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Retrofit Park Assist to Your BMW F30: A Comprehensive DIY Guide

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Adding park assist to your BMW F30, even if it wasn’t originally equipped, is a rewarding and achievable project for the dedicated DIY enthusiast. This guide provides a detailed walkthrough for retrofitting the Parking Assist system to a 2013 F30 sedan. While factory installation can be costly, retrofitting can be done for a comparable price, around $500-$550, if you source parts strategically from online auction sites. This project brings modern parking convenience to your older BMW, enhancing its functionality and your driving experience.

DISCLAIMER: Automotive DIY projects carry inherent risks. Proceed at your own discretion. The author and website are not liable for any damages or injuries incurred during this retrofit. While Park Assist automates steering during parallel parking maneuvers, remember that you, the driver, remain responsible for braking, acceleration, and maintaining awareness of your vehicle’s surroundings and potential obstacles. Safety is paramount throughout this process.

Pre-Installation Requirements for Park Assist Retrofit

Before embarking on this retrofit, ensure your BMW F30 meets these prerequisites:

  • Front and Rear Park Distance Control (PDC) (Option 508): Essential for the Parking Assist system to function. Whether factory-installed or previously retrofitted, PDC is a must.
  • Rear View Camera (Option 3AG): The Rear View Camera is also a necessary component for the Park Assist system to operate correctly.
  • VO Coding Knowledge: This retrofit requires Vehicle Order (VO) coding. Familiarity with E-Sys software and an ENET cable is essential. Basic knowledge of Rheingold diagnostic software is also beneficial for troubleshooting.

Parts List for BMW F30 Park Assist Retrofit

(Note: Part numbers may vary depending on your specific vehicle configuration. The parts listed below are for a US-spec F30 sedan. Always verify part numbers using RealOEM or ETK for your exact vehicle model to ensure compatibility. Wire colors may also differ from those shown in images due to part variations.)

Core Components:

  • DSC Pulse Generator, Front (Qty. 2): Part # 34526791224 (Not required if your vehicle has ACC with Stop and Go (Option 5DF) or is an M3 model).
  • PMA (Park Assist Module) Control Unit: Part # 66336851822 / 66336857208 / 66336860827 / 66336864898 (Multiple interchangeable part numbers are available).
  • Ultrasonic Park Assist Sensors (Qty. 2): These sensors are specifically for Park Assist and differ from standard PDC sensors. Refer to RealOEM to find the correct part number based on your car’s paint code: http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/show…diagId=66_0287
  • Decoupling Rings (Qty. 2): Part # 66206923000
  • Brackets for Park Assist Sensors: Included in Part # 51117324343 (If you have already retrofitted Front PDC or have Surround View (Option 5DL), these brackets may not be necessary).

Sensor Wiring:

  • Connector, 3-Pin (Qty. 2): Part # 61136925599
  • Socket Contact with Grommet (Qty. 6): Part # 61130005199
  • BMW OEM Quick Connects (Qty. 6): Part # 61138364566

PMA Module Wiring:

  • Socket Contact (Qty. 20): Part # 61130005197 (Minimum 8 needed; 20 recommended if wire extensions are required).
  • Socket Housing, 18-Pin (Qty. 2): Part # 61138364666
  • Covering Cap (Qty. 2): Part # 61138364662

A visual guide to the components needed for a park assist retrofit on a BMW F30, including sensors, control module, and wiring components.

Tools Required for Park Assist Retrofit

Gather these tools to facilitate a smooth installation:

  • Dremel rotary tool
  • Car jack, jack stands, and lug nut wrench
  • Drill with 18mm step drill bit/drill bit and 7/32” drill bit
  • Socket set with 10mm and 8mm sockets
  • Torx (T) set (sizes ranging from T-20 to T-35/T-40)
  • Flathead screwdriver or plastic pry tool (for removing plastic rivets)
  • Small flathead screwdriver
  • Wire stripper
  • Wire connectors or solder (personal preference)
  • 18 gauge wire in at least 2 different colors (up to 4 colors or colored electrical tape for wire identification)
  • Standard black electrical tape
  • 4 different colors of electrical tape (for wire marking)
  • Masking tape
  • X-Acto blade or deburring tool
  • Automotive adhesive sealant (clear or black)
  • Rubbing alcohol or surface cleaner

