Bimmertech / Front Cameras

[Alvinized52]

Hey all. I just installed a front lip that I want to protect from damage. I hate those damn parking blocks... I always either underestimate or overestimate my distance... Often resulting to me shaking my head, cussing, or worse!

So Ive been combing through the forum to see how folks have been dealing with this. I came across this thread about front cameras from bimmertech. I tried to reach out to them several times. No response so far. Looks like a good product but im a little hesitant about a product that does not have good customer response/service. Any one here have any experience with this product? Or have other alternatives? Who did the install? Etc? Love to hear your reviews. Im sure im not alone.

I should mention i have the full driver assist package so I already have all the side/rear cams integrated with idrive except front cam (obviously). Looking for something to compliment existing stuff and not replace.

Here's the link for this bimmertech's front cam:
http://www.bimmer-tech.net/shop/bmw-...amera-retrofit

[stranger]

I would also be interested in this

[fernande-bmw]

Silly question, but isn't there a front sensor that beeps when you are getting close to anything in front of your car? Isn't that enough to warn you that you are too close to the curb?

Also, my simple tech solution for years is to only park in reverse. I don't have cameras in my model, but I do have the rear sensor. I always use it to gauge the distance.

In my next car, I will go for the cameras, but I will still park in reverse.

[s0ul]

I feel you man. They need to pry those road hazards off.

[stranger]

Originally Posted by fernande-bmw

Silly question, but isn't there a front sensor that beeps when you are getting close to anything in front of your car? Isn't that enough to warn you that you are too close to the curb?

Also, my simple tech solution for years is to only park in reverse. I don't have cameras in my model, but I do have the rear sensor. I always use it to gauge the distance.

In my next car, I will go for the cameras, but I will still park in reverse.

It doesn't detect curbs and if you have a front splitter by the time your too close it's too late

[fernande-bmw]

Originally Posted by stranger

It doesn't detect curbs and if you have a front splitter by the time your too close it's too late

Ah, the sensors can't see that low? Hmm, good to know. It seems silly that they would put cameras and sensors for the sides and rear, but not provide enough coverage for the front.

[Alvinized52]

Originally Posted by fernande-bmw

Ah, the sensors can't see that low? Hmm, good to know. It seems silly that they would put cameras and sensors for the sides and rear, but not provide enough coverage for the front.

Yep... the only reliable sensor i have right now is that cracking sound I hear when my lip/splitters hits the curb.

[RocketBoots]

Hmm. Odd that Bimmertech is not responsive. I'm always surprised at how super responsive they always answer. There is a forum member who is a Bimmertech dealer I believe, Nelson.

By the way if silversone always looked like that, I would have gotten it

[F83]

Originally Posted by Alvinized52

Hey all. I just installed a front lip that I want to protect from damage. I hate those damn parking blocks... I always either underestimate or overestimate my distance... Often resulting to me shaking my head, cussing, or worse!

So Ive been combing through the forum to see how folks have been dealing with this. I came across this thread about front cameras from bimmertech. I tried to reach out to them several times. No response so far. Looks like a good product but im a little hesitant about a product that does not have good customer response/service. Any one here have any experience with this product? Or have other alternatives? Who did the install? Etc? Love to hear your reviews. Im sure im not alone.

I should mention i have the full driver assist package so I already have all the side/rear cams integrated with idrive except front cam (obviously). Looking for something to compliment existing stuff and not replace.

Here's the link for this bimmertech's front cam:
http://www.bimmer-tech.net/shop/bmw-...amera-retrofit

Got rear camera? Back in. Started doing that - works like a charm. Backing in is less impactful also if you miscalculate.

[SROC3]

Originally Posted by F83

Got rear camera? Back in. Started doing that - works like a charm. Backing in is less impactful also if you miscalculate.

I back in all the time. It's been my habit ever since. BUT - there are times when you can't back in....like in mall parking with angled slots. When those have those darn parking bars on the ground it kills me that I have to estimate then get out to look then get back in to park. Annoying. A front camera solution would alleviate this.

