Front surround view camera cracked

[knf73]

Noticed a couple of weeks ago that lens on my front parking/surround camera is cracked. It happened during some unusually cold weather and there's no other damage at all to the front of the vehicle. I'd normally assume I'd been very unlucky with a stone chip, but I'm certain that it happened overnight as the camera always triggers when I pull into my (fairly tight) driveway entrance and it's very noticeable on the screen - I noticed it as I was leaving the drive in the morning. Possibly caused by some moisture having got into the lens assembly and freezing?

Now I'm pretty sure that Porsche are going to say it's a stone chip (and I can't really blame them, I've no hard evidence to the contrary!) which is going to get expensive to put right as they won't cover under warranty. The camera still works but the lens is badly cracked, and I suspect it will be a camera replacement.

Anyone else got any experience with this? I've read on other forums (for other Porsche models) that it isn't as simple as just a straight swap of the camera (needs alignment), but I can get the part to try if I can get the camera out easily without disassembling the entire front bumper (which I'm not going to do!).

Any suggestions appreciated.

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[cometguy]

can you post a photo of what the view looks like on the inside screen through the cracked lens?

 

[knf73]

Sure, here's a view on the screen and a picture of the lens. It's pretty well cracked, but I just can't see how it happened on my driveway overnight.

Just wondering if there's any way to change just the domed lens rather than the whole camera (that clearly still works) but I suspect it's all one unit.

 

[Midlifecrisis]

I am not an expert but it does look like there is a centre impact point with cracks spreading out laterally. I bet they want to do a 4 wheel alignment at £1600 as part of this

 

[knf73]

That's what I fear from reading other forums, though I'm not quite sure why it would be necessary for a straightforward camera replacement. If that's the case it'll run into 2k plus, and if it looks like a stone chip then I'd be better off trying claiming on insurance.

Was just hoping someone on here had some experience of this on a Taycan.

 

[Ranman]

That's what I fear from reading other forums, though I'm not quite sure why it would be necessary for a straightforward camera replacement. If that's the case it'll run into 2k plus, and if it looks like a stone chip then I'd be better off trying claiming on insurance.

Was just hoping someone on here had some experience of this on a Taycan.

I had the same problem. Rock chip to front camera cover, dealer wants $2200+. Did you find an alternate solution?

 

[knf73]

I'm afraid not, No, I've just ignored it for now!

 

[tonycolin]

this happened to me, my most cost effective option was claim it through my insurance as a collision. just had to pay deductablle

 

[knf73]

Yes, I think I might be doing the same.

 

[69Mach390]

Noticed mine yesterday is cracked.

It’s definitely not as bad as the OPs.

Looks like this is the part? https://porsche.oempartsonline.com/oem-parts/porsche-camera-95898054600

I wonder if it’s as easy as just plugging a new one in? Guessing there will be some programming/alignment though.

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