Moving the side view cameras....

[elite53]

I was wondering if anyone could give any feedback on if this could work? I have a 2016 F80 M3 that I put a $2000 dollar front splitter on and the car is lowered on EMD springs. I'd really like to save the splitter from getting smashed on parking curbs if possible. (I know... learn to drive!) My car has the side view cameras that I never use. I was thinking if I could reposition them they would work great for parking. Right next to the cameras is a PDC sensor (see photo) that looks to be the exact same size hole in the bumper. What would happen if I swapped positions on them? I'm thinking the PDC will be upset if I move them but I really don't have a use for the forward set of PDC sensors anyways. Anybody have any thoughts on whether this could work or not?

[alex2364]

There is a yellow line on the front side view camera telling you exactly how close you are to the curb. I’ve never touched a curb using this.

[elite53]

Originally Posted by alex2364

There is a yellow line on the front side view camera telling you exactly how close you are to the curb. I've never touched a curb using this.

Yes, good point. In my daily driving all the curbs I'm talking about are the type that are just as wide as the car. Most people in normal height cars just pull up till their tires hit it and stop. These curbs don't show up in the side view cameras. The PDC sensors sometimes pick them up but it's not always 100% accurate.

[gatorfast]

Why not just back in?

[elite53]

Originally Posted by gatorfast

Why not just back in?

At my work we have one way parking lots that have angle in parking. Each parking spot has its own curb and the curbs for each spot are staggered so using the side view cameras don't work. I haven't hit one yet but I've been damn close a few times. Just wanted to see if there was an easy solution like swapping the sensors like I suggested. I think Bimmertech makes a front camera for our cars but I've got two already in the bumper that I don't use so I was just trying to be creative.

[Morgen Black]

I understand your concern, I hit my right front bumper on my garage pulling out a few months ago. I would say, park conservatively and then get out take a look. That may not be the answer you are looking for, but it will save you a ton of money and regret once you actually ding up your splitter or bumper.

I was about to pull off my front bumper and get it cleaned up and resprayed, but something in my gut was telling me to wait. I am certainly glad I did, because it would be sitting in some paint shop right now with everyone out of work.

Be safe, park conservative and enjoy your car.

MB

[ferrarifast]

Interersting idea. I wonder if it's possible to have one the camera's relocated to one of the lower air intake grills where it could be angled to provide an exact view of the parking curbs.

Personally I either back in to most parking spots or I just park conservatively *like a foot or so away from the curb*

[elite53]

Originally Posted by ferrarifast

Interersting idea. I wonder if it's possible to have one the camera's relocated to one of the lower air intake grills where it could be angled to provide an exact view of the parking curbs.

Personally I either back in to most parking spots or I just park conservatively *like a foot or so away from the curb*

The reason I thought of just swapping positions with the PDC sensor is cause I think the wires would reach without modifications. The camera has a wide angle so having it point slightly forward I think would be enough to see the curbs. I'm not getting a lot of feedback so I might just try it some day when the weather gets nicer. Shouldn't hurt anything if I don't have to cut wires or anything. If it doesn't work I can just put it back the way it was.

[ProfM3]

Definitely post about it if you try moving the cameras!

[ferrarifast]

Originally Posted by elite53

The reason I thought of just swapping positions with the PDC sensor is cause I think the wires would reach without modifications. The camera has a wide angle so having it point slightly forward I think would be enough to see the curbs. I'm not getting a lot of feedback so I might just try it some day when the weather gets nicer. Shouldn't hurt anything if I don't have to cut wires or anything. If it doesn't work I can just put it back the way it was.

Originally Posted by ProfM3

Definitely post about it if you try moving the cameras!

Definitely keep us posted with the journey

[Taco_Bueno]

Very good idea. I'm in the same position. If you pull the trigger take lots of pics and let us know how it goes. I'd be very interested in this mod myself.

[NSX2M4]

Not sure about the sideview cameras because I do not have them on my car. But the parking sensors in the front are glued onto the bumper and usually do not come off easily enough to swap back and forth.

[elite53]

Originally Posted by NSX2M4

Not sure about the sideview cameras because I do not have them on my car. But the parking sensors in the front are glued onto the bumper and usually do not come off easily enough to swap back and forth.

Yeah, that could be a problem. Thanks for the heads up. I guess I'm just gonna have to pull the bumper off and have a look around in there.

[ogakul]

I tought of this recently.

Has someone considered something like this?
https://de.aliexpress.com/item/4001245858989.html

[SoundQ2]

No posts in over a year...ANYONE try it? I was thinking about "relocating" one of the camera's to the front but was wondering what "extension" cable I'd need. Seems simple enough...

[HarryTee]

Originally Posted by SoundQ2

No posts in over a year...ANYONE try it?

Interesting! Everyone simply disappeared all together! I hope the mod didn't simply explode or something!

[juicehound]

i may try this but in a different way - i never use side view cameras ever and am retrofitting my 440 - so instead of putting them in place of the front PDC, i'm thinking of simply adding them to the front part of the front bumper in addition to the PDC