'm not going to reverse over one of our kids' ankle-biters or a tricycle abandoned behind the car.
It sounds to me that going for the hi-spec voice sensor system that Playa had fitted is the way to go.
How do you find it Playa?
Regards,
Chris

 

Voice sensor system - use case:

[rear bumper speaker]: "Beep - Anyone back there? Beep - Anyone back there?"

[object in the way]: "Yeah - I'm a little trike here!"

[rear bumber speaker]: "Well... GET OUT OF THE FRIGGIN' WAY!"

:D

Cheers,
Hymee.

 

yes, I had it installed last Sat.. works great for all the tight reverse parking. haven't yet had to ask somebody to get out and watch the behind for me :D I didn't get around to take some pictures, which I will put up once I take some.. they drilled the sensors on the red bumper and maybe a little too high (coz had problem picking up some lower end.. may have to ask the guy if it can be adjusted..) but it looks good in its way.. the speaker was installed on the left corner of the window behind.
the voice sensor works in conjunction with beep once it gets too close.. all in all, the system looks great and much better than getting your dealer to install the less product for 2-3 times more.

 

Had mine installed today. After painting the formerly silver membranes black, they look OK - just four black dots on the (also black) rear bumper, placed a little lower they would look better though.

The system works easy, one beep if you shift to reverse gear, then slow beeps turning faster and finally into a constant beep beetween 1,50 m and 0, 30m. The beeper is installed on the right side in the back (behind the SRS sign). There you have in full view if you turn and look backwards (with LHD), which is handy, because it also gives an optical indication of the distance with six small, differently coloured lamps.

Edit: The price was € 550 including installation (which took four hours). Dealers in Germany have them in their computer list for extras, but they seem to be a third party product, so I'm not shure if you'd get the same in Australia.

 

what that is expensive man... mine is a voice sensing system which tell you how many metres are left in woman voice (sounds little robotic.. -_-) until you are like 0.3m where it is constant rapid beeps. took about 1 hour to install and costs are $199 + $80 for labour.. about $280 in all.. the sensors are clear and it looked like a bullet holes at first but I'm growing to like it (distintive =) which reminds me I'll go now and get some pictures taken

 

after long delay and trouble (my usb ports were not working...), here are some pics who may be interested.

 

That looks a lot like my system, but my sensors are placed differently. Height is bottom line of the number plate, inner sensors are placed besides the plate and the outer ones 10 cm further to the side than yours. I found that the silver dots were too prominent and painted the membranes with a permanent black marker.

I found them expensive too, but you won't find many large parking spaces in german cities. I can tell the distance to a wall by aiming with my lip spoiler, but everything below the spoiler remains invisible. Well, and before I scratch my bumper I simply went for the sensors. I wanted them to be installed by Mazda, since it's a leasing car (yet ...).

 

close up of the sensor

 

speaker inside.. u can adjust the volume...

 

where are the photos?

 

you mean you waited over a year and a half to ask that question?

 

Be nice it he is "dasoviet", the message has only just breached the firewalls.

But on a serious note.

Playa after a year, what are your thoughts. I've just moved into a house where reversing is suddenly more of an issue. Is this unit a good one? Must have looked at a few on that demon auction site.

Anyone have any experience of ones (other than the sticky out wire versions...that brings back memories) that works on a sideways basis to protect the rims?

Actually not so much for me, i tend to park a boat length from the kerb, but the missus was in tears after she scarfed a wheel the day after i got it back from the painters!

 

Come on Mike - I reckon lengths of wire on springs would really set off the flanks of the 8.

Actually, don't even talk about kerbing . In future I'll be parking 3 feet from anything harder than water.

 

What about getting the schmick US nav screen and rigging up a camera?

 

my you brought this old thread back up..lol
i dunno where they've gone.. i think the server I uploaded is not working anymore..
I've got them in my home computer, i'll upload them again for u later.

 

sorry kept forgetting to re-upload the pics..
the sensors are alright. especially when doing a tight reverse parking.. i think the back windows of rx-8 is hard to see, so having a sensor is useful. but of course its more of an aid than a something u totally depend on. I wish i can change the voice of the lady though LOL

 

is that recordable?
if so... you can have kall for a day on sunday... who can resist her sexy voice?

EDIT:
playa.... found the sensors on your rear bar...
it was taken at the palmmy cruise last year...

 

lmao. unfortunately, it's not recordable... the voice is quite robotic.....

 

after much delay, here are some pictures for those who want to see how it looks.