Although I have a GLS, I quite fancy the idea of fitting a rear blind as in the higher end models. Does anyone know if this is possible, and where (if at all) I could find a cheap unit? I assume the blind is incorporated into the rear parcel shelf, in which case it could get a bit expensive. I've fitted rear courtesy lights as the apertures are already present in the grab handles, just need to run some wiring to the front courtesy lamp now for supplying them.
Regards
Simon
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Svp,
I don't mean to sound insolent, but why go to all the bother (and expense) of fitting rear courtesy lamps and a rear blind etc. ? Unless you spend considerable time as a rear seat passenger these mods will be absolutely useless. (I'm presuming your the driver.)
My friends 3.0 Elite has a factory fitted rear blind and it's integrated into the rear parcel shelf. Bu**er all use unless you write a choice message* on it and raise it whenever youre doing 90 and a plonker's sitting 2 inches off your bumper.
I know you can get a "fit-all" electric rear blind from somewhere like Eurocarparts or GS&F for around £80-100, but it won't be as "neat" as the standard item.
* "This is an unmarked Police car and your nicked" or "Do you feel lucky, Punk?" would work wonders.
P.S When are you advertising for the Chauffeur? ;-)
Chad.R
Not all BMW owners are bad drivers - just the majority.
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Reasons are because I think it's too gloomy in the car at night with the single lamp, and extra lighting in the back look's nice. On the occassions when I do carry passengers in the rear or put stuff on the back seats, the lights would help in preventing damaging the backs of the seats and foot prints everywhere. As the holes were there and the cost of fitting them was relatively cheap, it seems a sensible "upgrade".
The rear blind is probably useless for myself, other than helping to keep the car cooler in the summer and adding privacy. If it were a cheap and simple job, I'd add one just as a talking point and for the fun of it, otherwise as you suggested it's probably not worth the effort.
In both cases it would be easier to swap the car for a higher spec model, but then where's the fun! I guess it's a sort of "personalising" the interior "on the cheap"...!
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Try one of the specialist Vauxhall breakers, such as Vauxhall Spares www.vauxhallspares.co.uk who are showing 2 Omega Elites or Dixons Vauxhall Spares www.dixonsvauxhallspares.co.uk. Failing that you could try Autovaux www.autovaux.co.uk for new parts.
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the lights would help in preventing damaging the backs of the seats and foot prints everywhere.
Telling potential passengers to be more careful where they put their feet also prevents damage!!
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svp,
Can I make a point that I hope you will take as being constructive?
It would seem from a few recent posts that you are trying to turn your model into an Elite (CD, blinds, interior lights, etc). I'm absolutely convinced that you would do better to sell it privately, then pop up to the auctions and buy an Elite for the same cash. Is this an option for you?
V
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I did consider the Elite when purchasing the car, but didn't find a nice one at the right price and also found the insurance on the 2.0 GLS was much lower for me, it's more economical and there's less to go wrong with it. I also don't like the plastic wood trim that they put in the higher end models and prefer straight air con than vauxhall's early climate control. I am very pleased with the car I have, and being an electronics person enjoy adding a few simple things to "personalise" the car and add a few benefits. I would be very interested to hear from the person who had his GLS upgraded with the rear lights as to what it cost, though on a new car I guess it would be cheaper. The advantage too I have in installing my own is that I can add courtesy fade delay and a few other neat features which don't come as standard. The hardest bit was routing the wiring to the main courtesy lamp, involving feeding it under the headlining in places but happy to say that I was successful. The extra lighting does make a big difference as I have a relay which triggers the two rear lights when the main courtesy lamp comes on.
As to the rear blind, a salvage place is a great idea and many thanks to the person who posted the links. I'm not too bothered at adding this, unless a cheap one comes along and its not too complex. I've got a few neat ideas on controlling it though, such as sun sensors to activate it for when the car is parked up!
Regards
Simon
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I love replies which start "I don't mean to sound xyz' because that's exactly what they end up doing.
We used to run a 'cooking' Omega GLS and with the usual black upholstery and the measely single interior lamp in the front.
We found it impossible to do up our children's baby seats and belts on winter evenings without a torch. So we got the extra interior lamps fitted in the blanks above the rear seats - money excellently spent. It's not something you consider when you buy the car.
The rear interior blind does keep the heat down in the car on sunny days. Don't mean to be rude, but why don't you ask Team Halfords why the are stupid enough to sell corrugated ones for the windscreen?
