CX-9 GT Backup Camera - Dealer Install?

[LWin]

First time owner and poster here ... thank you in advance for any experience/wisdom/directions for further research you can share.

We just purchased a 2012 GT, but opted for the rearview backup camera to be installed post-purchase rather than the Bose/etc package. Except now the dealer is not sure it can be done. And they discovered a crack in the windshield.

1. Any one out there have the backup camera rear view mirror successfully installed? Dealer is concerned this will interfere with auto sensing wipers and is checking with Mazda ...

2. After driving the fully loaded loaner, we've realized we should've just gone with the upgraded package to get the backup camera on the upgraded audio ... Does anyone know if the dealer could install the Bose / backup camera package, or is that only factory installable?

3. Biggest holdup is waiting on the OEM windshield ... Anyone know if there's any downside to having this replaced on brand-new car?

Thanks again for any light you can shed - this is all pretty surreal after reading how content most folks are with their CX-9s!

 

[ceric]

Windshield will come eventually.
Since you have the GT, installing the backup camera should be possible.
However, it won't be cheap. I think someone here might have done it. Search the forum.
If you ask the dealer to do it, the cost will be more than $700 at least (up to $1000).
$300-400 part + a couple hours of labour.
If the salesman promised you this, this should be free to you. Or did he/she?

 

[LWin]

Windshield will come eventually.
Since you have the GT, installing the backup camera should be possible.
However, it won't be cheap. I think someone here might have done it. Search the forum.
If you ask the dealer to do it, the cost will be more than $700 at least (up to $1000).
$300-400 part + a couple hours of labour.
If the salesman promised you this, this should be free to you. Or did he/she?

Yes, was included in the purchase - the concern is trying to suss out options if they are unable to install the rear view window based display ... Will check the archives - many thanks.

 

[ceric]

Ask another dealer to see if adding a backup camera is possible.
You get a fair second opinion.

 

[LWin]

I'll give that another try. So far, seems to be like the perennial Bluetooth audio question: "Why, *yes* that system will stream audio!" (said while pointing to a type A ...)

If anyone out there has loyalty to a Northern VA dealer/service bay I'd sure love to hear about that, too ...

 

[LWin]

Just wanted to report back. As Ceric promised, the windshield did eventually come and was installed with no issue. Also turned out that any issues with the install of rear view window camera were misunderstandings on the service tech's fault - no issues there and it works beautifully so far - nice and clear. Interestingly, it has guidelines. Honestly not sure how they help (given the fisheye lens, the distance they represent can vary based on angles and conditions), but they're there. I _think_ it's slightly more intuitive to find the backup info in the mirror rather than looking at the console, but perhaps you get used to anything.

Overall - glad to have the feature, anticipating that while the Bose is not fabulous, I will end up wishing I'd gone with that upgrade package (which would've included the back up camera in the console).

 

[Pootie Tang]

If it's like my wife's 08, the backup camera in the console is useless over half the time as sun intrudes in and washes out the display and no way to angle it to alleviate the problem. Makes for dangerous conditions IMHO.

 

[LWin]

Sorry to hear that ... so far, haven't had that problem. Seems pretty clear - maybe they switched providers or changed the angle? Dunno ... works for me.

 

[HOLOHOLO]

Pootie, it mostly works fine for me out here- and it's just as bright as sunnyfornia. ;-)

As long as I keep my polarized glasses off, keep the brightness on high and KEEP THE MOONROOF SCREEN CLOSED, the screen on the 2012 is among the brightest I've seen.

Some car models, like the Venzas put a half sized, low quality LCD high in the dash, very near the windshield in direct sun. Those, I can tell you, are quite useless.

Maybe someone should sell aftermarket sunshades for these things.

 

[LWin]

HOLOHOLO, interesting note on polarized sunglasses - mine is even ok with my Maui Jims (that's as close as I get to you, tho I daydream often) ...

 

[Pootie Tang]

HOLOHOLO, I think the 2012 system is a VAST improvement over the 2008. I am glad it works well for you!