2022 SE missing rear parking sensors

Here's a pic of what the sensors look like. We ordered the car in June 2021 as a date reference.

 

Thanks @insightman for all the details!

My 2022 SE did not come with rear sensors, even though the build sheet I approved included Rear Park Distance Control, so I would consider it false advertising by MINI. The dealer told me a retrofit is not possible so waiting to find out what type of compensation they will offer. Others in the same boat please keep us posted.

 

That actually makes a lot of sense. I was imagining a bumper-mounted camera for some reason, even though the backup camera is near the hatch handle.

 

Looks to me this might not be a good time to order the car. Even if the website correctly states what's really included with the ordered car, it seems the car might be missing features that was included before the parts shortage and the buyers would end up with less features which were available earlier.

 

You could take the strategy of ordering what you want, inspect it carefully when it arrives and before you sign any papers, cancel/reject it if it doesn't have the equipment you expect/want. Mini doesn't hold you hostage, at this stage dealers don't mind because they now have a vehicle for the showroom they can sell. Then just order another. Eventually you may get a fully equipped model. If you don't order you never will, and if you wait till fully equipped models start arriving (if ever) that just adds delay . Otherwise order an Iconic trim as those seem to be fully equipped sometimes less the premium HK radio, or add the $750 driver's assistant package as those seem to be being delivered with all the sensors.

 

Appreciate the reply. I've never owned a Mini. What do you check and how to check? Is there a customer delivery checklist someone has put together to make sure everything is built with the car and nothing is skipped? Thanks.

 

The rear parking sensor and premium HK radio seem to be the only missing parts now days, and those are easy to visually spot. You'd have to rely on the dealer I think, or that someone on the interweb discovering something missing and alerting us.... similar to the sensors.

 

Update: the dealer is now offering to install a 3rd party Rear Park Distance Control system made by Steelmate. It's a passive system, so I would have no control over the volume or any other settings. My concern is the effect on my MINI warranty and resale value. Would monetary compensation be preferable (how much?) and live without the 3rd party Park Distance Control on my car? I welcome everyone's thoughts/similar experiences!

 

I was wondering if they might do something like this. Here's one opinion: losing HK sound is kind of a bummer, especially if you were looking forward to it. Losing the rear parking sensors in a small car that already has an excellent backup camera: not a big deal. A third party system without a volume control could get annoying. If it were me, I would ask for cash ($300-500?), and then enjoy the car.

As for resale value, would a dealer or wholesaler like carmax even notice or care? My thought is no.

 

Yeah, parking sensors are useless to me, too many false alarms, too many narrow garages and garage doors. I don't auto park mine, so they are just an annoyance I live with. I imagine many here get good use out of them. So it depends on your driving style.

What would be useful, however, is a longer range radar based cross-path and blind spot detector, like just about any decently equipped car has now days.

 

I was clueless that the volume of the SE's Park Distance Control (PDC) could be adjusted, so I had to consult the Owners Manual to learn how that works. It turns out it's one of the settings that is stored with the separate driver profiles.

While I was consulting the Owners Manual, I discovered another MINI PDC feature (a feature I never noticed):
when an object is detected to the left rear of the vehicle, a signal tone sounds from the left rear speaker.

As much as I like having the front and rear PDC on my Iconic SE, I somehow got by without these features (and a back-up camera) for many decades. If I had to choose either the camera or the PDC to lose, I'd jettison the PDC without a second thought. I agree with @polyphonic that the omission shouldn't affect your SE's resale value.

What will affect your SE's resale value is you refusing to allow your hands to be pried off the steering wheel for the next 20 years. Scene from used car lot in 2041 (will there still be used car lots in 2041?): "Sir, please ignore the gouges on the grandfathered-legal leather steering wheel, they add to the character of this rare vehicle."

 

Is there a VIN decoder for Mini like the ones for BMW where one can type in the VIN and see if it left the factory with 507? Mine is a no option signature, and is on the assembly line, and I would like to discuss any potential issues with the dealer while the car is on the boat.

Here is a price for 507 as a standalone on a 2017 Clubman - $500.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/Autos/mini/cooper/2017/options/base/sd-AAhhruh

These are the standard features from the website for the base signature.
03 Protection
03.1
CONVENIENCE AND SAFETY
Protecting you and your vehicle, on the road and off.
8 airbags including side curtain and front knee airbags
Active Driving Assistant with Forward Collision Warning and Lane Departure Warning
LED headlights with bad weather lights and LED Union Jack taillights
Rear view camera
Teleservices and Emergency Call
ISOFIX (LATCH) Child Seat Restraint System
Tire-Pressure Monitoring System
Automatic modes for headlights and rain-sensing windshield wipers
Heated exterior mirrors and washer jets

And this is from the website too:
SIGNATURE TRIM FEATURES

• Heated front seats and steering wheel
• Touchscreen Navigation System
• Carbon Black Leatherette upholstery

View Less

• Media System with 8.8" Display
• LED headlights with cornering lights
• Rearview Camera and Park Distance Control
• Comfort Access keyless entry

 

This one seems to work for my SE's VIN: https://www.mdecoder.com

 

All this time and I never realized my SE had a manual transmission!

 

Thanks. Didnt realize the same one I use for my BMWs works for Mini.

Mine doesnt have 507, but one made the day before does. I'm looking forward to someone posting an answer from BMWUSA before I am supposed to pick up my car.

 

You manually select forward, reverse, or neutral. The transmission does not change between those "gears" for you. How is that not a manual transmission?

 

BTW, 5DP Park Assist will also give you front and rear sensors. If your car has 5DP, it would not also list 507.

 

Well, it never actually changes gear. Even in reverse, the motor just spins backward.

 

My "Order" from 8/8 has remains in "Order Accepted" status and has not been scheduled yet. I wonder if the Driver Assist option is holding it up due to issues with supplying the parking sensors?

Rob

 

I just checked the status of my car. I also spoke with someone from BMW iconcierge. I gave him my build and another build my store has. Both are signatures with the same bottom line MSRP. The other one has 507. He researched it, and told me what we already know. Supply shortage, some were made without the option. I mentioned the HK credit. It is out of his arena, he suggested I talk to my salesperson. I will.

I suggest those who already have their cars that don't have 507 should elevate their concern to the regional rep. It was a $500 stand alone option a few years ago. If the regional rep cant do anything, maybe one of the federal or state regulatory agencies can.