A client from Wake Forest recently visited Adrenaline Autosound to inquire about a 2018 BMW 230i blind spot monitoring system. The client found us after researching blind spot monitoring systems online. After talking to us about our integration process, he felt that it was well worth the 30-mile drive for us to perform the installation.
What is Blind Spot Monitoring?
Many new vehicles include radar or microwave-based sensing systems that will alert the driver to the presence of a vehicle that has entered the area beside or just behind their vehicle in an adjacent lane. This area is often referred to as the blind spot. The owner of this BMW 230i was frustrated that this feature wasn’t available on this vehicle. Thankfully, we have a solution.
BMW 230i Blind Spot Monitoring System Installation
The system we installed includes a pair of radar-based sensors. We removed the rear bumper cover from the BMW and located the sensors in the corners of the vehicle. The sensors have very specific installation requirements. As such, we created a mounting template on the floor beneath the vehicle to ensure each component is angled properly. We contoured the mounting brackets provided with the kit to suit this application and secured them to the vehicle using corrosion-resistant fasteners.
Warning Indicator Installation
The client wanted the monitoring system to look as though it was a part of the vehicle and not a “bolted-on” accessory. As system integration is one of our specialties, we were happy to deliver a unique and creative solution for the installation of the warning indicators.
As we have done in previous installations, we suggested that we could mount the indicators behind the tweeter grille on the door sail panels. After we determined an optimum mounting location, we removed the door panels and tweeter pods to begin the installation process. We mounted the indicators at the top of the tweeter pod so they would be visible from the driving position when looking at the rear-view mirrors. When not illuminated, the indicators are nearly invisible.
The wiring for the indicators follows our guidelines for serviceability and reliability. The Molex connector for the indicators makes it easy to remove the tweeter pods for service. We ran all the system wiring through the factory door grommet and secured everything to factory wire harnesses.
Once the BMW 230i blind spot monitoring system installation was complete, we reviewed the operation with the client. If you are interested in adding collision avoidance technology to your car or truck, we invite you to visit Adrenaline Autosound in Clayton. You can also reach us by e-mail using our online contact form.
