I have a 2008 XKR Portfolio edition and want to know if I can have a back up camera installed to work with the existing factor radio . And ideas?

 

There is A way, but it takes a whole lot of work on your 2008. 2010 and newer is MUCH easier, but alas...
The easiest way to do it so it's 'integrated' is to get either a Mr12Volt system and install that, or the "Tesla" style replacement screen.
There are several ways to have a separate screen, like an old phone or tablet with a bluetooth camera, but those are add-on things with stuff stuck wherever. Some are the Costco Special license plate frame ones with an included monitor.

 

@ceejay Wasn't one option to use a 2010+ TSD and use the instructions for 2010/11 retrofit?

 

Yes, that's the Whole Lotta Work that I spoke of. Course the Mr12Volt also needs some other work, but I can't remember what that was (since it doesn't affect my 2010). No idea what years take the Tesla thing, I assume it's all of them.

 

@dr.fixit , if you want to keep everything "existing factory", here's explicit instructions of how I did a back up camera in my 2009. It works/looks as if it is an OEM factory install.
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...ar-xkr-289756/
While doing the SDD configuration update for the Park Assist Camera, also enable AUX input so you can simultaneously install a Bluetooth module (LINK) for streaming music from your phone.

 

I have a 2008 XKR Portfolio convertible that has the Mr12volt system added. (I did it over a weekend)

Reading this reminded me that I want to add a backup camera. With Mr12V it has to be AHD 720 which isn’t as popular now with 1080 being standard but they are out there.

Did a bit of digging around this morning. Very viable.
A tad concerned most come with a 6 meter cable (18’).
Sounds like plenty, but with all the twists and turns required, may need an extension.

The camera is cheap. $20-30 these days. But Mr12V can run from $500-$1000. It requires SDD modifications and a flashed screen, which doubles the cost of the unit if you don’t have SDD on your own.
Worth it to me, but your money your choice.

Without Mr12V (or other like the various Tesla style head units), I think the best option would be what a few did here and get a WiFi camera that displays on your phone.

I will document my camera install, but it will be specific to those with Mr12V.

 

I’ll have to pick your brains when I eventually get around to installing a Mr12Volt, as it seems overly complicated for a 2008, and I haven’t got my head around it.

But there is a third way for rear view camera. For the past three years I’ve been using one of those rear view mirrors connected to a rear camera, with another built in for the front. It’s worked really well for me, hardwired to the car. In fact I prefer looking in the rear view than I would on the OEM screen. To the original poster, there are many out there, that I’m sure all do the same job equally well, but this is the one I’ve been very happy with, and it’s very easy to install, and doesn’t look out of place on the car once you fit it. It even has voice control:

https://a.co/d/098QMUpK

 

I posted a video series on YouTube of the install.
because I was being meticulous (and was quite sick), the install spanned 2 days.
Had I not been recording it, it would have taken at most 2.5-3hrs max.
Not complex at all. The extra cost of a newer screen being flashed to work with my ‘08 only applies to 07-08 (in the UK 06-07). And there is a guy in the UK who does the whole thing.

 

To each their own.
The parking aid sensors and mirrors work fine for me.

 

How many sensors are built into the OEM mirror which you would lose with an aftermarket though? I'm not sure, asking a question. I THINK the auto high beam sensor is in the OEM rear-view mirror. Not certain of others, tho wifey's Lexus has a few inside hers. Danged things cost over a grand.

 

I’ve always wanted that feature, but I don’t have it. Didn’t even know Jaguar offered it! But surely that wouldn’t work for auto high beam? The cars I know that have it, appear to drop high beam when they detect a car ahead. Very cool, especially as I live up very dark country roads with maniac drivers.


Yep! Just looked. The 2008s don’t have that option.

but the mirror I have wouldn’t affect its operation. The rear of the original mirror is still exposed. You just mount the new mirror over the old one. I was skeptical of doing that, because I felt it would make it look like one of those awful accessories (along with beaded seats! lol). However when installed, it isn’t noticeable at all. Win win!

 

There is a sensor on the front-facing body of the mirror, don't know what it actually is for though.



Forgive the crap photo, I'm using my backup phone and the regular camera on it doesn't work. Had to use the (ugh) selfie camera.

 

I’d imagine that this is exactly what this is for. I understand after reading up after your post that it was an option for 2010 and later. Again, the aftermarket mirror would still work around that, but if you have a 2010 and later, surely the chances are you have an OEM rear view camera anyway?

 

2012 and newer had the camera option, 2010-11 did not. Although, 2010-11 did have the software so it is easy to add one yourself with little trouble.
I did consider an aftermarket mirror replacement at one time for an older vehicle, just never carried that out.

 

windshield wipers and lights
WJ

 

Intermittent wiper sensor is the gooey stuff on the windshield where the mirror mounts. A white patch with two blue diamonds viewed from outside.
I'll accept the Light Sensor though.

 

Maybe I’m not remembering correctly, but I thought the rear view sensor that dimmed the image of headlights coming up behind you, also dimmed the side mirrors. So covering the mirror surface with another mirror would block that function and not dim the side mirrors.

 

That's 'electrochromatic' that you state. Jaguar does that at a certain light level I do believe, like when your lights turn on when on Auto.

 

Thanks, the term was eluding me at the time.