Adding a reversing camera to X3

[davidr]

Hi - I'm thinking of adding a reversing camera to my X3, mainly as a way of seeing my trailer and hitch-mounted bike carrier whilst driving. BMW don't offer a camera retrofit kit - presumably because the BMW camera cannot be mounted under the tailgate handle as in X5's.

There's plenty of info in these forums on how to wire a camera and how to bypass the tv in motion restriction. My question is where to mount the thing?

The BMW roundal is not an option on the X3 as it's angled upwards.

A bumper PDC hole/socket could be used but would be too low to see over a small trailer and routing cables through the body rear grommet holes is difficult when hitch cables use the same hole. Hitch cover also doesn't work for me as I have the tow bar installed.

Another option would be to drill through the tailgate light unit into the vacant fog light cavity (on the left hand side on my UK car) - this has been done before and has the advantage of ideal camera positioning but routing cables through tubing near hinge could be tricky. Getting to these bulb holders is also not easy - the X3 manual says take to dealer if bulb blows

Final thought would be to use a bumble-bee type camera (EAS have them) and to mount it inside the rear window, vewing through the glass. Same issue here though with routing RCA connector and cable through hinge harness tubes.

Anyone installated one yet - any thoughts on these X3 mounting options ?

[X5Jay]

I'm also thinking about one for my X5 and am considering the PDC idea, but I haven't thought about through the rear glass - interesting idea. I wonder if the camera will still work well through the tint...

[Meknico]

I've seen backup cameras installed in the license plate frame. Not cheap though! Post your results if you do go ahead with it.

Check out this one: https://id289.securedata.net/reverse...ex.php?cPath=9

or this one: http://www.visorview.com/backup_cameras.html

Good Luck!

[moymch]

This would be good to know info.