[zsapphire7]

Has anyone tried to see if you can get CA installed into your car even though it came from factory without the option? I know that a lot of things in our cars are presetup and already prepared for the option even though we chose not to include it in the original build. I didnt get CA, but am looking to see if i can get it installed into the car

[Kilgore Trout]

Originally Posted by zsapphire7

Has anyone tried to see if you can get CA installed into your car even though it came from factory without the option? I know that a lot of things in our cars are presetup and already prepared for the option even though we chose not to include it in the original build. I didnt get CA, but am looking to see if i can get it installed into the car

I've learned a few things about stuff like this over the years:

1) Retrofits are often doable, with enough ingenuity. There are guys who have retrofited everything from Idrive to heated seats.

2) Retrofits of this kind are almost never cost effective. usually, you wind up spending many times the price, and you also risk other problems down the line.

3) It is often more cost effective to just buy a new car.

Oh, and one last comment, when I was considering various options, I came to this board and searched (this was long before I was registered here). The constant theme was "If you think you may want an option, go for it now, because you can't add it later..." That was great advice and yet another reason I am grateful for this board.

[NiVeDh]

Originally Posted by Kilgore Trout

3) It is often more cost effective to just buy a new car.

I agree with your other two points but I'm not sure about this one. You'll take a big hit with depreciation if you go this route (at least in this case).

[zsapphire7]

thanks, I guess i searched around and found out that there are many senors that are not included. Sometimes, some options are prewired even if it hasnt been. I was wondering if everything had been setup already so it oculd be something as simple as different keys, handles and so on but i guess not .

[NoMods]

Originally Posted by Kilgore Trout

I've learned a few things about stuff like this over the years:

1) Retrofits are often doable, with enough ingenuity. There are guys who have retrofited everything from Idrive to heated seats.

2) Retrofits of this kind are almost never cost effective. usually, you wind up spending many times the price, and you also risk other problems down the line.

3) It is often more cost effective to just buy a new car.

Oh, and one last comment, when I was considering various options, I came to this board and searched (this was long before I was registered here). The constant theme was "If you think you may want an option, go for it now, because you can't add it later..." That was great advice and yet another reason I am grateful for this board.

got a link, i want to see?

[Kilgore Trout]

Originally Posted by armoredsaint

got a link, i want to see?

Discussed in many different threads here.

[blue2fire]

It is theoretically possible but not optimal due to all of Kilgore Trout's points.

[Highflyr]

I'm not 100% but I don't think this is even possible. BMW codes all the keys and if you don't have the CA option you can't order the CA key. Without the key no system. Maybe if I get bored tomorrow I'll look into it.

[darkphantom]

sorry man, you'll just have to use the key fob

don't mean to rub it in but...I <3 CA (must have for E93 owners)

[xytron]

question that is kind of related to what the OP is asking: if you don't have PDC as an option when you bought the car, you won't be able to add it afterwards correct?

[BK]

Originally Posted by xytron

question that is kind of related to what the OP is asking: if you don't have PDC as an option when you bought the car, you won't be able to add it afterwards correct?

There is an OEM rear park distance sensor, but it's not the same as the factory-equipped PDC. Look through BMW's E9x accessories catalog.

For CA, the only reasonable way to "add" CA is trading in and getting a new car with CA. This has been discussed and nobody has done it. Better off living without CA for now and getting it next time around.

[JamieA]

I agree, this would be complex. Sensors in the doors, boot, door handles are different with their ridging. Keys are different, the CA key can't be charged in the socket, you have to get BMW to replace the battery when it goes flat. Plus all the software I guess...

[amlebede]

I would guess that if you pay enough, you can get it done. But it will probably be way more than the ~$500 the option costs on a new car.

[BK]

Originally Posted by JamieA

Keys are different, the CA key can't be charged in the socket, you have to get BMW to replace the battery when it goes flat.

Do you have CA? You can replace the key fob battery yourself. The key fob has a compartment that slides open, and it's a lithium button battery, like on a watch. They last 2-3 years, and it's a common battery type. They're widely available at drugstores, grocery stores, etc., at least here in the US.