Rear view cam setups?

[740ilDuke]

Originally Posted by kevinflynn

I didn't have Nav in my 2002 X5 but put it in. Took a few weekends and very light cutting of dash.
http://www.xoutpost.com/739903-post55.html

Nice! That's the route I'm going to go. Installing factory nav at this point is costly and lacks the technology the new head units have, for sure! Nice work! You went all out with the headrests and all I see! Doing the backup cam is so much easier with a new unit, all of them have leads on them ready to go.

How good does the BlueTooth work for hands free calls? The factory BT unit in my E38 works well most of the time.

[kevinflynn]

Originally Posted by 740ilDuke

How good does the BlueTooth work for hands free calls? The factory BT unit in my E38 works well most of the time.

I only turn on Bluetooth on as needed bases(from blackberry). I have not had an issue yet. Microphone placement will be key since you don't use OEM microphone.

[aimtimes100]

saw this on ebay.is this the camera actually designed to fit for the E53 X5?

[TerminatorX5]

i had a reverse camera since 2007, non factory (bought from Mutsima directly, about $100 shipped). that camera connected via OEM TV tuner, later died from moisture. checked ebay and this time around the same cameras were much cheaper, so i got a camera for about $30 shipped. the camera was ON at all time (switched +12V), my ground wire from pin 17 on the TV module was going to the PDC module, the pin that is activated from A169 in the dash. this way, the camera would come on with the reverse gear, as the PDC activated, and stayed on for a bit longer, as PDC turned off once you drove off in forward gear... I have to check which pin on the PDC it was... very neat, as I could activate/deactivate camera at will (not at 60MPH though!!), and it did not flicker if I went through reverse position too slow, as factory PDC has some delay in initial activation...

[edco]

I have had a lot of success with my Nav-Tool set up with a license plate frame camera. My best advice is to not go cheap with the camera. I did the first time, and replaced it with a Boyo brand, and the results are significant. I also replaced my reverse lights with bright LEDs.
Ed
PS. I hope this doesn't break any rules BUT I noticed that NavTool isn't being sold on eBay anymore. I have an extra brand new in box NavTool for BMW so if someone is looking for one and can't get one, just send me a PM. Good deal, I promise.

[SlickGT1]

Originally Posted by edco

I have had a lot of success with my Nav-Tool set up with a license plate frame camera. My best advice is to not go cheap with the camera. I did the first time, and replaced it with a Boyo brand, and the results are significant. I also replaced my reverse lights with bright LEDs.
Ed
PS. I hope this doesn't break any rules BUT I noticed that NavTool isn't being sold on eBay anymore. I have an extra brand new in box NavTool for BMW so if someone is looking for one and can't get one, just send me a PM. Good deal, I promise.

What do you mean by navtool. Please explain how you set up the cam with it. I am interested. What does navtool do anyway.

[edco]

NavTool is an interface which allows you to connect cameras, DVD players and other devices to the factory Navigation screen on a BMW. It does not require any rewiring, and includes a substitute harness that plugs into the factory harness, and thereby creating a bridge into the factory screen.

It does require a dedicated, unswitched power source (I tapped the 12V outlet under the glove box) and a relay (not included) so the camera turns on when the shifter is put into reverse.

It is fairly straightforward, BUT you do need to have some knowledge of wiring so that you can run power, install the relay and connect the substitute harness.

ed in NJ

[edco]

For those of you who sent PMs with interest in the NavTool, I have a committed buyer and a back up should he fall through. If the back up ALSOfalls through I will advise accordingly.

Thank you, and Happy Independence Day to my fellow Americans !

Ed in NJ