High-line camera upgrade (part 1)
Like other Volkswagen vehicles, the e-Golf has a retractable camera mounted inside the rear logo. Whenever you put it in reverse, the logo collapses and the camera appears. Volkswagen offers two types of cameras: a low-line version (PR Code KA1) and a high-line version (PR Code KA2). From what I understood, you will only receive a high-line camera in combination with a towbar and trailer assist. This was never an option for the e-Golf.
Our primary car has a much better rear view camera, something I immediately noticed during the test drive of the e-Golf. According to this page, the low-line camera has a resolution of 640 x 492 pixels, roughly 0.3 Megapixels. The high-line camera has a resolution of 1312 x 1041 pixels, roughly 1.3 Megapixels. The e-Golf I have is equipped with a Discover Pro 9.2” (also known as MIB 2.5), which has a resolution of 1280 x 640 pixels, so it can definately show more pixels. In addition, the high-line camera also shows the driving trajectory lines.
I had two options to upgrade the camera. I could either replace the whole logo assembly, including the camera, or replace the camera in the existing assembly. The latter is much cheaper, and replacement cameras were easy to find.
Or so I thought. I already ordered a replacement camera, but it is actually
one that does not have a parameter set for the Golf 7, only for Passat B8.
However, this does not seem to matter much once calibrated. The camera I
ordered has part number 5Q0 980 556 B. The one that does have a parameter
set for the Golf 7 has part number 5Q0 980 568 B. I also bought a wiring
set, because the new camera requires a CAN bus connection.
The new camera will not fit directly in the existing assembly. The mounting holes for the camera are slightly different, and you need to drill holes in the mounting bracket, or replace it with a 3D printed alternative. There is one that I found here, created by ataylor.
I will see how this will work out, once I find the time to install the new wires.