Preparation Steps Before Installation

Complete these preparatory steps before starting the Park Assist retrofit:

  1. Battery Disconnection: Disconnect the negative terminal of your car battery. Ensure all doors and the trunk are unlocked and open beforehand.
  2. Front Bumper Removal: Remove the front bumper. Numerous online DIY guides detail this process.
  3. Interior Trim Removal (Passenger Side):
    • Remove the passenger side under-dash trim panel.
    • Remove all floor trim pieces along the passenger side of the vehicle.
    • Remove the passenger side rear seat bolster (pull outwards, then upwards).
    • Remove the passenger side trunk lining (requires removing 3 plastic rivets and a tie-down ring using a hex bit). The lining then slides out at an angle.
  4. PMA Sensor Wire Set Preparation: Create a wire set for the PMA sensors using two 18-gauge wires, approximately 25-30 feet long, to reach from the front bumper to the rear of the car. Use different colors for identification (e.g., blue and green as used in the original guide). The blue wire (driver’s side sensor) should be about 5-6 feet longer than the green wire. Wrap the wires together with electrical tape or your preferred method.
  5. K-CAN Wire Set Preparation: Create a K-CAN wire set using four socket contacts (61130005197). Connect two contacts together using a wire connector or solder, and repeat. You’ll have two wires, each with a connector at both ends, about 1.5-2 feet long. Mark each end of the wires with different colored electrical tape (e.g., yellow and white). Wrap the length in electrical tape to keep them together.
  6. PMA Module Connector Cap Modification: On the covering caps for the PMA module wiring, identify and remove the innermost tab on the black bar-like piece that secures the connectors. Use a Dremel to carefully remove this tab on both sides of both connector caps. This modification ensures the connector seats properly inside the PMA module. Test fit the connector to confirm proper tab removal.

Close-up view of the connector cap modification required for proper PMA module wiring, highlighting the tab that needs to be removed for correct fitment.

PMA Control Module Installation

This is a straightforward step, giving you a reference point for wire routing later:

  1. Place the PMA control module into its bracket. It should slide in easily.
  2. Position the module in its designated location, typically in the trunk area on the passenger side.

Diagram showing the typical mounting location of the Park Assist (PMA) module within the trunk of a BMW F30.

DSC Pulse Generator Replacement

This step is necessary for vehicles without factory-equipped Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go.

  1. Vehicle Lifting: Jack up the front of the car and remove both front wheels for better access.
  2. Generator Access: Locate the DSC generator behind the wheel hub, attached to the backside of the hub with a hex bolt (indicated as #1 in the diagram).
  3. Generator Removal: Remove the hex bolt and carefully pull out the old DSC generator (#2 in the diagram).
  4. Generator Installation: Insert the new generator and re-attach the hex bolt securely.
  5. Cable Routing: Follow the route of the old generator cable (indicated as #2 in the top diagram) with the new generator cable, securing it at the same attachment points.
  6. Connector Replacement: Open the plastic box housing the connector. Detach the old connector by pulling upwards, connect the new generator connector, and close the plastic box.
  7. Repeat and Reassemble: Repeat steps for the other side. Reinstall the wheels and lower the vehicle, tightening lug nuts to the correct torque specification.

Illustrative diagram showing the location of the DSC pulse generator on a BMW F30 and the steps involved in its replacement during the park assist retrofit process.

Installing the Front Park Assist Sensors

Drilling the bumper can be daunting, but with careful execution, it’s manageable.

  1. Bumper Marking: The inside of the front bumper is pre-marked for sensor locations, similar to PDC sensors. The top circle indicates the Park Assist sensor position.
  2. Drilling Preparation: Apply masking tape to the outside of the bumper over the drilling area.
  3. Starter Hole: Using a 7/32” drill bit, create a pilot hole at the center of the TOP circle marking from the inside of the bumper.
  4. Enlarging Hole: Using an 18mm step drill bit or drill bit, gradually enlarge the starter hole to 18mm, ensuring you stay within the circle’s boundaries.
  5. Finishing the Hole: Remove the masking tape. From the outside, use an X-Acto blade to gently remove any paint flakes around the drilled hole.

