Reverse Camera Options W/O Nav

[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