Backup camera. Anyone seen any improvement?

[Roadster]

my X5 will be delivered in February 2009 with the backup camera.
I also had one on my testdrive X5. I must say that the camera worked ok during the day (have not tested in darkness) but not as good as on my brother's Q7. Based on all the comments that I've read here, I'm considering installing an auxiliary 55w beam next to the retractable trailer hitch to improve night visibility.
This should be a pretty straightforward installation and I hope to be able to make it a discrete installation.
Can this work?

[Dr.Darwin]

Originally Posted by Roadster

my X5 will be delivered in February 2009 with the backup camera.
I also had one on my testdrive X5. I must say that the camera worked ok during the day (have not tested in darkness) but not as good as on my brother's Q7. Based on all the comments that I've read here, I'm considering installing an auxiliary 55w beam next to the retractable trailer hitch to improve night visibility.
This should be a pretty straightforward installation and I hope to be able to make it a discrete installation.
Can this work?

You could also get a couple of flush mount work lamps.
I believe these Hella Optilux lamps need you to drill a 25mm (1") hole mount. I suggest running fairly heavy wire (fused) from the battery and using a relay from the back up lamps to turn them on automatically.
There is nothing worse than bad lighting when backing up. It is what helps you avoid running over someone or ending up in a ditch.http://www.rallylights.com/detail.aspx?ID=4290

[brian5]

Originally Posted by kimg9582

Does anyone know if the camera works any better in newer models (X5, X6)?

Motor Trend, which is a magazine I do not like but was given a free subscription, has just done a review of SUVs that are new in the last year. Based on the X6 review, where the reviewer said "the backup camera is absolutely lousy", "Grainy, noisy, useless at night. The Japanese made better systems two generations ago.", it sounds like BMW hasn't improved the camera on the X6...

I'm still going to see what kind of response I'll get at my dealership next week.

Oh, and I cannot believe that there's always some bigoted troll that attempts to hijack these threads...

[smarty]

my wife has Honda Odyssey and the backup camera resolution and picture quality is way better than what I see in my X.

[Christiaan]

i'm inn....

[Christiaan]

i think that would look really really bad....

[Roadster]

Originally Posted by Christiaan

i think that would look really really bad....

it probably would, but hitting another car when backing up would look really bad also...
I will fool around with a test setup first...

[Christiaan]

Originally Posted by Roadster

it probably would, but hitting another car when backing up would look really bad also...
I will fool around with a test setup first...

common, 5 years ago this didnt even exist and you wherent crashing anyone...

anyways, maybe try using some cool white leds, that may work! like the ones under the door handles...

[Roadster]

Originally Posted by Christiaan

common, 5 years ago this didnt even exist and you wherent crashing anyone...

anyways, maybe try using some cool white leds, that may work! like the ones under the door handles...

you've got a point there
excellent idea about the LED's though

[Craig]

The camera works great in my Lexus LS 460. I didn't order the navigation for two reasons on the X5. One, old I drive, two, everyone says it sucks. I just ordered park distance control and left off the tech package...

Craig