[Fast4d]

I got the bimmertech front cam kit. I have not installed yet. it does not look like an easy job. mount cam in front snke wire into cabin to source selector box that goes next to center dash plate .
if someone would do a diy thread I would tackle this job. I still have to install my jb4. No time till christmas week.

[Alvinized52]

Originally Posted by RocketBoots

Hmm. Odd that Bimmertech is not responsive. I'm always surprised at how super responsive they always answer. There is a forum member who is a Bimmertech dealer I believe, Nelson.

By the way if silversone always looked like that, I would have gotten it

I tried to PM someone on the thread where i found bimmertech. No respond. Who is Nelson?

I love my silverstone... I wrapped it with satin clear bra.

[Alvinized52]

Originally Posted by Fast4d

I got the bimmertech front cam kit. I have not installed yet. it does not look like an easy job. mount cam in front snke wire into cabin to source selector box that goes next to center dash plate .
if someone would do a diy thread I would tackle this job. I still have to install my jb4. No time till christmas week.

I saw a diy on youtube but im not equipt or comfortable with tackling it myself:

[Alvinized52]

Originally Posted by SROC3

I back in all the time. It's been my habit ever since. BUT - there are times when you can't back in....like in mall parking with angled slots. When those have those darn parking bars on the ground it kills me that I have to estimate then get out to look then get back in to park. Annoying. A front camera solution would alleviate this.

+1. I cracked one of my splitters before i got my lip because of angled spaces...
So hard to calculate those.

[Alvinized52]

Originally Posted by RocketBoots

Hmm. Odd that Bimmertech is not responsive. I'm always surprised at how super responsive they always answer. There is a forum member who is a Bimmertech dealer I believe, Nelson.

By the way if silversone always looked like that, I would have gotten it

So do u have this installed?

[stranger]

Do you need the multimedia device for just the front camera?

[RocketBoots]

Originally Posted by Alvinized52

So do u have this installed?

No, I bought a rear view cam from them. And they even did the coding for me remotely. Maybe try the contact info on their website?

Ahh, your car has a satin wrap. Hard to tell from the lighting in the pic. So it DOES always look like that. Looks amazing!

[Aud Dr]

I have purchased the Bimmertech front view camera and plan to have it professionally installed next week. My car is still at VPC but I'm hoping for a Wednesday delivery and mods installed at Supreme Power on Thursday.

If everything goes as planned, I'll update this thread with my thoughts of the camera at the end of next week.

[Alvinized52]

Originally Posted by RocketBoots

No, I bought a rear view cam from them. And they even did the coding for me remotely. Maybe try the contact info on their website?

Ahh, your car has a satin wrap. Hard to tell from the lighting in the pic. So it DOES always look like that. Looks amazing!

I contacted them through their site already... Sent them an email. No response. So i dont know whats up with that. I will reach out to them again.

Yes, i have Xpel Stealth wrap... It looks this awesome allatime! I get a lot of compliments and rubber neckers.

[Alvinized52]

Originally Posted by Aud Dr

I have purchased the Bimmertech front view camera and plan to have it professionally installed next week. My car is still at VPC but I'm hoping for a Wednesday delivery and mods installed at Supreme Power on Thursday.

If everything goes as planned, I'll update this thread with my thoughts of the camera at the end of next week.

Wait... Does Supreme know how to install those? How much does front cam install cost? Please keep me posted. Im in LA too.

Btw, what other mods are you getting done by Supreme?

[Aud Dr]

Originally Posted by Alvinized52

Wait... Does Supreme know how to install those? How much is install cost?

They seemed to be familiar with it. Quoted me $300. I don't want to do it myself and the car's going to be there anyway so it's worth it to me to have them do it properly.

[Aud Dr]

Originally Posted by Alvinized52

Btw, what other mods are you getting done by Supreme?

I'm getting Eibach springs and 15/12 spacers. They are also installing a Status Gruppe front lip (hence the need for the camera).