Back-up / Rearview camera

[RXM4]

So I really wanted the back-up camera when I oredered my new M4. Would have gladly paid ala carte for the option. However, typical for BMW, it is only made available through the $4k executive package. And I really have no use for a heated steering wheel or retractable headlight washers! So I opted not to spend the $4k just to get the camera.

My question: has anyone found an aftermarket solution that provides a back-up camera that displays via the existing dash screen? Any idea on the warranty impact?

[phil.harlow]

We installed this in my girlfriend's F30:

http://www.bimmer-tech.net/shop/bmw-...amera-retrofit

Installation was a royal pain, only because they said it would get the reverse signal from the CAN bus, but of course, that doesn't work for manuals, and they had no idea until we informed them. This meant several attempts with my installer ($$). Once we wired up the reverse bulb to trigger a relay and ground a particular wire, the camera works fine.

Edit: After informing them of the issue, we actually asked them to clarify that issue on their website to help other people in the future.

[MFNATIK]

Yes, I added a rear backup camera on my 525iT and used a wireless setup.

They have kits now like this one:

http://www.amazon.com/AUTO-VOX-Insta...+backup+camera

[Padfan9]

Originally Posted by RXM4

So I really wanted the back-up camera when I oredered my new M4. Would have gladly paid ala carte for the option. However, typical for BMW, it is only made available through the $4k executive package. And I really have no use for a heated steering wheel or retractable headlight washers! So I opted not to spend the $4k just to get the camera.

My question: has anyone found an aftermarket solution that provides a back-up camera that displays via the existing dash screen? Any idea on the warranty impact?

I have the exact same issue! I wasn't going to pay 4K as I only wanted the back up camera! I want to find a way to get it so it shows up on my Nav. Please let me know if you figure anything out.

[RXM4]

Originally Posted by MFNATIK

Yes, I added a rear backup camera on my 525iT and used a wireless setup.

They have kits now like this one:

http://www.amazon.com/AUTO-VOX-Insta...+backup+camera

This is cool, thanks for sharing. Amazing how prices have come down for this stuff. I'm hoping to find a solution that utilizes the existing display so I don't have to add a second...

[RXM4]

Originally Posted by phil.harlow

We installed this in my girlfriend's F30:

http://www.bimmer-tech.net/shop/bmw-...amera-retrofit

Installation was a royal pain, only because they said it would get the reverse signal from the CAN bus, but of course, that doesn't work for manuals, and they had no idea until we informed them. This meant several attempts with my installer ($$). Once we wired up the reverse bulb to trigger a relay and ground a particular wire, the camera works fine.

THANK YOU! Looks like that's the ticket!

[mdrobc13]

Yes there is...I found an installer that can do it in my area. Also did my radar hard wire in my X5M at the same time. Am in SeaTac area also. Will cost a bit though but will use factory setup including I-drive and lines also. They did my 2010 BMW X5M that also came w/out a rear camera (CPO purchase) and it works flawlessly. LMK if anyone needs the contact/shop name.

[Patrys@BimmerTech]

Originally Posted by phil.harlow

We installed this in my girlfriend's F30:

http://www.bimmer-tech.net/shop/bmw-...amera-retrofit

Installation was a royal pain, only because they said it would get the reverse signal from the CAN bus, but of course, that doesn't work for manuals, and they had no idea until we informed them. This meant several attempts with my installer ($$). Once we wired up the reverse bulb to trigger a relay and ground a particular wire, the camera works fine.

That's true and I am sorry we did not check your car was manual. We assumed it was a DCT.

Just to be fair there is a note on the product page (it was there before too) that tapping in reverse light wiring is needed for manual cars.
Anyway I am glad to hear the camera works good!

If you have an M3/M4 with DCT then it's 100% plug and play.

[phil.harlow]

Originally Posted by Patrys@BimmerTech

Just to be fair there is a note on the product page (it was there before too)

Ok cmon now. You can see what the actual product description was, back when I purchased it, here by using the wayback machine:

http://web.archive.org/web/201312190...mera-retrofit?

You can see there's no mention of the manual transmission being different. The description even specifically states there is no wire cutting involved, again with no exception for manuals.

After all the extra expenses this caused me, it's pretty bold to come on here and lie and say it was originally in the ad. In fact, I still have the email exchange where you agreed to add that note, only after I expressly requested you to, just so others in the future could avoid this headache.

The camera works fine now and I'm over the ordeal, (after the hundreds in additional installation charges) but why would you go out of your way to call me out (and lie) when representing your business? Bizarre..

