wolfgang0524

I've ordered a 2009 535i xdrive with the m aero kit. I may end up lowering it when I get a summer set of wheels and I may also get a splitter. So I'm concerned about damaging the beautiful front of the car if I or my wife forgets to pay attention when parking.

I know the standard PDC is too high to give good feedback to prevent scraping the curb or those wonderful concrete parking blocks.

I was looking at a couple of possibilities to try to prevent damage to the aero kit. On realoem.com there is a PDC retrofit kit for the license plate and also individual sensors. Anyone have any ideas if either of these could be installed low enough to sense the parking blocks? It seems a little overkill, but I was also considering installing a front camera for this same purpose.

I was considering installing a reversing camera anyway and I would like to have a nice clean solution that interfaces with idrive.

I've seen a number of topics on the ACM unit and different possibilities there. BMW sells reversing camera kits as well as front camera kits. Does anyone know if those kits include the ACM unit or do they have a different interface?

Has anyone already solved this problem or does anyone have any ideas or suggestions?

C5driver

I have the OEM Aero Kit and have been very careful about curbs and stops. Just take it slow and easy when approaching these things and use common sense.

wolfgang0524

That's the plan of course, but I have on occasion scraped with other cars that I have owned. I've also heard a number of other people on the forums mentioning having to have the front fender repaired. That being said, this is my first BMW and I certainly plan on taking great care her.

C5driver

Haven't had that problem yet with this car. It's higher than you'd think.

Gene

As alex stated, just take your time the first few weeks when driving and parking your car...you'll get used to the dimensions of your e60 and know what you can and can't make it over....defintely watch out for driveways/inclines tho...even I sometimes need to angle with my stock bumper to prevent scraping...


I think reversing into a slot will give you a bit more clearance for those cement stoppers...

GL and happy motoring...

DRANGED

He said he was worried about his wife parking. If his wife is anything like my mine, backing into the parking spot is just going to increase the chance of her hitting something exponentially.

Gene

...my wife is good at reversing because she knows to leave room to get all her shopping bags in/out of the trunk

wolfgang0524

You guys are too funny! I actually laughed out loud at the last two. I don't think I'll mention the backing into the parking space option.

Fortunately where we live there is little need for parallel parking. She is completely incapable in that department.

terry79z

I have m-tech with ACS lips on it....

from my experience,
no matter how hard u try, u'll scrap
and best part is .......eventually, u'll get used to it...


My BMW service adviser told me stock 5 series is low to begin with compare to "normal" 4 door sedan
---> scrapping is normal for stock + mtech + add on lips = you do the calculation.


I think it is almost impossible to prevent it....even if u have camera or some kind of indicator...
if u worry about scrapping, don't get lips...

my 2 cents

bruce_miranda

If you do decide you want the rear and front cameras, then I have some for sale.