Adding a rear view camera

wysocki · Post by **wysocki** » 14 Sep 2016, 11:18

Just got a used 2016 V60 Premier, but there's no rear view camera! Dealer wants $1295 US to install one. Wouldn't the car come with the wiring harness already in place for this and I'd just have to but the actual camera? I believe I'd have to also download and install some software but I'm not sure about this. I'd really like the camera, but that's a lot of $$$.

I want to have the camera integrated into the current display, not a phone display or on the mirror. Is there any cheaper way to buy the materials and maybe have an aftermarket shop do the installation, other than the dealer option?

ericy · Post by **ericy** » 16 Sep 2016, 16:37

In general, there is no guarantee that the car came with the wiring for the camera, but I suspect that if your car didn't have it, that the dealer wouldn't have even quoted you a price.

Did the dealer break it down in terms of price for parts/labor? Some dealers sell parts online, and the prices can sometimes be a bit better. If you need a software update to the IHU, you might have no choice but to visit a dealer for that.

Post by **kcodyjr** » 26 Sep 2016, 11:45

I'd really expect something like that to require a software download.

It can theoretically be done by an independent shop if they have a full VIDA subscription, or by a shade-tree using the 3-day license, but I've also heard that Volvo will refuse software to an indy if it's for the purpose of changing the car's configuration. That would make dealer your only choice.

You might be able to talk the dealer into letting you install the hardware and then bringing it to them for the software, but I highly doubt it. They're very protective of their racket. They'll say it's because they can't guarantee you installed the camera right, but the real reason is that they want to charge you exorbitantly for a half hour's work and a couple hundred bucks of hardware. We call them "stealerships" for good reason.

VonMuda · Post by **VonMuda** » 27 Sep 2016, 00:36

So, I just bought a 2012 S60 and had the rear view camera added at puchase. I thought about doing it myself, but since this was my first Volvo, and a CPO vehicle, I thought it best to let the dealership handle it.

I tried looking up the parts on my own and got a little scared at all the stuff I might need.

http://www.volvopartswebstore.com/showA ... ing=camera

Also, the installation was a little bit more intense that I was ready to take on:

http://accessories.volvocars.com/en-gb/ ... 972-1/2012

The last sticking point is that my camera is covered under the lifetime parts and labor warranty. any part of it breaks and I'm covered.

xjestersdeadx · Post by **xjestersdeadx** » 19 Oct 2016, 22:01

I just saw this post (actually first time to the forum) and I've found several aftermarket solutions to adding the backup camera that are a little less intensive in the installation.

https://navtv.com/products/NTV-KIT368/volvo-cam-12.html, This is the most expensive which you might as well go to the dealer if paying this much.

http://www.tadibrothers.com/products/vo ... era-systemI also found this one in California, which is about half the price. The sales line I called was pretty pushy, "so you want to order now?" sort of thing, but every review I could find (even negative ones) about the company did state they seem to honor their warranty.

There's also a really good install video on Youtube (for a XC60) that shows a guy in England installing a unit from a Netherlands company called VolvoTech. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wmskUS3uzm8 and the unit is also about $450 USD. https://www.volvotech.eu/s60/S60-MY-2014-2017/vbb8-lplc Only problem there is if you have to return it, you are sending back overseas.

If you search on alibaba, you can also find aftermarket units that look identical to the Volvotech unit for about $100 less, but of course you have the same problem of support.

so if you are comfortable with trying a "plug-in-play" type install, (watch the video, it doesn't look super difficult, but does have a lot of steps), then one of these aftermarket units might be for you. I'm sure there are many who only want genuine Volvo parts, but these might work since they come with adapters that don't require splitting wires.

I haven't been able to find any forum posts anywhere about any of these though, so if I attempt it I can update if anyone is interested.

wysocki · Post by **wysocki** » 24 Oct 2016, 16:07

Thanks for the great feedback. The video from the guy in England was amazing! He should be congratulated for his reckless sense of adventure as well as his documentary skills. Although none of the steps were very difficult, I can easily see where something would go wrong in that process. Considering that the cheaper Volvotech unit is now approaching $500 (and still doesn't include the front camera from the video), I'm still undecided, but leaning toward the dealer doing it.

Irritating that Volvo wants to empty my wallet - even my cheap Honda CRV comes with a camera standard equipment!