[m3z]

Hmmm I have a manual and I don't want to cut my wires. Does anyone have experience with the alekshop rearview?? http://alekshop.com/products/multime...0_f80_3_series

[phil.harlow]

Originally Posted by m3z

Hmmm I have a manual and I don't want to cut my wires. Does anyone have experience with the alekshop rearview?? http://alekshop.com/products/multime...0_f80_3_series

I looked into these back when I bought mine, and I'm 95% sure it's the exact same or functionally identical core unit.
Alekshop just has a different, non-oem camera module that replaces a light by your license plate, where as Bimmertech's adds the camera to your trunk handle like oem. I opted for Bimmertechs to not sacrifice a light, but the alekshop one does have a light in it as well and is cheaper.
As a side note, I find that with both Bimmertech's retrofit and even the factory installed camera in my F80, it's very dark at night, and they could really use a bit more light helping them out.

[Patrys@BimmerTech]

Originally Posted by phil.harlow

Ok cmon now. You can see what the actual product description was, back when I purchased it, here by using the wayback machine:

http://web.archive.org/web/201312190...mera-retrofit?

You can see there's no mention of the manual transmission being different. The description even specifically states there is no wire cutting involved, again with no exception for manuals.

After all the extra expenses this caused me, it's pretty bold to come on here and lie and say it was originally in the ad. In fact, I still have the email exchange where you agreed to add that note, only after I expressly requested you to, just so others in the future could avoid this headache.

The camera works fine now and I'm over the ordeal, (after the hundreds in additional installation charges) but why would you go out of your way to call me out (and lie) when representing your business? Bizarre..

The first thing I said in my previous message was "I am sorry" because regardless of what the website says or said we always check the car spec and confirm if the product will work fine or not. So I confirm it was our fault. No doubt about it.

This is the M forum and your car is a non-M BMW. This why I said the message was there. I did not realise you bought the camera over 6 months ago.
I just checked our email communication and you are right we added this information on our website after your car was retrofitted. I apologize.

Again, it's not about lying because I admitted in my previous message that it was our fault.

[Patrys@BimmerTech]

Originally Posted by m3z

Hmmm I have a manual and I don't want to cut my wires. Does anyone have experience with the alekshop rearview?? http://alekshop.com/products/multime...0_f80_3_series

If you have a manual BMW and you have the Navigation this is the only camera kit which will be 100% plug and play:
http://www.bimmer-tech.net/shop/bmw-...em-integration

[m3z]

Originally Posted by Patrys@BimmerTech

If you have a manual BMW and you have the Navigation this is the only camera kit which will be 100% plug and play:
http://www.bimmer-tech.net/shop/bmw-...em-integration

There will be no cutting required? I have a 2015 m3

[Patrys@BimmerTech]

Originally Posted by m3z

There will be no cutting required? I have a 2015 m3

Correct. Installation is 100% plug and play regardless of your transmission type, but you need to have the Navigation system.

http://www.bimmer-tech.net/shop/bmw-...em-integration

[Hobbination]

All F8X's come w Nav, one of the "freebies" bmw included. That and 68 M logos.....

[m3z]

Originally Posted by Patrys@BimmerTech

Correct. Installation is 100% plug and play regardless of your transmission type, but you need to have the Navigation system.

http://www.bimmer-tech.net/shop/bmw-...em-integration

thank you. ill be sending you a PM soon when im ready to purchase.

[2019msportx7]

Just ordered one, hoping installation isn't too bad. Patrys@BimmerTech a little feedback on your website, there was no option for an 2015 F80 M3, so I wasn't sure what dropdown to select. I would've made this purchase a lot sooner without the confusion. Looking forward to installing the camera!

[Jaymax85]

Is there a diy for this install on the dct m4s?

[DreamCarM3]

Originally Posted by Patrys@BimmerTech

Correct. Installation is 100% plug and play regardless of your transmission type, but you need to have the Navigation system.

http://www.bimmer-tech.net/shop/bmw-...em-integration

so...as a plug and play, once all the wires are connected, dose back-up camera screen comes on automatically when gear is in reverse? (just like factory back-up camera on navi screen) or do I need to go through some other settings, in order for it to works like OEM.

Im about to order one for my F80 6MT, but just can't find any DIY video for F3X or F8X...

[m3z]

Originally Posted by DreamCarM3

so...as a plug and play, once all the wires are connected, dose back-up camera screen comes on automatically when gear is in reverse? (just like factory back-up camera on navi screen) or do I need to go through some other settings, in order for it to works like OEM.

Im about to order one for my F80 6MT, but just can't find any DIY video for F3X or F8X...

+1 is there also a wire or some kind of tap that we can have a button to turn on the camera at anytime?

[IRNM4N]

We had one of BimmerTech's units installed on my wife's f34 and it is fantastic. I was in the box checking mood when I ordered my f82, so I got the backup, sides, etc...