Reversing sensor DIY painting (warning-old thread)

irish bloke

Looking to replace a reversing sensor in a 06 black BMW 520d m-sport E60.

Going to buy one on flea-bay as there much cheaper than the main dealers.
The sensor is coming unpainted therefore I’m looking for advice on painting this myself.

• Do I need an undercoat on the sensor (if so what type and how many
layers)
• Where will I get the paint code for my car
• Where will I purchase this paint, spray can would be ideal for this job I
reckon
• How many coats of spray paint should be applied
• Will I need lacquer (if so what type and how many layers)

Many thanks

Viper_JB

I can't really answer most of your questions re painting the parking sensors, however I have a friend who recently replaced his - as it turned out his rear bumper was resprayed and the sensors had stopped working due to the thickness of the paint - so what ever you do with the new ones just make sure you don't put too much paint on them - as thin a layer as possible will get the best results. Might be someone in here who can shed more light on it though.

visual

You can buy reverse sensor's in many colours on eBay.

Its much easier to get a colour sensor thats a close match in colour doesn't need to be exact match to look ok.

If I remember correctly from a eBay seller advise it was just one light coat of spray paint. Too much paint will effect the sensor and stop it working.

Corbally

Have a look on micksgarage.ie, I got a set from them and they were cheap, cant remember how much but I've bought loads from micksgarage so if the price is ok its handy buying local if anything goes wrong.

Margaret O Donovan

Hi I am a new b

Just painted my reversing sensors. Never did anything like this before.
I am a woman of 59,i just masked them off got can of car spray paint and gave them a few light coats .They look and work fine .If I can do it anyone can.

lway

Margaret O Donovan wrote: »

Hi I am a new b

Just painted my reversing sensors. Never did anything like this before.
I am a woman of 59,i just masked them off got can of car spray paint and gave them a few light coats .They look and work fine .If I can do it anyone can.

Personally i'd recommend painting them off the car, get some cardboard, punch a few holes in it and 'fit' the sensors into it and spray away. Not sure how much to put on as i bought coloured ones, I know someone who did, will check with them later.

Noccy_Mondy

Margaret O Donovan wrote: »

Hi I am a new b

Just painted my reversing sensors. Never did anything like this before.
I am a woman of 59,i just masked them off got can of car spray paint and gave them a few light coats .They look and work fine .If I can do it anyone can.

Fair play to you! I know that my mam wouldn't even attempt to touch them!

Gumbo

OP, search on eBay for your colour code. I've bought loads over the years in my E39 and E60. Might be worth the extra few euros as it will come ready.

Noccy_Mondy

kceire wrote: »

OP, search on eBay for your colour code. I've bought loads over the years in my E39 and E60. Might be worth the extra few euros as it will come ready.

I hope the OP plucked up the courage to spray them by now! :pac:

tossy

Margaret O Donovan wrote: »

Hi I am a new b

Just painted my reversing sensors. Never did anything like this before.
I am a woman of 59,i just masked them off got can of car spray paint and gave them a few light coats .They look and work fine .If I can do it anyone can.

Probably the coolest thread resurrection in a while, that's class work.