Proximity warning

[DanishXCViking]

Hi.

Just wondered, if anybody had the reverse, proximity warning system installed on their car?
How does it work, and is it worth the money (dont know the price)?

DXCV

[pico de luuks]

Hi DXCV,
I dont know if it works well,but on your national volvo page you should be able to download pricings. In the netherlands it's Euro 629,- installed (approx $600.-)

By the way I saw that the 2003 will get a *new* 2.5T engine with increased horsepower 210bhp (0-62mph in 8.1/8.5 sec man/aut)

http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/cool.gif

[BangkokXC]

I had it installed when I bought my car, and was able to get it included for free.

I think it is great.  Basically there are four sensors evenly spaced across your rear bumper.  As you get close to an object when reversing your music will shut off and you will hear a beep from your stereo system.  As you get closer the beeps become more frequent, warning you of your proximity to the object.  Well worth any investment in my opinion.  Just wished they offered a version for the front, as other cars do.

[wiz]

I didn't even know this thing existed but it's obviously really useful.

And having gone from a boxy 740 to the sloping hood of a V70XC I am in trouble with the front - can't figure out where the bumpers are...

[BangkokXC]

I know the front sensors come standard on the Mercedes S Class and the BMW 7 series.  Other brands/models probably as well.  One of my staff just bought a new top-of-the-range Camry (in Bangkok) and it came with front and rear sensors.

[wiz]

I looked on the USA Volvo site for this warning system to find out the price.  They list the accessory, but not the price.

Anyone know roughly what it costs?

[lsokol]

I personally think it is a waste of money. My brother in law has it on a BMW X5 and he turns off the feature 100% of the time. I drove the car for a week in a visit to Mexico City and found that after one day of driving with it i could not wait to turn it off. I personally dont like it. Maybe you should test drive a car with it to see if you like it?

[wiz]

It's not me who wants it but someone else who I think needs it...   http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

[lsokol]

ha ha http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif

[wiz]

What I don't understand is why Volvo in their infinite wisdom only saw fit to place these sensors on the back bumpers. With the the V70XC, if you turn round when you're parking, you have a pretty good idea of where the end of the car is.

Not so the front, which slopes away out of sight. It doesn't make sense... http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/confused.gif

[BangkokXC]

Agreed Wiz, it would seem that front sensors would make better sense.  Although I find the rear set useful as well because occasionally parking spaces in Bangkok have low-lying objects that are tough to see.

You might to a check on whether any companies make aftermarket front sensors.  The only downside would be that the product(s) probably wouldn't integrate with the Volvo stereo system.

Good luck.