Park Distance Control / Optical Parking Sensors (PDC / OPS)

[Mk6 GTI]

Hi Guys,

I have been given two options for rear sensors (Both dealer fitted).

1. After market $595 that comes with its own two year warranty OR
2. VW Genuine rear sensors $795 that is covered by factory warranty including my extended warranty. (This one is also fitted here)

Which one do i go for? I like the idea of the vw genuine part as it will be covered for 6 years. But he wont drop in price and its alot of cash!

The aftermarket sensor he can do for $550..

Anyone have the aftermarket? Annoying beeping maybe?

[Idle]

I went for the VW (not really from VW, BTW, any more than the dealer-supplied unit is) one with optional screen — sometimes it's handy, but I don't think it's anywhere near worth the money.

However, I did end up turning the sound off.

I have to reverse up a long, narrow drive that's only inches from the side of the house (close enough to cause a continuous beep) and it nearly drove me crazy (well, that wouldn't really be a drive — maybe a short putt...)

Would have been fine to leave the sound on if you could turn off individual sensors, but you can't, and of course if you don't have the (very tiny) screen then turning the sound off isn't an option either.

Incidentally, I'd have thought that a "genuine" VW accessory would have displayed on the RNS310/510 screen and 'beeped' through the sound system, but that isn't the case — it does exactly what a (very) much cheaper 4-sensor system from Ebay would do; The only real advantage — if it is one — seems to be the extra 24 months warranty.

[Corey_R]

Yeah, the 'Rear Parking Distance Control' option isn't available from the factory anymore. It's been replaced by the "Park Assist' which includes front and rear sensors and the ability for the car to park itself for no additional price on what the option of front and rear sensors would've cost.

Rear PDC on the MKV used to cost $800 from the factory, so the fact that the dealer will do it and it's only $795 is good, as long as it includes the installation in that.

But I would clarify exactly how it will work. As Idle has said, if it's just beeping and doesn't show the full display on the RCD310/RNS510 screen, then it's a lot of money in this day and age for a beeping PDC system.

[Mk6 GTI]

Yeah, the 'Rear Parking Distance Control' option isn't available from the factory anymore. It's been replaced by the "Park Assist' which includes front and rear sensors and the ability for the car to park itself for no additional price on what the option of front and rear sensors would've cost.

Rear PDC on the MKV used to cost $800 from the factory, so the fact that the dealer will do it and it's only $795 is good, as long as it includes the installation in that.

But I would clarify exactly how it will work. As Idle has said, if it's just beeping and doesn't show the full display on the RCD310/RNS510 screen, then it's a lot of money in this day and age for a beeping PDC system.

Yes that is $795 fully installed.. apprently you dont get any visual display (disappointing for that price!!) I guess the only advantage is that it will be covered for 6 years (with my extended warranty). Id like to think that there is a quality factor difference but i dont know. Bit overpriced for what your getting if you ask me!!

[Maverick]

Consider the camera, fitting this afterwards will cost you around the same however the RCD 510 headunit may not have the camera input (I understand that they all do have it now but it hasn't been confirmed).

Pros and cons with only having one of the two. The sensors don't work all the time nor do they detect everything and the camera relies on you to look at the screen (which I'm getting used to doing now but it's an extra place to check). Can you alter your factory order? If you only ordered a few days ago it probably hasn't been entered yet?

[niulf]

I did not choose sensors, RVC and Parking assist when I ordered my car. I would save this money for something else, such as upgrade the shift paddles to aluminium, ECU upgrade, boots organiser, etc. In my opinion, Golf is only a small car, parking sensors, RVC and parking assist are really not necessary. If I buy Touareg or Audi Q7, I absolutely will get those things. They are really handy on such big cars. But for Golf, it's also handy, but not necessary. I bought my brand new Golf V two weeks after I got my red P. I had never had any problems to park the car since then.

[Mk6 GTI]

Consider the camera, fitting this afterwards will cost you around the same however the RCD 510 headunit may not have the camera input (I understand that they all do have it now but it hasn't been confirmed).

Pros and cons with only having one of the two. The sensors don't work all the time nor do they detect everything and the camera relies on you to look at the screen (which I'm getting used to doing now but it's an extra place to check). Can you alter your factory order? If you only ordered a few days ago it probably hasn't been entered yet?

I can still alter the specs.. but i dontthink i want the camera. I figured if i got anything i would get the sensors.. But $795 for the genuine ones that will be fitted here is so much.. Im still stuck! I dont know whether i should :|

[seangti]

how many times have you hit objects when parking the car??

I personally wouldn't pay anymore for a car with sensors than without when it comes time to buy a used vehicle. So you may be wasting money on something (that if you're a good parker) you've never required in the past and that you'll never get the value back on resale/trade in.

Though I guess if you're asking the question, you're wanting such a thing...

[Mk6 GTI]

how many times have you hit objects when parking the car??

I personally wouldn't pay anymore for a car with sensors than without when it comes time to buy a used vehicle. So you may be wasting money on something (that if you're a good parker) you've never required in the past and that you'll never get the value back on resale/trade in.

Though I guess if you're asking the question, you're wanting such a thing...

I think your right. I have no problem with parking at all, I just thought it might be useful.. $800 is a lot! I have bumped the back of the car once but thats because i was being careless. I guess it could eliminate the once off's. Dont know!

[Maverick]

I did not choose sensors, RVC and Parking assist when I ordered my car. I would save this money for something else, such as upgrade the shift paddles to aluminium, ECU upgrade, boots organiser, etc. In my opinion, Golf is only a small car, parking sensors, RVC and parking assist are really not necessary. If I buy Touareg or Audi Q7, I absolutely will get those things. They are really handy on such big cars. But for Golf, it's also handy, but not necessary. I bought my brand new Golf V two weeks after I got my red P. I had never had any problems to park the car since then.

The Golf has one of the worst blind spots to the rear of any car.

The Touraeg and the Q7 have much better visibility to the rear (The Q7 get's a perfect score).

Visibility to the rear has nothing to do with the size of the car but everything to do with the design.