rear view camera

powers1 · #1 07-06-2005, 06:28 PM

When I purchased the TvOnNav in motion module,I also bought their AV Input Harness.I have found this harness very usefull as I have connected a Dvd player to it and it is working nicely(after follwing UcrewX5 article on the subject).In the Harness,I also have a cable to connect a Rear view camera and I would welcome any feedback from anyone who has done this!Should I install a oem camera or will any other camera work ?Does the camera also have Audio?......Thanks

I enclose some photos of Dvd player install in first aid kit box.

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cjett · #2 07-06-2005, 06:41 PM

Looks good. I am interested in installing a rear camera as well.
My research has identified 3 ways of doing this:
- Use the BMW camera, which mounts under the hatch lip, next to the license plate.
- Use a camera mounted in a hitch cap.
- Roundel mounting. I've heard of some who have mounted a camera in the roundel, but I have not yet seen documentation on how that was done. I do understand that it involves cutting the rear deck lid to make room for the camera body, but it's hidden by the roundel after installation.

From a camera perspective, there are a few things to look for. The wider the angle the better and the lux (how well it can see in the dark).

Anyone have any recommendations?

cjett

ncx · #3 07-06-2005, 07:49 PM

The roundel method is pretty stealth. Several have done that already. X5Monkey metions it in his article Here

If it can see low enough, this is the way I am going to do mine. I plan to spend a few extra bucks and get one that has a very low lux rating.

A pic of X5Monkey's roundel:

SILENTx5 · #4 07-06-2005, 08:43 PM

yea i like the roundel method myself.

King · #5 07-07-2005, 12:49 AM

I have the complete NAVTV setup with the rear view cam in the roundel. Installing the camera in the roundel is not difficult at all. Since the emblem is made of plastic, it is fairly easy to cut using a dremel tool. The camera comes with a small washer nut which screws over the emblem. Done! What took time was cutting into the metal behind the roundel. It depends of course on the depth of the camera and mine was just hitting it a touch so I had to cut a hole. The metal was SOLID and took time to cut with a dremel tool. I would use a hole cutting saw/drill if I was to do it again. Once I cut the hole, it was easy to run the wires under the plastic panels in the trunk liftgate. Wiring was a little tricky but not difficult if you know what you're doing. All you need is a relay that switches with the gear in reverse.

Works good but the camera from NAVTV is not the best out there, but it's not bad either. In sunny conditions, the pic is very bright but then again in low lighting it's very good. I haven't had a chance to compare it to others but I found the lexus cam to be very good. Let me know if you need any help.

Donegal TDI · #6 07-07-2005, 08:09 AM

Can you see the towbar area when reversing in to hook up a trailer?

ncx · #7 07-07-2005, 09:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Donegal TDI

Can you see the towbar area when reversing in to hook up a trailer?

That's my question too... how low or how close to the bumper can you see?

Rob_ · #8 07-07-2005, 09:18 AM

I have the factory camera on mine and the bumber is visible on the screen so you know when to stop.

ncx · #9 07-07-2005, 09:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rob_

I have the factory camera on mine and the bumber is visible on the screen so you know when to stop.

Rob,
Since you have the OEM cam, do you think it is noticable? If you were in the car behind you, would you easily notice the camera?

Rob_ · #10 07-07-2005, 09:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ncx

Rob,
Since you have the OEM cam, do you think it is noticable? If you were in the car behind you, would you easily notice the camera?

I dont find it to be too noticable. (its noticable because I know it there).Ill try to post some pics later today.

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