Rear view cam setups?

[_chris_]

Originally Posted by chas3

As long as you are in reverse, the video is stuck with the camera output. You can not switch it to other nav screen. Though the control buttons, like station tuning, still work. Not a deal breaker, but just for the record.

Same holds true to OEM reverse camera as well.

[m5james]

Maybe I missed something, but what would be the point of switching the video input to NAV while using reverse...are you planning to drive that long in reverse that you need NAV? I've also wondered why people would switch to the reverse view while driving forward...to see the road behind you while doing 60MPH?

[chas3]

Like I said, it is no deal breaker, more like a fact or trivia.
I didn't quite get your switch to reverse at 60mph question, even if that was possible on either manual or automatic.

[fullmetaljacket]

Guys, Finally had the time to take out the non-working camera and install the new one. Just sharing some things I've found out from the uninstall / re-install process:

My old busted camera due to water entering through these holes/spaces at the back:


My old busted camera showing condensation on the lens. Aha! That's why there was fog on the display!


So, what I did this time was use my glue gun and fire away! I sealed the whole back part by letting it swim in glue gun glue. I will still apply black silicone sealant to seal the space between the tailgate and the plate number light trim to prevent water from sitting / sipping on/in the space.

I will return the broken camera and ask for a replacement. They said it was water proof right?

[chas3]

I would keep it and use the LEDs to get a symmetric light on the license plate

[jdudjak]

Fullmetaljacket, the camera is supposed to be water proof because I have seen adds of the camera in a fish bowl full of water claiming the camera was water proof. I would definately ask for a replacement or a refund. I did not study the back of my camera for watertightness when I installed it. I hope the same thing does not happen to me.

So far the camera has worked well with no fogginess, but if it does happen, I know what to look for.

[chas3]

Originally Posted by jdudjak

I hope the same thing does not happen to me.

You said you filled everything with silicone, didn't you also cover that side of the camera case?
I filled in both the path going to the tailgate opening switch and the top of the camera where the wires go inside the case. Been through 2 or 3 high pressure washing sequences, cold nights/warm days when condensation may occur, since then and the camera is still clear.

[fullmetaljacket]

chas3 - thanks I'll do that


jdudjak - I hope mine is an isolated case.

I tried to dissect the old camera and found out why it died - it drowned!!! Look at the flooded camera inside. I couldn't save the LED lights chas3 Everything was flooded and also smelled like burnt electronics.



Well that's it for this one - to the garbage can!

[chas3]

Makes me wanna add fuses on both of my relays.
I hope the infiltration was caused by the wires side of the camera case (top side when you have the camera installed). I kinda sealed that one with some silicone. But if it was the bottom side (where the camera spot and leds are), there isn't much sealing you can do there.

[thecount123]

Hi fullmetal and chas3:

pls help.

1. i have an X5 ( E53) model, i check my ear view license light ( it says 0059164, C5W, PC HT) .

2. can i buy from this seller? will it fit my X5 ( E53 model).

BMW 3 5 X5 X6 Series E46 Car Rear View Camera: eBay Motors (item 150472998891 end time Nov-24-10 23:21:08 PST)

3. If yes, should i get type A or type B.

4. Or should i buy from other seller a rear view cam that would exactly fit into E53 without much modification, if yes, from which seller.

Thanks in advance