Have installed 2 in a friends car due to failures in the display screen. If its the type that the screen retracts when switched off & back out when switched on. The lead to the screen eventualy fails.
you better hold on when they tell you the price for your BMW
the white gloves they use are all ready 300 dollars for starters :))
and that not even included the hours of labour involved
Beware the electrical systems on high end European cars, they don't like being messed about with. A auto electrician doing some work for me was telling me about having a Merc in his workshop for 3 weeks because he'd installed a DVD player into the rear of the headrests and the car wouldn't start after he'd finished - had to have a computer re-programmed by Merc and they charged more for that than they would have done to install the DVD themselves. Guess what message they're sending.
-- Edited by D and D on Thursday 17th of April 2014 06:19:00 PM
The car is well past new and not expensive. It is a good model of a make that can be an expensive hobby.
Thanks to all for the sage advice.
Frankly the added electronics are not necessary but convenient. People just step behind reversing vehicles for example.
It is reputedly a simple job on an E46 and the current unit has been out for a look-see already. I must admit that in recent years I have been reluctant to try some of the tasks I would have knocked over without thought years ago. Worried I might stuff something up.
I have reminded myself of the auto electrician who did work on our C'dore VL and Falcon EL, where factory engine and dash electronics played up. After changing to 'Cruisers I have forgotten repairers. I will go to him.
Thanks to all. The best advice is to leave well enough alone. But those risk taking pedestrians and motorcyclists..
I have a Cruiser and installed a system myself. If you attempt at all you should try and get a unit with matching plug/s connectors to go direct into the wire loom so the computer in your vehicle will recognize what is happening. If not this can throw things into chaos. One thing always watch out for yellow wires as I believe this is standard colour coed for air bags, if shorted "bang" the will deploy. Big bucks. Any how good luck.
PS as for camera you can pay from about $20 to 500 for one I paid $18 from Ebay works great. Just need to know what type of head unit PAL or NTCS.
-- Edited by carpaidiem on Friday 18th of April 2014 09:53:30 AM
I have a Cruiser and installed a system myself. If you attempt at all you should try and get a unit with matching plug/s connectors to go direct into the wire loom so the computer in your vehicle will recognize what is happening. If not this can throw things into chaos. One thing always watch out for yellow wires as I believe this is standard colour coed for air bags, if shorted "bang" the will deploy. Big bucks. Any how good luck.
PS as for camera you can pay from about $20 to 500 for one I paid $18 from Ebay works great. Just need to know what type of head unit PAL or NTCS.
i was at a car sterio installers workshop many years ago before air bags where standard an there was a new bmw parked in the driveway with all the air bags deployed
cause apprentic doing simple upgrade of sound system connected wrong wire $12000 to repair at the time you could have bought a new holden for that would hate to think want it would cast now
-- Edited by carpaidiem on Friday 18th of April 2014 09:53:30 AM
Some feedback for all who contributed to this thread and a positive recommendation.
On the recommendation of a car electrician I trusted from previous work, I eventually had the unit installed by Mongoose, who are at Coopers Plains in Brisbane. They supply and fit this sort of stuff.
Comanche-Joe was spot on with the estimate (above).
Mongoose is a small business with two older guys who seem quite reliable and professional in what they do. I am happy with their work and the unit is working well, including the reversing camera. I am very pleased I did not attempt the job. I would recommend them.
I will go to him.
