VW PDC sensors work on X5 (don't try this at home)

Powercat · Post by **Powercat** » Fri Mar 11, 2011 5:38 pm

One of my sensors was completely smashed, so looking around for a replacement I noticed that they were quite expensive, but then I remembered I had some sensors from a ford galaxy, they use VW parts and comparing them with the ones on the X5

look almost identical, the connecting plug is different but both these sensors have numbers for the three wires on the plugs 1 2 3 so I spliced in the wires 1to1 2to2 etc and hey presto it works

clearly this is not for everyone, and I'm not suggesting that anyone should try it especially if you have a warranty

or are of a paranoid disposition ( maybe next week my car will blow up)

Sanj · Post by **Sanj** » Fri Mar 11, 2011 10:17 pm

Bloody good find! Just need to remember that!

Which sensor on the X did you replace? Notice these are not completely circular in design...

Powercat · Post by **Powercat** » Sat Mar 12, 2011 3:32 pm

The sensor exactly fits into the holder of the X5, the VW sensor I used was the L shape, I had a little difficulty fitting it to the front dumper, as they normally are a straight sensors in the front,
I have a strong feeling that these sensors are from the same manufacturer

the only difference is the plug and the angle, straight or L-shaped.
If someone has time to do the research I think they will find this to be true.

I remember a long time ago being told a story about batteries, if you go to your local car spares shop and ask for a battery for a Rolls-Royce and then later asked for a battery for a transit van you will probably end up the same battery but definitely not for the same price.
I have found this to be a fact on other models, and these days I often avoid giving a registration number when ordering a part, and my local parts place is very friendly and often will look for the cheapest part available for me regardless of car manufacturer

ITBarbie · Post by **ITBarbie** » Sat Mar 12, 2011 6:49 pm

That's very interesting. I remember when I sold my 17'inch wheels from my SE X5 and they were purchased by a VW owner. Excuse my ignorance if our wheels fit lots of different models but it's just another VW link.

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Waka · Post by **Waka** » Sun Mar 13, 2011 10:39 pm

X5 sensors are only straight in the centre 2 positions (front and read rear).
The corner ones are the 'L shaped ones as shown above.

bigshout · Post by **bigshout** » Sun Mar 13, 2011 10:49 pm

all the rears are straight. TBH if you don't have a spare VW one them I would suggest searching ebay for a BMW item, new ones come up for Â£35, VW one are nromally around Â£30 so for Â£5 is it worth taking a risk?

x555 · Post by **x555** » Mon Mar 14, 2011 7:38 am

Bigshout is correct all the sensors are straight apart from the two front corners

and that vw one doesn't look like it would fit anyway certainly not on the front centre bumper as the outer clip is moulded into the bumper itself.
Thanks for the info though Powercat

and kudos to you if it works mate i'm all for easier/cheaper ways to keep the repair bills down

Powercat · Post by **Powercat** » Mon Mar 14, 2011 3:50 pm

Okay let's try and clear things up with some pictures of the senses on my X,
the first picture shows the passenger side corner this is an original straight sensor

The second picture (passenger side) is a close-up showing the original straight sensor in its holder,I believe the most sensors from other cars will fit in as the circular diameter is the same though the slots that guide the sensor may need adjustment (I used a Stanley knife)

The third picture is showing the sensor on the drivers side that I fitted from the Ford Galaxy which is L-shaped, it was a little short compared to the straight one(original) that I had already moved to the centre to replace the smashed one in the mangled bumper

shadrack · Post by **shadrack** » Mon Nov 07, 2011 5:10 pm

hi was reading this thread, anyone know if all 3 wires are used cos i baught a set today new with everything, because the sensors fit 100% perfect into the x5 holes and i was planning to splice the wires so they worked on the bmw system, BUT the new ones only have 2 wires? if there no good i will sell them to someone who only has rear sensors on their x5 and wants a complete retro fit system that looks oem for Â£50

X5Sport · Post by **X5Sport** » Mon Nov 07, 2011 10:03 pm

If three wires are installed then it's likely that all three are used. I think it might mean that the system uses digital signalling with the signals (in the form of a pulse train, or a digital data byte) also generated in the detector head - which is why they're so expensive!

No idea which is which, but the most likely wiring will be a pin carrying each of:

Supply (12v or whatever the sensor uses - some are 8.5v)
Ground
Comms - to and from the control unit.

A two wire system probably just has an analogue detector where a factor changes as the sensor gets closer to a 'target'. No clever digital signal here, so cheaper. The decoder simply notes the value change.

This is only a slightly educated guess. Finding out the 'real' reason may be harder. I did have a squint on line to see if I could find eho makes the BMW ones (Valeo, Bosch etc), but no luck yet.

Powercat · Post by **Powercat** » Mon Nov 07, 2011 11:15 pm

Nice one X5sport on understanding the technology

All I can say is that the sensors that I use came from a car of similar age and were second-hand,
all three wires on both sensors had numbers on the sensor for each wire(Even though all the wires with different colours) I matched the numbers up and splice wires together,I might have said it better in my first post.
I don't think you should try one with Two wires but it's good to hear someone else is trying

x555 · Post by **x555** » Tue Nov 08, 2011 8:04 am

So my asumption above was right then they dont fit without cutting away the original holder.......but hey ho if it works for you well done

Is that foed galaxy one in the third pic actually cliped in ? i ask as it looks like it may come loose going over bumps etc.
Please don't think i am knocking your efforts just want to make it clear for others that modification is needed before they go out and order ford parts that may not fit

As said before if it works for you then kudos and thanks for sharing

pvr · Post by **pvr** » Tue Nov 08, 2011 9:45 am

Would be interesting to know if the sticky tape still has kept it in place after 7 months or so.

Waka · Post by **Waka** » Tue Nov 08, 2011 11:00 am

Are the range rover ones identical to the X5 ones (and cheaper!)?

Powercat · Post by **Powercat** » Tue Nov 08, 2011 1:26 pm

[quote=""x555""]So my asumption above was right then they dont fit without cutting away the original holder.......but hey ho if it works for you well done

Is that foed galaxy one in the third pic actually cliped in ? i ask as it looks like it may come loose going over bumps etc.
Please don't think i am knocking your efforts just want to make it clear for others that modification is needed before they go out and order ford parts that may not fit

As said before if it works for you then kudos and thanks for sharing

[/quote]

They fit into the holder ok, but the clips that lock the sensor in place need to be adjusted (cut with a knife)

They seem to be reasonably held by friction alone but to make sure I added some Gaffer tape

Please make sure you use Gaffer tape and not some other types of sticky tape as this may affect your warranty

I find that Gaffer tape can last many years and yes all my senses are still working fine

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