996 neater reverse parking sensors options

[TopCat996]

Hi,

Is it possible to replace the ugly factory reverse parking sensors on early 996s with the almost flush sensors found on more recent models?

Here's a picture of my recently acquired 1997 996 C2:



The reverse parking sensors let down the rear end quite a bit, failing a replacement for better sensors I'll resort to removing them and fitting a new rear bumper. Any other alternatives or ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Tim

[anonymous-user]

See here: http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?h=0... for a picture of the aftermarket ones I had fitted.

They were done by RSJ when I bought the car, so it certainly can be done. It may be that the holes in your rear bumper are too large to take smaller sensors, so you may be in the market for a new rear bumper.

[Callughan]

They don't look like factory ones

[SonnyM]

Callughan said:

They don't look like factory ones

+1

[Whitean3]

Callughan said:

They don't look like factory ones

I am sure they do- on the 1998-2000 era the parking sensors were like ugly warts!
You could probably look on Ebay or at breakers yards for a later(facelift?) bumper...

[Callughan]

Whitean3 said:

Callughan said:

They don't look like factory ones

I am sure they do- on the 1998-2000 era the parking sensors were like ugly warts!
You could probably look on Ebay or at breakers yards for a later(facelift?) bumper...

I think you may be right

[Risotto]

They're genuine but reasonably rare, for obvious reasons. Here's a clearer view:

Edited by Risotto on Wednesday 21st March 21:11

[SonnyM]

I take my +1 back those are hideous lol.

Op are you near London? If so Auto Audio fit a range of parking sensors to high end cars. You may be looking at a new bumper but they supply and paint them in the workshop so it's no biggie.

[TopCat996]

Thanks for the input all,

The parking sensors from Auto Security look the business although I suspect they would want to install a whole new system including controller and beeper. I'm hoping to retain the factory system while replacing the ugly sensors for more discrete yet Porsche compatible alternatives.

First I'll remove a sensor at the weekend to see what size holes and possibly marks they leave behind. It may even be possible to remove that horrible cowling that surrounds the sensor and re-fit flush. Next port of call would be to track down a set of face lift sensors and try them in for size.

[thegoose]

Congratulations on buying the Car Dealer magazine for BEN charity 911!

I hate those sensors too - I'd suggest getting a used bumper (approx £100-£120) in the right colour - be aware early cars are "metallic black" whereas the majority are the later "basalt black". I probably wouldn't bother with sensors but if you feel you need them I'd suggest the type that fit behind the bumper entirely - fitting cost won't be much if done when a replacement bumper's being fitted anyway.

Oh, and you should be able to sell the old bumper on eBay. They get used for race cars sometimes - ask Henry at 911V, his 996 Cup had a rear bumper with 4 holes in it for years.

[TopCat996]

thegoose said:

Congratulations on buying the Car Dealer magazine for BEN charity 911!

I hate those sensors too - I'd suggest getting a used bumper (approx £100-£120) in the right colour - be aware early cars are "metallic black" whereas the majority are the later "basalt black". I probably wouldn't bother with sensors but if you feel you need them I'd suggest the type that fit behind the bumper entirely - fitting cost won't be much if done when a replacement bumper's being fitted anyway.

Oh, and you should be able to sell the old bumper on eBay. They get used for race cars sometimes - ask Henry at 911V, his 996 Cup had a rear bumper with 4 holes in it for years.

Cheers! Was wondering if anyone would recognise the car.

[lordlee]

Did you ever get this sorted top cat as I am looking to similar with my boxster. I am particularly interested in what size holes you were left with when you removed the sensors?