Retrofitting bling spot monitors (OEM)

[er-minio]

I think I already know the answer to this, but hey... let's validate on the forum.

My car didn't come with the package that includes parking sensors and blind spot monitors.

Now, I'm in the UK, so RHD car. Most of my driving is in Europe, other side of the road. Given the car's limited view at the rear I'm always extra careful when switching lanes, but sometimes I wouldn't mind the extra help the spots might give.

I understand it would be expensive.
But is it something that is possible to retrofit, has this been done, or is the wiring incompatible and/or there are some unsurmountable problems to retrofit it?

I can live without it (and did so for about 50.000km so far) but was curious about it.

Thanks.

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[nanaisu]

It's possible, yeah, but it's going to be expensive and you'll probably be one of the first folks on the J29 platform to do it if you're going for OEM hardware. You'll need to do some coding, and maybe a VO update. Not sure.
This might also be of interest? Aftermarket, but might do what you want it to?
https://www.ebay.com/itm/387976773829
This video series may help:

 

[er-minio]

Thank you!

Ok, it's massive faff.
Will live without

 

[rwense]

Hi there! Its funny you started this thread as im sort of doing something similar.

Instead of a full retrofit im creating a kit to bring the BSM LEDs into the interior (specifically the black plastic trim piece that is at the corner of the window and dash) for those who want to run aftermarket mirrors.

Im still early in the process but ive been making some headway. Unfortunately the LED module itself is not a simple PWR/GND unit, it is definitely LIN-based. Its also a slave to the "mirror electronics" module inside the mirror. Ill be tapping the bus to translate rhe LIN messages somewhat soon.

All this to say, more than likely it is doable but it will be a pain in the ass for sure. And you'll probably (?) Need the rear radar sensors calibrated, which may or may not pose a problem at the dealer considering the car didnt come with the package from the factory. You may have better luck with an independent shop however.

Another thing to consider is am aftermarket kit. Ive seen a few on aliexpress and such but I havent done a ton of digging. There's also the question of "do you trust an aliexpress safety device?" Lol. Regardless with enough willpower and money im sure it can be done.

 

[er-minio]

Hi!
That's a lot of work.

Also, very envious of the skillsets
Cool stuff.

There's also the question of "do you trust an aliexpress safety device?"

Most probably not.
Had a similar conversation around motorbikes as someone I know installed aftermarket radar at the back of their bikes (it is a thing!) and I insisted that – at least on a bike where you don't have pillars – I trust myself turning my head more than sensors of dubious provenance


I'll totally drop the idea of retrofitting the sensors, thanks all for the info.
Also, if I have to be really honest, the main pain in the ass when driving an RHD car in Europe is.... overtaking on mountain roads or narrow roads in general. More than rear visibility. Helps if you have someone in the passenger seat though.

 

[rwense]

Hi!
That's a lot of work.

Also, very envious of the skillsets
Cool stuff.



Most probably not.
Had a similar conversation around motorbikes as someone I know installed aftermarket radar at the back of their bikes (it is a thing!) and I insisted that – at least on a bike where you don't have pillars – I trust myself turning my head more than sensors of dubious provenance


I'll totally drop the idea of retrofitting the sensors, thanks all for the info.
Also, if I have to be really honest, the main pain in the ass when driving an RHD car in Europe is.... overtaking on mountain roads or narrow roads in general. More than rear visibility. Helps if you have someone in the passenger seat though.

Thank you!

I wouldn't necessarily call it skillsets, more like "too much time on my hands and access to google" but I appreciate it!

I totally get it. I used to have an ND2 RF Miata and the blind spots were even worse than the Supra. If I didnt have BSM I probably would be dead lol.

Talking about aftermarket BSM, if you're curious, there is an open-source self-driving product on the market that is both super interesting and very scary. Im blanking on the name but I bet if you search "open source self driving" you'll find it.

 

[er-minio]

Talking about aftermarket BSM, if you're curious, there is an open-source self-driving product on the market that is both super interesting and very scary. Im blanking on the name but I bet if you search "open source self driving" you'll find it.

Yep. I think I know what you are talking about!

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