Anyone interested in Back Up Camera system?

[Zoich]

any updates?

[us_matrix]

As you see the pictures. One was completely dark but picture quality no so good becasue was taken with my iphone, the others were from day time and watching DVD in motion (I have Nav 8" screen but you can set this up with non-Nav 6.5" screen with video and rear camera as well) I used different rear camera for my 08 X5 and it just make it completely looks like OEM. Since every X5 already came with the black plastic housing in the rear door.

The video unit came with 3 video inputs (DVD, PS3, Front camera, TV etc) 1 RGB for after market Nav and 1 dedicated input for rear camera when you shift to "R" will automatically display on the screen. All plug and play and no program required from dealer. Basically, this unit give you many features such as DVD, PS3, TV, output to two external monitors, front camera and dedicated rear camera. Control via iDrive and steering wheel * button.

The installation of the unit is pretty straight forward and I put it behind the compartment since I do not have the CD changer and there is a good spot for sitting the unit. The only part that requires more time and patience is running the rear camera cable from the unit all the way down to the rear hatch door.

If anyone is interested of the unit. I can get a group buy for $320 + shipping if there are 3+ more persons. This unit is made in Korea. Quality is much better than China or Taiwan make.

For camera, you can buy the one i am using from ebay for $79.
Note: I did not buy it from this guy and I paid way more than that before I found him but I assume it is same as what I got.

170º Car Rear View CMD Camera Special for BMW X5:eBay Motors (item 280419879382 end time Dec-05-09 18:35:10 PST)

Let me know if you need any help of how to install the unit and camera.

[mtech8]

us_matrix

Definitely interested in getting instant on camera with better resolution. But I'm not sure how it works. Can you help clarify? I have a lot of questions.

My 08 current has the crappy BMW camera. I'm assuming that it's already wired to the car's iDrive system (or is it wired to something else)?

Scenario 1 - Only installing the video unit (to be able to get instant on).
Would it be possible to simply install the video unit and use the exisiting crappy backup camera?Would it be as simple as unplugging where the exisiting camera line goes into the system. Plugging that into the video unit, then plugging another line from the video unit to the system (where previously the camera was plugged into)? I'm just concerned about the pulling the line from the unit to the camera. Sounds complicated.

[Zoich]

Originally Posted by us_matrix

As you see the pictures. One was completely dark but picture quality no so good becasue was taken with my iphone, the others were from day time and watching DVD in motion (I have Nav 8" screen but you can set this up with non-Nav 6.5" screen with video and rear camera as well) I used different rear camera for my 08 X5 and it just make it completely looks like OEM. Since every X5 already came with the black plastic housing in the rear door.

The video unit came with 3 video inputs (DVD, PS3, Front camera, TV etc) 1 RGB for after market Nav and 1 dedicated input for rear camera when you shift to "R" will automatically display on the screen. All plug and play and no program required from dealer. Basically, this unit give you many features such as DVD, PS3, TV, output to two external monitors, front camera and dedicated rear camera. Control via iDrive and steering wheel * button.

The installation of the unit is pretty straight forward and I put it behind the compartment since I do not have the CD changer and there is a good spot for sitting the unit. The only part that requires more time and patience is running the rear camera cable from the unit all the way down to the rear hatch door.

If anyone is interested of the unit. I can get a group buy for $320 + shipping if there are 3+ more persons. This unit is made in Korea. Quality is much better than China or Taiwan make.

For camera, you can buy the one i am using from ebay for $79.
Note: I did not buy it from this guy and I paid way more than that before I found him but I assume it is same as what I got.

170º Car Rear View CMD Camera Special for BMW X5:eBay Motors (item 280419879382 end time Dec-05-09 18:35:10 PST)

Let me know if you need any help of how to install the unit and camera.

Nice! Do you want us to PM you? I would like to see instructions on actual installs (securing the unit behind the glove compartment). Don't need it at the moment since no unit yet plus a baby is on its way....

[us_matrix]

For my 08 X5, I do not have factory rear camera and only has factory Nav.

For your situation, you are trying to replace your factory one to after market. First of all, the connector is different. After market rear camera is composite connector but factory rearr camera are not. And also, I am not sure if you will get any error message since you have to unplug/disable your factory rear camera first before you setup the after market one. All in all, i think it will work (get you instant on) but not sure about how idrive system will throw you in with any error if you unplug/disable the factory one.

Regarding your Scenario 1 - It may not work because the connector (composite) of the dedicated rear camera from video unit is different.

BTW, It is not necessary to cut any wire at all. The video unit connect between CCC and Display screen.

Originally Posted by mtech8

us_matrix

Definitely interested in getting instant on camera with better resolution. But I'm not sure how it works. Can you help clarify? I have a lot of questions.

My 08 current has the crappy BMW camera. I'm assuming that it's already wired to the car's iDrive system (or is it wired to something else)?

Scenario 1 - Only installing the video unit (to be able to get instant on).
Would it be possible to simply install the video unit and use the exisiting crappy backup camera?Would it be as simple as unplugging where the exisiting camera line goes into the system. Plugging that into the video unit, then plugging another line from the video unit to the system (where previously the camera was plugged into)? I'm just concerned about the pulling the line from the unit to the camera. Sounds complicated.

[us_matrix]

Yes, anyone interested please PM me. I will send you an instruction to take a look. I do not even have to secure the unit at all and just sit tight in that spot from behind of the compartment.

BTW, It does not necessary to cut any wire at all. Just plug and play.

Originally Posted by Zoich

Nice! Do you want us to PM you? I would like to see instructions on actual installs (securing the unit behind the glove compartment). Don't need it at the moment since no unit yet plus a baby is on its way....

[shashankmittal]

Originally Posted by us_matrix

Yes, anyone interested please PM me. I will send you an instruction to take a look. I do not even have to secure the unit at all and just sit tight in that spot from behind of the compartment.

BTW, It does not necessary to cut any wire at all. Just plug and play.

thanks for sending me the instructions. How did you run the video cable from the dash to the camera? Does this camera need 12V power?

[Dubs]

Nice, I am looking at this too but would like to get away with it for under $100.

Dubs

[us_matrix]

You need to run two cables provided from the video unit and two cables from the rear camera. For the video unit, One for 12v power (Red) and I tapped it to the front cigarette ligther for 12v power and other one for ground (Black). For rear camera power, I tapped it to the rear cigarette lighter for 12v power and the other one for video signal from video unit all the way to rear hatch door. The reason I tapped to cigarette ligther was that they do not draw any power when key is removed they only draw power when key ignition is on and this is what we wanted.


I run the rear camera cable (video signal) through door sills (passenger side) then rear side panel and go through black rubber duct tape to rear hatch panel. All nice and clean.

Originally Posted by shashankmittal

thanks for sending me the instructions. How did you run the video cable from the dash to the camera? Does this camera need 12V power?

[Zoich]

Hello us matrix!

can you clear your mailbox?! My PM is not going through becasue you've exceeded your mailbox storage...

Are you getting a lot of reponses for gruop buys?