Reverse camera change - lens

[ozx5]

One of the weak features of the E70 - is the backup camera.....even though it has wonderful guides etc, the image of whats behind could be so much better....especially at night too...

My understanding is that the camera is also programmed and calibrated with the vehicle etc....

but can we replace the "lens" or "camera" to another brand, maybe something of a more better quality.....

and obv. still allowing the programming to work with idrive and shifting into Reverse etc...

Any one try this

Thanks

[MD11F]

I have to go in for an oil change soon, and my camera failed about two weeks ago.. I'm going to try to see if I can get them to install a 3rd party camera as an experiment.. long shot, but worth the try.

[juicer]

the reversing camera is not great quality, but honestly, how many of us want hi-def reverse camera pictures?
its an aid, doesn't need to be high quality and shouldn't be relied upon.
I too think the image is crappy, but frankly, its not keeping me awake at night as I have driven for years without one and the day i rely upon a camera for reversing, rather than the aid it is will be the day i stop driving!

(sorry, im in a filthy mood tonight)

[ozx5]

Originally Posted by juicer

the reversing camera is not great quality, but honestly, how many of us want hi-def reverse camera pictures?

Juicer woh!! hang on mate...all sweet mate, all good.....I agree with you, I ain't out for HD 1080p either.....I just wanted something a little better..... this is a BMW....after all, there are other manufacturers out there whose cars, are decent but have some great cameras.....

this wasn't to ask for top of the line, its more to ask about a "better" quality option...

I'm sure that if anyone has some ideas, or experiences this thread would raise interest among X forum members, and thus is a great topic to bring up - just like we are with kidney grills (titanium over black) - exhaust pipe tips on a non 4.8i being oval or dual....etc etc

sorry to have ruffled feathers.....

Hope your day gets better

PS - Also if its any consellation - and BMW is going to be on the forefront of great technology ie. High Beam Assist, Night Vision, etc - then I am sure that the camera quality on the X5, in comparison to those found on standard high volume low priced cars on the market can be on par.... making the interest to go to a better option, a fair call.

[juicer]

Originally Posted by ozx5

Juicer woh!!

LOL, sorry mate, was having a bad day - couldnt be bothered rewording my response with sweet nothings

I agree, quality isnt great, but IMHO I reckon its a low pri
perhaps theres a better lense that could go on this camera?

[ozx5]

Originally Posted by juicer

couldnt be bothered rewording my response with sweet nothings

like I said, all good, I know this exact feeling

[mtech8]

I hope IF BMW does replace the camera (for say 2009+ models) that owners of 2007-2008 can easily pay to upgrade to. Like the OP says, with a simple lens swap!

It would be nice if there was a free upgrade, but I seriously doubt that would ever happen. But at least something that does not entail replacing a whole lot of stuff.

[emcman]

Granted the image is not sharp but this time of year it is OK. However from November to March around here the image disappears due to the poor low light performace of the camera.

I also notice that you best keep the lens cleaned as the performance being marginal it does not take much before it really drops off.

[Fastbuck]

Originally Posted by juicer

(sorry, im in a filthy mood tonight)

Why? Did you reverse into something?

[drod]

just out of curiosity....

when you actually shift into reverse, and the camera is activated, do you notice that it starts off pretty dark but "brightens" up within a second or two??

it happens every time...

just thought i'd throw that out there... .if you don't notice a slight brightness of the screen within the first few seconds of activating it...then maybe that's your problem...(that auto brightness function may not be working)

i honestly don't have a problem with the reverse camera...

it has excellent resolution in the day time... and yes a dark, yet somewhat of a useful picture, at night... (unless of course you are backing up in the woods where there is total darkness!!)

in the city, where there are street lights, parking lot lamps, etc... i don't have a problem seeing...

but i also don't rely on the reverse camera either... and neither should you!! especially at night!!

i'm too old school!!

i still tend to toss my arm around the passenger seat as i back up!!