Parktronic

[Michael Tse]

I have a 93 W140 500SEL, it has not got the parktronic device on the dumper bar. Instead, it has two metal rods coming up at the back when I reverse. Honestly, I do not know what is the point to have those. They do not seem to be very useful to me.

Anyway, can I retrofit the parktronic sensor etc to my car. Where can I find the parts?

Thanks
Michael Tse

[chowpit]

Hey Micheal,
I never found those back up masts very useful either. I couldn't see the damn things! Anyway, a retrofit would not be impossible (close though) but probably be cost prohibitive as all parts and labor involved would be quite pricey. Perhaps there is an aftermarket alternative available.

[ymsin]

I fitted a set of parktronic sensors on the W126. It comes in a set of 2, and the recommended installation for the S-class was to have 4 sensors at the rear. I opted for 2.

The cost, including installation : US$100. Installation time : 1 hour.

Of course, you must understand that we get virtually free-labout here ...

[Michael Tse]

It is good to hear. I suppose USD100 is not that bad especially when I can minimise the risk of damaging the bumper bar every 2 months (I suppose this reflect how careless I am).

I assume I will need to paint the bumper bar again after installing these devices.

Thanks

[ymsin]

Originally posted by Michael Tse
I assume I will need to paint the bumper bar again after installing these devices.

There is no need for re-painting.

1. Measure distance to install sensors;
2. Drill required hole/gap into bumper;
3. Install sensors, which would cover the hole/gap with a generous amount of cover.

[MBenzNL]

Originally posted by ymsin
The cost, including installation : US$100. Installation time : 1 hour.

Of course, you must understand that we get virtually free-labout here

Labour must be for free and parts are probably not original MB??? Malaysia must be a very cheap country! It is time to get moving!

greetingz,

[ymsin]

Originally posted by MBenz
Labour must be for free and parts are probably not original MB??? Malaysia must be a very cheap country!

Don't-lah say until like that <- some local lingo at work here.

Guilty as charged.

Labour's free - parts not original.

But it works just as great.

How hard would it all be to hookup an parktronic system on an 96 S-class?
What dose the actual parktronic system do? How much would it be for OEM MB stuff?

Thanks

[ymsin]

The parktronic is a reverse-sensor that senses any objects while reversing. It lets out a tiny moderate beep to tell you as is well ... just go on reversing.

The beep gets louder as it detects a presence of a solid object - sometimes lamp-posts will be detected, other times, just rely on ole' conventional methods that go bup.

Its useful when reversing into tight spaces, and when the beeper yells BBBBBEEEEEEEPPPPP!!!!!!

*Stop*. Thats enough.

Its not that hard hooking it up on the S-class as the installation kit comes with a manual thats easily read and understood. You will know your rights for sure.

OEM would cost about 3 times more than the not-so-original part.


ps. and I forgot to mention that sometimes to sensor works overtime when it rained heavy, or the sensors are covered with some loose dirt or leaves ...

Where can i get that kit?
Thank

[Lebenz]

Following is some information I found on this topic (unedited)

WRT the reverse warning system, I would recommend the Poron USA 3 sensor system http://www.poronusa.com with the beeping (inside the car) & visual indicator. If it's too expensive, the 2 sensor system with the voice distance indicator is also another less expensive option. FYI, the 3 sensor system can also accomodate a splitter/sensor, bringing it up to 4 sensors altogether.
If a several people (in this topic or in Townhall) would like to do a group purchase, I'm sure Poron could knock down the price. Autotoys.com has excellent DIY instructions + pictures of the 2 sensor system on an ML. I referred to extensively.
Picture of the Poron system installed on the ML:

This CBC Marketplace report
http://cbc.ca/consumers/market/files/cars/revsonar/index.html
was actually the main motivator for me to get the reverse warning system. Have a look at the video clip of the TV, if you have the time. It's quite interesting.

Also see http://www.autotoys.com

Hope this helps

...Tracy

[ymsin]

If you are in Malaysia, I know just where to get that kit. In the States? Hmm ... thats a good question.

In Australia, I know you can get the kit from KMart Auto Stores, or one of the independant chains of Auto Supplies. But really am lost in the States.

[ymsin]

Tracy - thats a good idea of having a group purchase. Why don't fastlane take this up and provide this parts to members on this forum at an attractive discounted price?

I have the one with the beeping and visual indicator. I found the beeping a little too loud, and muffled it into the centre console. Now its of a bearable noise.