I am also having a debate with myself in this area as well. For the last 2 weeks I have been doing research. I have a 2005 X5 and I considered going with the OEM retro option and it was way too overpriced and it is my understanding that it is not a plug and play option so get ready for the dealer to make more $$$$ if you take that road.

I also considered getting a GPS unit with an A/V input but the options are very slim. Garmin makes a unit, Streetpilot 7200/7500, that has this feature but it is also pricy and the screen is 7 inches and there is no clean mounting option that I like and then you still have to purchase a camera and install it. There are a few aftermarket, foreign made camera/monitor ones that I saw on eBay but I question the support that I would get in the future for maps and software upgrades when it comes to GPS. I went into Sam’s club and took a look at the Safety View unit that they had and the wiring will be an issue if you want to hide them and the screen again is 7 inches.

So far, my best option seems to be the one that carlgo offered. The Audiovox CAMSBAR seems to be an easy install, will not take away from the aesthetics of my X5, has a 2.5 inch screen…which to some may seem too small but how often do you put the car in reverse and when you do, how long do you stay in reverse? I am leaning in this direction also because I can mount the monitor near the rear view mirror.

Carlgo, could you please share pics of your setup?

I already have a Magellan 4040 that I will be hardwiring and mounting on the left side of the dash so I will use that for my GPS needs.

Here are the links for some of the aforementioned products:

CAMSBAR via Crutchfield… (Amazon also has it new for $167 at the time of this posting)

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-zsIYwO2RH8c/p_220CAMSBAR/Audiovox-CAMSBAR.html

The Safety View unit from Sam’s Club

http://www.samsclub.com/shopping/navigate.do?dest=5&item=415008


The Garmin Street pilot 7200

https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=6389


Good luck… Hope this is helpful.