Image depicting the inner side of a BMW F30 front bumper, highlighting the pre-marked circle indicating the location for drilling the park assist sensor hole.

Visual guide showing the process of drilling the front bumper of a BMW F30 to accommodate the new park assist sensors, ensuring accurate hole placement.

  1. Bracket Preparation: Clean the area around the bracket location inside the bumper with rubbing alcohol to ensure good adhesive bonding.
  2. Sensor Test Fit: Test-fit a sensor with a decoupling ring in the newly drilled hole to confirm correct sizing and fit.
  3. Bracket Installation: Remove the adhesive backing from the bracket. Carefully align the bracket on the bumper, matching the drilled hole with the top hole on the bracket and aligning with the bumper markings. Press firmly for a few seconds to secure the adhesive.
  4. Sensor Installation: Place the sensor into the bracket to verify proper alignment.
  5. Repeat for Other Side: Repeat these steps for the sensor on the opposite side of the bumper.

Wiring the Front Park Assist Sensors

Front sensor wiring mainly connects to the existing Front PDC wiring harness, simplifying the process. Only two wires need to be routed to the rear PMA module.

  1. Connector Pin Insertion: Insert socket contacts with grommets into the 3-pin connectors. Ensure grommets are fully seated. Mark the wires on the connectors with colored electrical tape as follows (with the socket facing you):
    • Left wire (Power): Red tape
    • Center wire (Signal): Blue tape (left/driver’s side connector), Green tape (right/passenger’s side connector)
    • Right wire (Ground): Black tape
    • Distinct colors for signal wires are crucial for side identification when routing wires to the rear.

Wiring diagram illustrating the pin assignments and color-coding for connecting the park assist sensors to the wiring harness, ensuring correct polarity and signal transmission.

  1. PDC Harness Access: Peel back the tape on the PDC wiring harness near the driver’s side outer sensor (far left) and passenger’s side outer sensor (far right) to access power and ground wires.
  2. Power and Ground Connections: Use wire strippers and OEM quick connects to connect the following for both driver and passenger side connectors:
    • PMA Power Wire (Red-marked wire) to PDC Power Wire (Green/White).
    • PMA Ground Wire (Black-marked wire) to PDC Ground Wire (Brown/White).
    • Secure quick connects with electrical tape.
  3. Signal Wire Connections:
    • Connect the Left (Driver) PMA Signal Wire (Blue-marked wire) to the Blue wire from your prepared wire set using a wire connector or solder.
    • Connect the Right (Passenger) PMA Signal Wire (Green-marked wire) to the Green wire from your prepared wire set using a wire connector or solder.
    • Secure the wire set to the PDC wiring harness using electrical tape as you proceed towards the passenger side.

Image showing the connected wiring for the front park assist sensors, integrated with the existing Park Distance Control (PDC) wiring harness for power and signal transmission.

  1. Wire Routing: Route the harness wiring along the path shown in the Rheingold diagram, securing it with zip ties or electrical tape towards the firewall.

Diagram illustrating the recommended wiring path for routing the park assist sensor wires from the front bumper, along the vehicle’s side, and towards the firewall for interior access.

  1. Firewall Wire Entry Point: Locate the wiring grommet under the removed passenger side under-dash trim. Rheingold indicates two recommended points for wire routing.
  2. Creating Firewall Hole: From inside the vehicle, use a 7/32” drill bit to carefully puncture a hole in the wiring grommet at your chosen point.
  3. Wire Feed-Through: From the engine bay, push the prepared wire set through the newly created hole in the grommet into the vehicle interior.
  4. Interior Wire Routing: Pull excess wiring into the cabin and route it along the passenger side floor, following the factory wiring channels towards the REM module area in the trunk.
  5. Firewall Sealant Application (CRITICAL): IMPORTANT: After routing the wires, and ideally after final trim reassembly to prevent wire movement, critically seal the created opening in the firewall grommet using automotive adhesive sealant. Failure to properly seal this opening can lead to water ingress into the vehicle cabin, especially considering the F30 windshield drainage design.

