Reverse Camera Options W/O Nav

[bullsbmwx5]

Folks

I would like to get a Reverse Camera and i dont have Navigation.

What is the best Option, local auto audio suggests using the Rear View Mirror( Replace or Tag the new one onto the Mirror)

Samsclub is selling a monstrous 7 in Back-up Camera System which is wireless.

Sam's Club - Safety View 7 in Back-up Camera System

But i dont want a 7" monitor on the dash or on the visor..

There are many talented Mods here, Any suggestions that are clean with minimal clutter would be much appreciated

Thanks

[killcrap]

easy, retrofit NAVI, and install the video module then add your own camera.

[bullsbmwx5]

Retrofit KIT is very expensive( close to 3k) and i dont want to spend that much.

Any other options?

[ika]

install Sun Visor with Monitor like :
New 10.2'' TFT/ LCD Sun Visor Monitor Free Shipping! - eBay (item 200357174182 end time Jul-01-09 21:21:34 PDT)
and connect camera. cheapest way.

[carlgo]

I went through this. I am not happy that I had to, but this is what I did:

First, I got a Boyo VTC46lIR that mounts on the rear view mirror. A good idea, but on the X the overhead consol gets into the way. The Boyo is just too thick.

I returned it and got the Audiovox ACA450. This unit uses a conventional monitor that you can mount anywhere (depending on legalities and if you are willing to damage the dash). The video was terrible, unwatchable, and I had to return it.

Both of these systems use a wireless transmitter like a baby cam (or pervert cam). To be fair, the 450 was a refurb. Maybe it was defective.

Now I have an Audiovox CAMSBAR. It uses a cable that carries both power and the video. I ran the cable under the headliner and out through the overhead consol. The tiny monitor is mounted on that little snap-in microphone panel. This is fairly neat and it is nice to have the monitor up by the rear view mirror.

It also features a proximity beeper that is helps when you get used to it.

This is a $250 (at Crutchfield) solution for what BMW should have made standard. It works ok, not as nice as OEM units with bigger screens, better cameras, lines showing the path of the car and trailer hook-up guidance and such.

It does make me feel better, though. There are just too many local newspaper articles about people backing up over kids. And it helps in parallel parking because you can actually see out the back...

I will post photos if anyone is interested.

[gianvito16]

i have navi what would be the best way to hook up a back up camera to my navi screen, thanks

[MMAADD357]

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.

[bullsbmwx5]

Originally Posted by carlgo

I went through this. I am not happy that I had to, but this is what I did:

First, I got a Boyo VTC46lIR that mounts on the rear view mirror. A good idea, but on the X the overhead consol gets into the way. The Boyo is just too thick.

I returned it and got the Audiovox ACA450. This unit uses a conventional monitor that you can mount anywhere (depending on legalities and if you are willing to damage the dash). The video was terrible, unwatchable, and I had to return it.

Both of these systems use a wireless transmitter like a baby cam (or pervert cam). To be fair, the 450 was a refurb. Maybe it was defective.

Now I have an Audiovox CAMSBAR. It uses a cable that carries both power and the video. I ran the cable under the headliner and out through the overhead consol. The tiny monitor is mounted on that little snap-in microphone panel. This is fairly neat and it is nice to have the monitor up by the rear view mirror.

It also features a proximity beeper that is helps when you get used to it.

This is a $250 (at Crutchfield) solution for what BMW should have made standard. It works ok, not as nice as OEM units with bigger screens, better cameras, lines showing the path of the car and trailer hook-up guidance and such.

It does make me feel better, though. There are just too many local newspaper articles about people backing up over kids. And it helps in parallel parking because you can actually see out the back...

I will post photos if anyone is interested.

Thanks for your post. It was very helpful. could you please post the pictures

[bullsbmwx5]

Originally Posted by MMAADD357

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

I tried to find such a GPS but not muck luck. Either they were expensive or those that suck.

Regarding CAMSBAR, can it be mounted on the Rearview mirror but the product specification doesnt mention that.

[bullsbmwx5]

Originally Posted by ika

install Sun Visor with Monitor like :
New 10.2'' TFT/ LCD Sun Visor Monitor Free Shipping! - eBay (item 200357174182 end time Jul-01-09 21:21:34 PDT)
and connect camera. cheapest way.

I doubt if the color can match with the existing setup