Audi A6 C7 Blind Spot Assist Retrofit Review

Enhancing Your Audi A6 C7 with Advanced Blind Spot Monitoring

Newer Audi models, like the A6 C8, come standard with 'Side Assist' or blind spot monitoring. However, owners of the previous generation, the Audi A6 C7, often miss out on this crucial safety feature. This review explores a method to retrofit advanced blind spot sensors and wide-angle mirrors onto your A6 C7 without damaging the bumper. By combining BSM wide-angle mirrors with S-RADAR sensors, this solution effectively tackles the blind spot issues inherent in older vehicles.

BSM Wide-Angle Mirrors: Expanding Your View

The standard mirrors on an older A6 can leave significant blind spots, especially during lane changes or turns. The BSM wide-angle mirrors used in this retrofit are not ordinary replacements. Featuring a distinct triangular marking, these mirrors are specifically designed for blind spot sensor integration. They utilize an 800R glass curvature to dramatically widen the field of vision, capturing areas that the original mirrors miss. The triangular area is pre-designed to accommodate the indicator lights for the blind spot system.

S-RADAR Sensors: Intelligent Detection

The core of this upgrade lies in the S-RADAR sensors. These sensors are discreetly installed inside the rear bumper, eliminating the need for any external drilling or modifications that could mar the vehicle's aesthetics. The system's intelligence is in its detection logic: it's programmed to ignore stationary objects like guardrails or parked cars, focusing solely on moving obstacles. This smart filtering minimizes false alerts, ensuring you're notified only of genuine potential hazards. Detection typically ranges from 5 to 7 meters, depending on specific vehicle parameters.

OBD2 Integration for Seamless Operation

A key advantage of the S-RADAR system is its integration method. Unlike many aftermarket solutions relying on GPS, this system connects to the vehicle's OBD2 port. This allows it to receive real-time speed data, enabling the sensors to activate automatically only when the vehicle is moving above a certain speed threshold. This mirrors the logic of factory-installed blind spot systems. Using OBD2 data offers superior reliability compared to GPS, which can be prone to errors in environments like underground parking garages.

Installation Process:

1. Carefully remove the original side mirrors without damaging the vehicle body or wiring.
2. Install the new BSM wide-angle mirrors, ensuring proper connection of wiring.
3. Precisely embed the S-RADAR sensors within the rear bumper, ensuring their detection angles are correctly calibrated.
4. Connect the system to the vehicle's OBD2 port for speed data integration.
5. Test the system thoroughly to confirm accurate detection and indicator functionality.

This installation, performed in Korea on an Audi A6 C7, demonstrates how older vehicles can be upgraded with modern safety features. The process prioritizes preserving the vehicle's original look while significantly enhancing its safety capabilities. The cost for this type of retrofit typically starts around $150 USD equivalent in Korean Won, plus installation fees.