Diagram showing the recommended locations for routing wires through the firewall grommet on a BMW F30 during the park assist retrofit, ensuring proper sealing and wire protection.

Preparing PMA Module Trunk Area Wiring

Wiring in the trunk area is relatively straightforward, mainly involving power, ground, and signal wire connections.

  1. Fuse Block Access: Remove the 10mm socket nut securing the rear fuse block. Locate the wire originating from Fuse #F146 on the underside.
  2. Power Wire Connection: Use an OEM quick connect to attach a length of 18-gauge wire (preferably red) to the Fuse #F146 wire. Route this wire to the PMA module area. Connect a socket contact (61130005197) to the red wire using a wire connector or solder. Mark the connector end with red electrical tape to identify it as the power wire.

Wiring diagram excerpt illustrating the fuse box location and Fuse #F146, which serves as the power source for the retrofitted park assist system in the BMW F30.

  1. Ground Wire Connection: Locate the main grounding point above and to the left of the PMA module location. Use an OEM quick connector to attach a length of 18-gauge wire (preferably black) to any of the grounding wires at this point. Route this wire to the PMA module area. Connect a socket contact (61130005197) to the black wire and mark it to identify it as the ground wire.
  2. PMA Sensor Signal Wire Connectors: Take the ends of the two-wire set (blue and green wires) routed from the front of the car. Connect a socket contact (61130005197) to each wire using a wire connector or solder. Mark the socket contacts with blue and green electrical tape to identify them as the PMA sensor signal wires.

Connecting the PMA Module Wiring

This step involves inserting socket contacts into the correct positions within the 18-pin socket housing connectors and relocating PDC wires from the REM to the PMA module.

Connector #1 – B41*1B: (Wiring Chart Below)

  • Pin 1 – Ground: Connect the wire routed from the grounding point.
  • Pin 2 – Front PDC Ground Wire: Move the Brown/White wire from REM Pin 36 to this slot.
  • Pin 3 – Front PDC Power Wire: Move the Green/White wire from REM Pin 48 to this slot.
  • Pin 4 – Power: Connect the wire routed from the rear fuse block.
  • Pin 10 – PMA Sensor Signal, Right: Connect the GREEN wire from the front of the car.
  • Pin 11 – PMA Sensor Signal, Left: Connect the BLUE wire from the front of the car.
  • Pin 12 – PDC Sensor Signal, Front Center Left: Move the Blue/Green wire from REM Pin 52 to this slot.
  • Pin 13 – PDC Sensor Signal, Front Center Right: Move the Blue/Black wire from REM Pin 40 to this slot.
  • Pin 14 – PDC Sensor Signal, Front Outer Right: Move the Blue/Brown wire from REM Pin 41 to this slot.
  • Pin 15 – PDC Sensor Signal, Front Outer Left: Move the Blue/Purple wire from REM Pin 53 to this slot.
  • After completing all connections, slide the covering cap onto the socket housing and insert it into the B41*1B socket on the PMA module. Wiring should exit the connector towards the rear of the vehicle.

Pin assignment diagram for connector B41*1B of the park assist (PMA) module, detailing the connections for power, ground, PDC sensor signals, and the newly added park assist sensor signals.

Connector #2 – B41*2B: (Wiring Chart Below)

