2011 BMW 550i GT xDrive Park Assist Camera Replacement Cost

The park assist camera installed as an OEM option or standard feature should last the lifetime of the vehicle. Camera lifespan can be shortened by allowing dirt or debris to build up around the unit.

A frequent complaint with a park assist camera is a cloudy image. A technician will check the camera to make sure the lens is not compromised with dirt or other debris. From there, diagnosis depends on the type of problem with the camera. A camera that does not turn on may have lost its power supply. A technician will reference an electrical diagram to locate and test the wiring to the camera. For instance, on some vehicles, the wires run under a seat in the car and get caught on the seat track. These issues are model-specific. A black screen when the vehicle is shifted into park can be caused by a misaligned camera. It can also be caused by a setting in the digital menu that has been switched "off." A technician will attempt to pinpoint whether the issue is simply a setting, or if the cause is a broken camera mount, a faulty camera, a software issue, or something else. Access to vehicle specific repair data, and even recall bulletins, will aid greatly in the diagnostic procedure.

The challenge with park assist camera replacement (as with many electronic elements in a vehicle) is less with the actual replacement procedure, and more with correct diagnosis of the system. If the park assist camera is found to be faulty and it needs to be replaced, a technician will simply disconnect the camera's electrical connection, remove the retainer(s), pull out the old camera, and install the new one. If the camera is an aftermarket camera (rather than factory-installed), programming may be necessary. On some vehicles it may be necessary to remove the rear bumper in order to replace the camera, making the repair more difficult and time consuming.

If there is a performance issue with the park assist camera, such as a cloudy image or a black screen, it is wise to first check to make sure that the camera lens is clear of dirt, snow, ice, or other debris that might block or obscure the image. If the display goes blank when the vehicle is shifted into reverse, check the user settings in the display menu to make sure that the park assist camera option is turned "on." If these simple fixes do not solve the problem, consider taking it to a repair professional for proper diagnosis and repair.

It is important to remember that the park assist camera is only a part of a more comprehensive safe driving and park assist system that also includes backup warning sensors, use of the rear and side view mirrors, and scans of the blind spots on each side of the vehicle. Before getting into drive, always perform a visual check all the way around a vehicle to make sure that there is nothing that can be run over when backing up. There is no substitute for safe driving habits. Additionally, the park assist camera field of view is different from one vehicle to the next. Some vehicles have a wide view that distorts images (especially those at a distance). Some have a narrower angle that misses objects to the sides. Take this into account when switching vehicles. The camera has a difficult time seeing things below the rear end of the vehicle or flat on the ground. Never become too dependent on any one safety method, including the use of a park assist camera.

Most park assist cameras can be replaced by someone with an intermediate level of DIY experience. However, park assist camera replacement is not the difficult part of the repair. Diagnosis is a challenge that may be better left to a professional.