Aftermarket backup camera tapped into stock display?

Multibeemer · #1 02-22-2013, 07:17 PM

I was wondering if it would be possible to tap the output wires from an aftermarket backup camera into the terminals that activate the video display on the stock nav display screen, allowing me to see what the camera sees on the stock display, and avoiding having to mount an extra display on the dash. It would be a very cool upgrade - has anyone ever thought of this, and if so, any idea which connectors I'd connect the camera's wires to? Is it even possible to have the output from an external device like a camera "override" what's normally displayed on the screen? Thanks.

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TerminatorX5 · #2 02-23-2013, 12:05 AM

Multi, before me trying to help you out with this install, can you tell me how much you already know, and how much you already have read on this subject?

I am asking, so not to repeat things that you already know, and are obvious.

have you searched this topic prior to posting the question? at which stage are you at right now?

Multibeemer · #3 02-24-2013, 10:57 PM

I've done some searching, and ran across two companies who make adapter kits that do exactly what I'm looking for. However, they're quite expensive (~$350, plus the camera), which is more than I'm willing to pay for this. Other than that, this is strictly in the idea phase. Not sure I understand what you mean by "what I already know" - I was just wondering if something like this is possible, and have since found out that it is, but that it's pretty pricey. Is there a less expensive way to tap into the car's screen and have it display what the camera sees?

TerminatorX5 · #4 02-24-2013, 11:04 PM

it has been done numerous times, i have had it on one of my E53s since 2007, and recently installed it on my other E53...
what adapter kits are you referring to? cameras range from $20 to $50... you can use factory TV module for that purpose or some aftermarket units, like NavTool...

z168 · #5 02-25-2013, 02:18 AM

Im interested too. I have a 00 4.4 and the last i read i needed to look for the TV tuner in the spare tire well but without much success.

For Multi's sake, we need the TV tuner module to tap into the nav screen. But in the absence of the module, what are our options?

TerminatorX5 · #6 02-25-2013, 09:59 AM

for the full factory integration you need either a TV tuner, or a special OE unit that is designed to accept the reverse and forward looking cameras without the TV module. There are several versions of the TV modules available on the market, some are analogue, some are analogue/digital. The TV modules were never available for the US spec'd models, and you could get one either from an importer or a european breaker, as US dealers were not allowed to get the module. Since the US has gone 100% digital for the broadcast, those modules are not picking up the signal, even the digital ones, as the US has chosen a standard that is US-only, while the rest of the world is using DVB-T (Digital Video Broadcast - Terrestial). So the value of the module for the US consumer has plummeted.
The other unit, just for the cameras, even though I have heard of it, I have not heard that someone retrofitted it. I should be able to dig up the part number but I do not think it is available through a dealer - for the cost, just get an OE TV tuner... The tuner will also allow to add the AV input and AV output... check the ebay for decently priced unit, and try to make sure that you get the wiring harness, as it is very important to have the proper harness...

One can't really use a home-grown solution to tap into the video signal for the Nav monitor, as BMW is using RGB signal, with a sync over the green feed, but from what I had heard on grapewine, it much harder to tap into the video feed...

So, there are other options, like aftermarket ones, like NavTool that will allow you to connect to the factory Nav screen...

I have a analogue/digital TV tuner, reverse camera that activates with the PDC, AV input and AV output in the factory location in the rear center console, right next to the rear vents - I just hope that eventuelly we will have the DVB-T signal in the US... lol... yeah, right...

z168 · #7 02-25-2013, 10:28 AM

Thanks for the detailed response. So if I get the stock video module, would it be plug and play at that point? No other programming needed?

Also, would I still need the harness for the module? Isnt the X already prewired?

TerminatorX5 · #8 02-25-2013, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by z168

Thanks for the detailed response. So if I get the stock video module, would it be plug and play at that point? No other programming needed?

Also, would I still need the harness for the module? Isnt the X already prewired?

no programming is needed, the word TELEVISON will appear on the main menu of the Nav screen, next to On-Board Computer, Navigation, Code, Settings... When you choose TELEVISON on the main menu, the TV screen will appear, when you press the right knob, you will see Program, Set, Settings... when you choose Program, you will see AV, and in the old days, you would see the on-air TV channels, now you will only see AV - that is for the AV input, like a DVD, or whatever your AV device is. The audio portion of the TV module is MONO...

The reverse camera has a dedicated input to the TV module, and when reverse camera activation signal comes to the module, it will override anything else on the screen and the reverse image will be displayed...

While no programming is needed, the wiring IS needed - the US spec'd models have never had the TV option S601A.. for that matter of fact, the other BMWs do not have the TV harness - you have to source it.

There is a factory spot for the TV tuner in the trunk area, next to the factory location for the radio, the factory harness provides the TV function (non-operating in the US) to the car but the harness does not have special wiring for the AV in and AV out, nor for the reverse camera - you will need to add those yourself.

I have a PDF for the reverse camera installation, that assumes that you already have properly connected TV tuner with appropriate wires...

terminatorx5 at midnightstar dot com