Post
by baljemmett » Fri Sep 30, 2022 3:43 am
It might be possible, but unfortunately it's probably not as straightforward as we'd like it to be. Active Cruise uses a front radar sensor that isn't fitted to cars that don't have it (the other similar functions included in Active Guard are driven by a camera in the base of the rear-view mirror, and parking assistance uses even more sensors still), and although the radar unit itself looks like a reasonable retrofit job I'm not sure how much of the required wiring harness will be in place. Best case you only need the cable from the sensor to a connector behind the bumper, worst case you also need to install that connector and its wiring back to other systems in the car; either way there are also potentially new electronics and/or button modules in the steering wheel to add the +/- buttons either side of the scrollwheel on the left-hand set of controls. Once all the hardware's installed it would hopefully then 'just' be a matter of convincing the car that it now has the option fitted using the relevant diagnostic/coding tools.
Admittedly this is all speculation based on the parts catalogue at realoem.com and some other sources it's best not to mention publically, but what I can say for definite is that when I asked my dealer about retrofitting the parking camera to mine (a broadly similar set of considerations) the answer was "there are independents who might be able to do that for you, but we're not allowed to". You might have better luck if policies are different in your neck of the woods - based on some of the options listed I'm guessing you're in the US, or North America at least.
By the way - welcome to the forum, and we'd love to see some pictures of your car if you fancy dropping a hello in the New Members board!
