reversing sensors on a convertible

[rhodgie]

Hi there, currently have a 9-5 estate so not new to saab or this forum (9-5 section though) but wife has just bought a 54 plate convertible (1.8t petrol auto) and I (she?) wants reversing sensors fitted.  Was looking at buying a set of the web as these are less than £30 instead of the inflated prices of genuine parts.  Now the bumper has the black plastic strip across the middle of it where you would expect the factory fitted sensors to be so can i simply drill into this, is there room to get to the rear of this strip from underneath or from the boot, has anybody already done this (couldn't see any posts?) & do you have any recommendations on which kit to buy and doing the job.... thanks in advance for your help.

Stephen.

[sgould]

I can't help with the choice but I don't think the black bit is a separate strip.  I think it's just a textured and unpainted bit of the bumper shell.

[sgould]

It looks like that could be wrong...

Here's a picture from the aftermarket accessories catalogue.

[sgould]

And this shows that the trim is supposed to come off from the outside.  It shows a saloon.  Is the convertible different.  The workshop manual doesn't say.

[rhodgie]

The convertible looks identical to the saloon and the strip is the same (similar) to the one on my 9-5 so sure that's where they'll fit, factory fitted strips have a small recess for each sensor but aftermarket kits will sit a bit proud instead of flush.

[sgould]

My brother-in-law bought a kit from Aldi for around £20.  He drilled the bumper of his Zafira and they were fine for the four years he had the car.

[sgould]

I've found the parts list diagram for the convertible rear bumper.

There are two decor strips listed (Item 15)   

12788003 for the one with holes.
12788004 for the plain one you have.

So it is detachable.

[rhodgie]

Fitted the after market sensors and was easy enough, the rear bumper strip even has an 'x' marked on the inside to show you where to drill the holes.  Biggest nuisance was finding a reversing light wire as they are in the bootlid where as if they were on the rear wing it would be easier. Overall I'm very happy and would recommend them to anyone.

[Max Headroom]

Well done! Was that an expensive excerise?

[rhodgie]

Sensors were £34 + pennies in total, 24 for sensors plus Vat plus deliver.... cheaper ones available but these had been mentioned as being good and so far they are. Came from company called Steel Mate. Easy enough to fit and with the hopeless rear view available in a convertible id say they should be standard..... 

[Max Headroom]

with the hopeless rear view available in a convertible id say they should be standard.....

Heheh - I have driven worse! Perhaps it's just that I have got used to it now but I think the rear view isn't all that bad at all