  • Pin 2 – Rear PDC Power Wire: Move the Green/Black wire from REM Pin 49 to this slot.
  • Pin 5 – Rear PDC Ground Wire: Move the Brown/Black wire from REM Pin 37 to this slot.
  • Pin 11 – PMA K-Can Signal Wire: Connect one end of the WHITE-marked K-CAN wire set to this slot and the other end to REM Pin Slot 29.
  • Pin 12 – PMA K-Can Signal Wire: Connect one end of the YELLOW-marked K-CAN wire set to this slot and the other end to REM Pin Slot 44.
  • Pin 13 – PDC Sensor Signal, Rear Outer Right: Move the Yellow/Brown wire from REM Pin 39 to this slot.
  • Pin 14 – PDC Sensor Signal, Rear Center Right: Move the Yellow/Black wire from REM Pin 38 to this slot.
  • Pin 15 – PDC Sensor Signal, Rear Center Left: Move the Yellow/Green wire from REM Pin 51 to this slot.
  • Pin 16 – PDC Sensor Signal, Rear Outer Left: Move the Yellow/Purple wire from REM Pin 50 to this slot.
  • After completing all connections, slide the covering cap onto the socket housing and insert it into the B41*2B socket on the PMA module. Wiring should exit the connector towards the rear of the vehicle.

Pin assignment diagram for connector B41*2B of the park assist (PMA) module, outlining the connections for rear PDC sensor signals, K-CAN communication wires, power, and ground.

With all physical connections complete, proceed to the vehicle coding stage.

Vehicle Coding for Park Assist Activation

  1. Battery Reconnection: Reconnect the negative battery terminal to power the vehicle.
  2. E-Sys Connection: Connect your computer to the car using E-Sys and an ENET cable.
  3. FA Update: Add Option 5DP (Park Assist) to your vehicle’s FA (Vehicle Order). Consult E-Sys guides if you are unfamiliar with this process.
  4. I-Step Level Check: Determine your car’s current I-Step level. Navigate to Expert Mode -> VCM -> I-Steps and click “Read”. Note down the displayed I-Step level.

Screenshot illustrating where to locate and read the vehicle’s current I-Step level within the E-Sys software, essential for proper CAF file selection during coding.

  1. CAF File Creation for PMA: Go to Expert Mode -> Coding. Click “Read (ECU)”. The PMA module should now be listed. If it’s missing a CAF file, highlight PMA and click “Detect CAF for SWE”.
  2. CAF File Selection: A window will appear with CAF file options. Crucially, select the CAF file option that matches your car’s I-Step level. Click “OK” to create the CAF file for the PMA module.

Example screenshot of a CAF file selection window in E-Sys, emphasizing the importance of choosing the file that corresponds to the vehicle’s I-Step level for successful module coding.

  1. VO Coding: Activate the updated FA. Code the following modules by VO coding: DSC, REM, HU_CIC/NBT, TRSVC, ICM, and PMA. While optional to code all modules, it is recommended to code all to ensure no dependencies are missed.

Vehicle Reassembly

  1. Post-Coding Check: After coding, turn the car off and then back on. Verify that the Parking Assistant option appears when pressing the PDC button on the center console and that the “P” icon illuminates when activated.
  2. Reassemble Interior: If everything checks out and no errors are present, reassemble all interior trim panels, trunk lining, and the front bumper.
  3. Firewall Sealant Re-Check: Crucially, double-check that the sealant applied to the firewall wiring access point is properly cured and sealed.

Testing the Retrofitted Park Assist System

  1. Familiarization: Consult the on-screen Owner’s Manual in your BMW. Watch the video and read all information regarding the Park Assist system to understand its operation and limitations.
  2. Initial Testing (Open Areas): Find low-traffic areas with curbs to practice parallel parking using the system. Even without other cars, the system will often detect parking spots, allowing you to get accustomed to its turning radius and operation.
  3. Real-World Testing: Progress to testing in areas with parked cars. Exercise caution as there is a learning curve. Remember, you are ultimately responsible for safety during parking maneuvers.

Usage Notes and Observations

  • Spot Detection Sensitivity: The system can be selective about parking spots. It may detect open spots but might reject them if curb detection is imperfect, requiring you to restart the maneuver.
  • Spot Availability: In wide-open spaces without other vehicles, spot detection may be less frequent, possibly because the system assumes manual parking is easily achievable.
  • Spot Size Assessment: The system might identify smaller spots that seem challenging to fit into. Use your judgment and experience alongside the system’s guidance.

Congratulations! You have successfully retrofitted Park Assist to your BMW F30. Enjoy the added convenience and parking assistance this feature provides!

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