E39 - Third Party - Reverse Sensors

5 Series Beamer

Diary of a Second Hand 15 year old Beamer (Maintenance - Battery Drain included...,
BMW E39 520i year 2000 Engine 1995cc)
M Series.

11th November 2014
I have received the reverse sensor kit today thought I could replace the megabuck sensors with a cheaper set, 'one gets what one pays for', Control module doesn't work. I found that out after fitting to the BM, so need to return or get a full refund (eBay) pending...may get the control module replacement, Still have the problem with the battery drain, very frustrating....

1. Unplugged the PDC Module situated in the boot above the battery (Reverse sensors)
2. Taken out 40 amp Fuse (Boot -Rear Heated Screen) - replaced a couple days later as no problem
3. Taken out fuse 4 Interior lights/washer/reverse sensors) - definitely a problem with this circuit

The Sensor replacement kit arrived this morning, (a week from contact) and re-fitted the control panel, nothing! I decided to swap componets from the new kit to identify the problem, as the new kit worked in the box when connected by two wires to a live feed. The distance monitor, was replaced with the new one from the kit, it worked. After checking the broken one, I decided to strip it down to see if I could do anything with it, it seemed to have been the monitoring display that was not working on the original fitting due to a bad soldered positive wire. I have now re-soldered the wire in the distance monitor and it works! I may put this repaired unit and sensors on the front bumper and a switch inline to switch it on and off when I need it, Wait for warmer weather.

I contacted the seller concerning the sensor kit asking them to send a replacement control unit and they were very apologetic and suggested that they had a quality control issue and therefore they would send be a complete replacement kit or a choice of a refund. I chose a replacement.

fig. New Sensors replaced the more
expensive ones

fig. Reverse 'Sensor Monitor'
mounted on parcel shelf above middle rear light

Contents Page

After a couple of days use, it works well and is useful.
Note: Most people place the distance monitor in the front of the car, however I have found positioning the monitor on the rear parcel shelf makes the system more effective, especially when looking via rearview and sideview mirrors . It looks good too and reasonably discrete.

fig. Sensor Kit (eBay: £9.99 pbkeefepb)

Deluxe 4 Parking Sensors System LED Car Reverse Backup Radar Kit UK London Stock

fig Contents.

Note; Safety - Before commencing with Electrical Work, Disconnect Battery)

Workshop/Diary - Reverse Sensors

fig. New (black) Reverse 'Sensor CPU
(Old Sensor CPU (white) Disconnected)

Workshop