Reversing camera on '04 E53/X5

[UKenGB]

Once again I search and search but cannot find all the answers I need, so have to resort to asking for yet more help.

I want to install a reversing camera. This is specifically to enable me to see the trailer hitch as I reverse up to it, a process which otherwise takes a lot of getting in and out pf the car and nudging it slightly to get it close enough. And before anyone asks, yes the trailer is big and IMPOSSIBLE to move to the car. So.

I have Nav and TV Tuner so there ought to be a video input available, but I cannot get to the bottom of precisely what is required. Hence my questions.

- As a UK car, does it run PAL video?
- If so I would need a PAL camera, yes?

- Why would I need e.g. a VSM (from EAS)
Is that purely to allow an additional video input to be used? Or is there some other more empirical reason for its requirment?
Would I be able to hook up iPod video with a reversing camera installed but no VSM?

- How does it all integrate with the reversing switch?
Is a relay required, or does the OEM Tuner handle this itself?

- Is there a list of exactly what parts are required?
- A wiring diagram of how it all connects?

I don't have a problem with the general principles of what's involved here, but I need to know the specifics of how a camera is integrated into the X5's wiring to give me some idea of which camera I should consider, Bumblebee from EAS, BMW's OEM unit or another alltogether.

Thanks.

[TheM@x]

I am interessed to, I bought a "Rückfahrkamera" on Ebay, but I only have a MK4 and a 16:9 monitor, so no TV tuner.

Are there pin settings/Wiringplan for that and is it possible to attach a camera without having a TV tuner? Do we need a Dietz 1270 also?

[gwc]

Originally Posted by UKenGB

Once again I search and search but cannot find all the answers I need, so have to resort to asking for yet more help.

I want to install a reversing camera. This is specifically to enable me to see the trailer hitch as I reverse up to it, a process which otherwise takes a lot of getting in and out pf the car and nudging it slightly to get it close enough. And before anyone asks, yes the trailer is big and IMPOSSIBLE to move to the car. So.

I have Nav and TV Tuner so there ought to be a video input available, but I cannot get to the bottom of precisely what is required. Hence my questions.

- As a UK car, does it run PAL video?
- If so I would need a PAL camera, yes?

No, the camera needs to NTSC

- Why would I need e.g. a VSM (from EAS)
Is that purely to allow an additional video input to be used? Or is there some other more empirical reason for its requirment?
Would I be able to hook up iPod video with a reversing camera installed but no VSM?

Dont need it,for camera.Its a good solution but you can add video with a cheap lead off ebay.

- How does it all integrate with the reversing switch?
Is a relay required, or does the OEM Tuner handle this itself?

Its linked into the reverse wire and pin 17 on the tv tuner,theres threads on this,search reverse, or camera and all your ? will be answered.

- Is there a list of exactly what parts are required?
- A wiring diagram of how it all connects?

I don't have a problem with the general principles of what's involved here, but I need to know the specifics of how a camera is integrated into the X5's wiring to give me some idea of which camera I should consider, Bumblebee from EAS, BMW's OEM unit or another alltogether.

I used this one,fitted in the rear BMW emblem and its perfect. http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Wide-Night-Vis...QQcmdZViewItem

Thanks.

Hope this helps

[UKenGB]

Thanks for that, but still not clear on some issues.

Why would I need an NTSC camera?

The TV Tuner in my car has to be PAL, surely the camera would need to be PAL.

Thanks for the link to the camera, I will probably do the same as you.

Did you have to drill a hole in the tailgate behind the emblem?

Does it show a mirror image?

What is the field of vision when it is mounted in this way?

I need to be able to see the towball, will it show that or is it too high. I like the idea of this camera mount as it is smack bang in the centre, unlike the OEM BMW kit which mounts the camera off centre. I just need to know it will show what I need.

[gwc]

Its NTSC, no question,be told

You have to do a little drilling behind the emblem but not much as the camera is only 40mm long.

It is mirror image.

The camera comes with angled spacers that change the position of the camera,not 100% sure if it would show the towball though mounted in the emblem.

Another member on here has mounted his in the towbar flap at the bottom,this would probably be too low and the towbar may restrict your vision.

Tom at eas sells the bumblebee camera,this may be a better option as it can be fitted/adjusted to suit your required field of view,indeed, you could angle it dowm when connecting up your hitch then revert back to centre for normal driving.

[UKenGB]

Originally Posted by gwc

Its NTSC, no question, be told.

No (why change the habits of a lifetime:-)

Why NTSC? I really want to know. I need to understand these things.

Originally Posted by gwc

Another member on here has mounted his in the towbar flap at the bottom,this would probably be too low and the towbar may restrict your vision.

Er, the panel wouldn't be there if you had the towball fitted.

How low does the image go in your install?

To explain, I want to be able to see the towball from above so when I am reversing up to the trailer (which is too big and heavy to move to the car) I can position the car so the ball is right under the hitch and then I get out and drop the hitch onto the ball - job done. Otherwise it's a tedious process of getting in and out, trying to nudge the car a few inches each time.

[gwc]

[quote=UKenGB]No (why change the habits of a lifetime:-)

Why NTSC? I really want to know. I need to understand these things.

Buy a PAL one like I did,then you'll know



How low does the image go in your install?

Not low enough for what you need,thought that would be self explanatory,its a camera and you see what it points at,you need it to point down........



Like I said, a Bumblebee will suit you best as it can be adjusted infinately.

[UKenGB]

Originally Posted by UKenGB

Why NTSC? I really want to know. I need to understand these things.

Buy a PAL one like I did,then you'll know

So what you're saying is that you don't know

Originally Posted by UKenGB

How low does the image go in your install?

Not low enough for what you need,thought that would be self explanatory,its a camera and you see what it points at,you need it to point down........

Well, the image will be determined not only by the direction in which the camera is facing (obviously straight back as we both know) but also the focal length of the lens. This camera may have a sufficiently 'wide angle' lens to mean that the back of the bumper is indeed visible, which is why I asked you, who has this very camera mounted in this location in this car. Reading between the lines I get the impression that it is NOT wide enough.

Originally Posted by gwc

Like I said, a Bumblebee will suit you best as it can be adjusted infinately.

Yes, but where's the fun in that. No, that camera you identified looks ok. I'll just need to decide on the best location and make an appropriate bracket.

Maybe I'll get 2 and rig one up in the trailer so I can check in transit that the bikes are still upright. Just need to figure how to add another video input via the trailer socket...

[UKenGB]

Originally Posted by gwc

Buy a PAL one like I did,then you'll know

Still trying to find out the answer. Since the TV can be set for PAL or NTSC, does that not mean I could use either?

Did you perhaps just have your TV set to NTSC, hence the PAL camera you bought would not work?

[Brian-bmw]

The camera input is NTSC. I have an NTSC camera. I can switch the TV mode to whatever, but the camera always works.