Help locating a reversing light feed please

[jakerake]

Hi all,

I could do with a little advice with my 2006 2.5 Z4. I have just removed the front bumper to replace the headlight washer units as they were leaking and thought I may as well fit OEM style front parking sensors while I was about it - yes, I am that bad a driver!

They're all in and I've changed the washers (many thanks to posts on here and a personal thanks to PawnSacrifice who took the time to advise), but I could do with connecting them to the reverse light feed in order for the sensors to operate automatically. They're front specific Meta ActivePark 4, so come with an override switch, but it would be great if they would come on while manoeuvring just in case I forget to throw the switch.

What I really need to know is where can I splice into a reversing light feed without running a cable all the way from the rear? I was hopeful there'd be something near the centre console where I have the control unit installed? Location and wiring colours would be great if possible and if you're that gifted, photos please.

Thanks in advance

 

[bcworkz]

Welcome!

You're in luck. The reversing light relay is in a small electrics box (A6009) behind the left strut tower under the bonnet. The correct wire is blue/yellow coming from pin 24 of connector X60191.

 

[jakerake]

Hi bcworkz and many thanks for the reply. I assume if I simply add a "scotch" snap on connector to this cable this will add the required activity to my control box?

 

[bcworkz]

I would expect so, the wire feeds the actual reversing lamps. But if the module is wanting the signal from the transmission switch, that's a different wire, which one depends on transmission type. Also not sure it would make any difference, I'm surprised a relay is needed at all for this.

 

[jakerake]

I think it just simply acts as another positive feed, almost like a switch. Will connect the wires on the weekend and let you know what happens. I'd be interested to know if anyone else has used these sensors.

 

[jakerake]

Just to update you, I connected the reversing light feed for my parking sensors as per the above instruction provided by bcworkz and it worked a treat. Control box is a little fiddly to access, but other than that, a relatively simple job. I couldn't have done it without the help from this forum, its posts and its members - so a big thanks to all of you

 

[aquazi]

Any pics of fitted?

So you put it in reverse and the front sensors are active...

Do they stay active if you briefly put it in first ( so parallel parking?


Sent from my iPhone 5 using Tapatalk

 

[AlanJ]

Hi Jakerake - welcome to the Forum. Put something in the 'Newbies' section with some info and pics.

 

[cj10jeeper]

That's a neat little mod and am sure a few would like to copy this.

As Alan says do post some details about it.
How it functions, what it syncs. with, etc.

 

[jakerake]

Erm, how do I post Pictures?? Sorry everyone, a bit of a "Doofus" when it comes to that sort of thing, should probably read the How-to section? Will try my best though, just be patient please.
To answer aquazi, Yep, they come on when you select reverse for parallel parking. There's also a button you can press to activate them and if you're really good, you can wire them to the Canbus and they'll automatically come on at your pre-selected speed. Have read threads saying this can be a little annoying when you're in traffic though, so I decided against that one. I chose these as they are suitable for cars with a low bumper, so spot on for the Z4. They are also totally adjustable for sensitivity and range too. They're fitted with the bumper removed and as they are flush mount and only 19mm diameter, look OEM. They only come in black and as my car is black, I didn't need to spray them, happy days
I'll use them for a little while and report how I am getting on with them, but will see if I am able to sort the pictures :?

 

[bcworkz]

Incidentally, the wiring information (WDS) I posted is available to anyone at http://www.bmw-planet.com/diagrams/release/us/ . I often deep link the specific information for people instead the general link because if you're not familiar with the WDS, it can be rather confusing to find what you're looking for. I've been all over this thing so I can usually find things fairly fast. In retrospect, I should have posted both, so here it is.