Backup camera. Anyone seen any improvement?

[Juanted]

I do agree that the back-up camera is almost irrelevant, which is why I have not made a big issue of it. (I mean, what did we do before back-up camera? ) It's not a deal-breaker for me, and certainly not the reason I would (or would not) buy a car. I bought my X5 because of its handling and performance, its quality, and its diversity.

That being said, a back-up camera is not what I'd call new or leading-edge technology. The fact that a luxury SUV has such a shitty piece of equipment is inexcusable.

Can we end this argument, now?

Juan

[rh71]

Originally Posted by rh71

http://www.bmwusa.com/Standard/Conte...ntactUsPS.aspx

Because of the holiday weekend, I decided not to write them until now (and even so they may have a slight backlog but whatever)... I urge you to do the same - speak your mind to them about this... or they'll keep putting this crap into production every year as it seems they are content with doing.

At the very least, I hope some 3rd-party manufacturer will see a need here if BMW decides not to do anything about it.

[Penguin]

> The question remains, why is BMW seemingly ignoring this problem?

BMW often gets "married" to suppliers for some reason, often favoring suppliers close to them. On their motorcycles they had instruments with absymal reliability sourced from a German supplier. They continued to source these instruments from the German supplier for years, finally giving up and switching to a Japanese supplier for their instruments. Since then, their motorcycle instruments have be quite reliable.

But BMW seems to always give a strong preference to German suppliers, followed by EC suppliers, even if the quality is lower than alternatives from other parts of the World.

[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

[valkat]

You can count me in for a petition, too!!!
Terrible and simply useless in a low light. Takes forever to turn on, too.
My previous car, Murano, had a rearview camera I now envy.
Shame on BMW's 65k car!

[rh71]

UPDATE: In short, they are not recognizing there's a problem. The phone representative that got back to me (after my reply to his canned response) indicated a few of them even drive the vehicle and don't see an issue. Essentially what we bought is all we're going to get and in their eyes we should not have chosen the camera if during the test drive we were not satisfied with it. Interesting idea from a company who produces great everything else. I have a hard time believing this person's statement about that represent the company's that the camera is perfectly acceptable but here we are. It is lost on them that nighttime produces zero picture - or they simply do not care.

There's nothing being done about it from what he can find.... no technical bulletins, etc. I linked him to about 10 threads (including this one, others at x5world, and bimmerfest) about the camera so I don't know what kind of splash that made but I am just 1 voice reaching out to them.

[soldmystang]

Originally Posted by Kaefer

I do agree that the back-up camera is almost irrelevant, which is why I have not made a big issue of it. (I mean, what did we do before back-up camera? ) It's not a deal-breaker for me, and certainly not the reason I would (or would not) buy a car. I bought my X5 because of its handling and performance, its quality, and its diversity.

That being said, a back-up camera is not what I'd call new or leading-edge technology. The fact that a luxury SUV has such a shitty piece of equipment is inexcusable.

Can we end this argument, now?

Juan

i'm good. despite the sting of Mr. RH71's recent denouncing of my cheap plastic american car interior bits. that hurt me deeply.

sheesh, one would think this was a P-car forum.

yippie ki-aye mother******

[MrX]

Originally Posted by soldmystang

i'm good. despite the sting of Mr. RH71's recent denouncing of my cheap plastic american car interior bits. that hurt me deeply.

sheesh, one would think this was a P-car forum.

yippie ki-aye mother******

Hey, "bro" why don't you refrain yourself to post your hilarious comments if you do not have anything to add to this thread? Or maybe a better idea: go leave your comments in a Vette or F350 forum. You will find a lot of red necks like you there and may even find your other half. Good luck and piss off.

[soldmystang]

a mean spirited lot ya'll can be.

but seriously rh71 try this link. [email protected]

if you can get the CCA on your side, BMWNA might be more inclined to listen.

[deutsch100]

Originally Posted by Penguin

> The question remains, why is BMW seemingly ignoring this problem?

BMW often gets "married" to suppliers for some reason, often favoring suppliers close to them. On their motorcycles they had instruments with absymal reliability sourced from a German supplier. They continued to source these instruments from the German supplier for years, finally giving up and switching to a Japanese supplier for their instruments. Since then, their motorcycle instruments have be quite reliable.

But BMW seems to always give a strong preference to German suppliers, followed by EC suppliers, even if the quality is lower than alternatives from other parts of the World.

I actually applaud BMW for using parts that are made in their own country. If the USA would start building and using their own parts, then maybe the economy would not be so horrific. I've said it for years, that if the USA does not start maunufacturing parts and items, then the USA will just become a very upscale 2nd world economy. I'm not saying that everything Germany builds is great, but at least they try to keep their economy afloat. I think the USA should start building, so we can have items that proudly say Made in the USA, instead of importing everything that says Made in China. I like when I buy a German brand, and it says Made in Germany. I hate & resent when I buy an American brand, and I see Made in China. My 2 cents!!!