Simon
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The rear interior blind does keep the heat down in the car on sunny days. Don't mean to be rude, but why don't you ask Team Halfords why the are stupid enough to sell corrugated ones for the windscreen? Simon
Absolute neccessity here! There's nothing worse than a burnt bum and a steering wheel too hot to handle - not to mention the 60 degree heat inside the car!
However, I'm not a great fan of the blinds in the rear window - they hamper my forward vision - I can't see through you - and I'm convinced in some conditions they will hamper a driver's rearward vision.
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"I love replies which start "I don't mean to sound xyz' because that's exactly what they end up doing."
So you don't think my response was constructive? The chap's recently written to ask about upgrading CD players, interior lights and rear blind. You seem to be under the misapprehension that I think these accessories are unnecessary (hence your Halfords jibe), whereas I was suggesting a way for him to get them all free of charge.
I was making what I thought was a constructive suggestion, namely flog the lower spec car at private price and rebuy higher spec at Auction price. Hey presto, all three problems (and any others regarding lack of spec) solved. Not constructive?
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Yes Vin your response was constructive, and if I had the confidence to buy a better spec car at auction, plus afford the extra insurance, fuel and servicing costs I would probably do so. As it was also pointed out in the discussions, there are always a few features that you don't consider when buying a car and then realise afterwards it would be nice to have them. I'm sure in the future I will consider moving to an Elite model, when I can afford to. In the meanwhile I am pleased with my present car and even more so with a few mods. I think that the breakers and salvage places can be a goldmine for enhancing any car, especially if its a lower spec model. I done the same with my cavalier after owning it for a few years, it gives you the feeling of another car without the headaches.. well sort of!
Pity there's no salvage yards with omega's in my area (Wales, Cardiff) else I'd probably be hunting around them.. If anyone knows of one, let me know.
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Having blinds to keep the interior cool in warm weather is great and as Ian points out, in hot climates it's almost essential, so that you prevent contact burns with the seats and steering wheel etc. However this really only applies when the car is PARKED, in these circumstances the corrugated "paper" blinds are great and work well. You can plaster them all over the interior, back, front and sides and they will keep the internal temp down nicely.
When the car is on the move it's a different story - the corrugated blinds are useless for obvious reasons and you can only really use a rear window blind without compromising safety, even then IMO it obsures rear vision too much to be worthwhile.
If you want to keep the interior temp down on a hot day whilst on the move, why not use the AC? Thats what it's there for after all. You can then go and buy a "Halfords" blind to prop up in the window/s when you've stopped and pocket the best part of £100 that you've just saved on an electric one, as an extra bonus they're transferable too ;-)
Chad.R
Not all BMW owners are bad drivers - just the majority.
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Hi Simon,
I have an MV6 and have done exactly what you are suggesting. It isn't difficult. Yes, getting the parcel shelf out can be a bit of a pain - but quite "doable".
You won't need a new shelf. The vent (its a dummy) in your standard one simply pulls out and the sun blind sits in there.
The wiring is already in the car and you will find the connector hidden up inside the trim on the nearside of the boot - in front of and above the spare tyre. You will also need the switch for the dash as well. Thats it - no fuses.
The best way it to get one from a breakers. If you can "only" find a later Elite you might will also have to take the rear speaker covers - older Elites don't have the shelf speakers.
Getting the shelf out/in is tight and you will have to bend it more that you think safe. You will also have to remove the centre belt and all three head restraint mounting holes.
The Haynes manual will help.
Good luck ...............
Robert
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Sounds good! All I need to do now is to find a breakers in my area stripping an Omega with a rear blind! If anyone knows of any near them where I can get a blind (cheap!) let me know. Ive emailed the usual ones on the net but no replies.
Simon
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Expect to pay about £80 or so - inc shelf and switch.
Allow a warm afternoon to do the job - its not one to do when its cold and wet!
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Hmmmmmm, wouldn't it be a good idea to get your tyres sorted first?
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Yes of course, tyres are no.1 priority at the moment!
S.
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Just what you want!
autos.blue-sock.com/clients/3/item_breakers2.php?v...6
Good luck .....
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Apart from the interior fire bit :> Hope its an interior fire at the front of the car!
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LOL Crombster!
Sorry Robert, I realise you were being helpful
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