981 Reversing camera location? Any pics?

[zebra_3]

Anyone have the factory fit reversing camera? From pics of cars for sale that have it, I can't see it, is it tucked away above the number plate?

[woodysnr]

It is located under the rear of the number plate next to the down lights .I had a video but cannot find it showing it .The think with the camera is as you know linked to the radio system and you cannot have one without the other at a cost of around £1200 the camera part is £450 of that ,unlike the old model where it has rear park sensors included .The new model has less rear view vision and maybe worth it to avoid a rear re spray

[Ozzie Osmond]

For what it's worth, the front and rear parking sensors are excellent as a cheaper alternative to the camera system, and well worth it as neither end of the car is visible.

Point to watch: does the camera screen work if the radio is switched off? Astoundingly, the parking sensor display doesn't work if the radio is switched off.

[bcr5784]

Ozzie Osmond said:

For what it's worth, the front and rear parking sensors are excellent as a cheaper alternative to the camera system, and well worth it as neither end of the car is visible.

Point to watch: does the camera screen work if the radio is switched off? Astoundingly, the parking sensor display doesn't work if the radio is switched off.

Odd - I practically never have the radio on and my (front and rear) parking sensors and display work just fine. I'd certainly recommend front and rear sensors too. Re rear camera, while I find the parking sensor display a significant step up from beeps, having driven several vehicles recently with rear cameras, I'd seriously consider one. Put it this way a rear camera isn't necessary but I'd spec it before cruise control, folding mirrors, speed limit display or any cosmetic add-ons,

[zebra_3]

My thoughts were although it seems a bit pricy, but compared to bumper repairs would be be good value! Just seen some after market installs on other cars which look a bit naff and very visible., so was hoping it was nicely hidden. Having been in a friends merc with one I can definitely see the benefit. Reversed a boxster after the test drive and although it wasn't a problem, I think the camera would make it a more comfortable experience

[Prestonese]

I have it on mine. I can't tell what's going on with it to be honest! I've only had it for two days though.

I just tried parking in a tight spot and the camera and sensors told me two different things. The sensors were red but the camera showed I had more space to go. My wife watched it all take place and said I had lots of room. It's horrible being told two contrasting "facts" by the car.

I've never had a reversing camera in a car before and have always relied on feel. I might just go back to being a parking Jedi and use the Force instead in future....

[Ozzie Osmond]

bcr5784 said:

Odd - I practically never have the radio on and my (front and rear) parking sensors and display work just fine.

Are you saying your screen illuminates with a picture of the car despite the "radio" (or whatever you want to call the media device) being switched off? In order to keep mine working I have to switch to the empty Aux input rather than turning it off.

[bcr5784]

Ozzie Osmond said:

Are you saying your screen illuminates with a picture of the car despite the "radio" (or whatever you want to call the media device) being switched off? In order to keep mine working I have to switch to the empty Aux input rather than turning it off.

Yes. By "off" of course, it isn't really "off", but when I get in the car I press the "off" button to silence the bloody radio. I still get TA (which I have on permanently, if that is relevant), and Bluetooth to my phone (if that is relevant). Sometimes have navigation on, sometimes not. My set-up is the fairly common one of PCM + Bose + phone preparation.

[Ozzie Osmond]

bcr5784 said:

when I get in the car I press the "off" button to silence the bloody radio.

Incredibly annoying. I have two cars which do this - and one which stays muted. The muted one is bliss!

[Bieldside]

The Boxster Spyder only has the reversing camera
No park assist !!

[b2tus]

Interesting topic as I have full front/rear parking sensors on my 981 and full front/rear parking sensors and reversing camera on my C Class Merc Estate.

The 981 sensors are the best I have experienced and much better than on my Merc.

The camera on my Merc is not brilliant. In heavy rain, it can't see much as the lens can get rain spots on it and also can sometimes mist up in rain. It is very wide angle so not easy to gauge "real" distances, particularly to the sides. Only use it when reversing up to my trailer and wanting to position tow bar under trailer draw bar coupling. However, guess you won't be having a tow bar on your Porsche!!!

It would be interesting to see if the Porsche camera has the same "negatives" as my Merc camera.

[woodysnr]

Some confusion I was meaning the new Spyder not the standard 981 with front and back sensors .The Spyder is only available with the camera and radio package.unlike the old model which had audible ones on the rear

[bcr5784]

Prestonese said:

I have it on mine. I can't tell what's going on with it to be honest! I've only had it for two days though.

I just tried parking in a tight spot and the camera and sensors told me two different things. The sensors were red but the camera showed I had more space to go. My wife watched it all take place and said I had lots of room. It's horrible being told two contrasting "facts" by the car.

I've never had a reversing camera in a car before and have always relied on feel. I might just go back to being a parking Jedi and use the Force instead in future....

You'll find that that the manual says the distance away when the sensors go red - it's slightly different front and rear. It wouldn't be very helpfull if the sensor went red as you hit the car in front or behind!

[Prestonese]

bcr5784 said:

You'll find that that the manual says the distance away when the sensors go red - it's slightly different front and rear. It wouldn't be very helpfull if the sensor went red as you hit the car in front or behind!

You guys actually read the manuals?

[Gorsh]

I find I have to learn the tolerances of the sensors on each car you own - one may be 12" away on red/continuous and another car may be 18" away.

[bcr5784]

Prestonese said:

You guys actually read the manuals?

A bit old-school, I know - but there always seem to be one or two things about a car which you would be unlikely to find out otherwise. In the Porkers case, finding the bits and pieces to repair a puncture, and the fact that if you pull both paddles PDK) you get neutral spring to mind. When I was looking to buy the guy selling had only just discovered the two cubby holes behind the driver and passenger on a Cayman and had never used them as a result in 15k miles.

It irritates the hell out of me that phones and tablets and computers practically all now come without instructions - and there are loads of things you would never come across by accident.