Backup camera ideas ... before i kill someone - Page 6

pete_c · #51 04-22-2010, 07:15 AM

Do these involve removing the rear hatch cover to pass the video cables? What is the procedure for doing said endeavor. OR are vehicles "prewired" for camera connectivity. I still have one coaxial cable near the NAV unit that I have no clue what its for. The other cables I found relate to the pass thru for the changer in the center console. I was originally thinking maybe it was for the DSP option of digitial audio.

I was thinking of mounting a camera passing the wires thru the "back flow" flapper valve entrance in the drivers side (where the NAV unit is at). The only issue is that the camera would be mounted under the bumper and more prone to "weathering".

Relating to security cams with IR lamps that surround the camera lens I've had issues with same style cams outside getting "weathered" a bit causing the ring around the lens to separate from the glass causing the LED's to reflect inside to the lens itself and obstructing the "view" at night when the LEDs are on and therefore circumventing the night use of said cameras. The only one that I have tried to date doesn't have the LEDs and uses the backup lighting to light the field behind the vehicle at night.

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trapdoor · #52 04-23-2010, 05:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by romanice

I want to get a camera to replace one of the lights on my X3, but all the camera's on ebay list 3,5,x5,x6. Does anyone know if the lights are the same size on an X3 as the x5 or any other?
sample

I looked at some detail at this type of camera, and took the light out on my X3. All that comes out is the white cover - there appears to be some kind of PCB that runs across the length of the handle strip where both plate bulbs are and presumably the hatch switch too. I think it would require a modification to that strip to remove the section with the bulb holder to give enough space to mount the camera module up into the recess.

Have a look - just pop out one of the plate lamp covers and you'll see what I mean.

The whole part is 51133403611 - and the removal is quite straightforward but requires some care as the 'finisher' that it fits into is held onto the trunk lid with 6 panel clips that require being popped out after the removal of the 2 torx screws.

I may see if I can get hold of a handle strip from a scrapper and perhaps look at modifying it.... probably worth a go as I like the look of these plate lamp cameras....

romanice · #53 04-24-2010, 08:25 AM

Thanks for the response, i wonder why they made it so different then the other models. Would of made sense to just reuse the same one from other models. Have you seen any other cameras that may require less modification but may apply to the license plate area. I am worried with these cameras because they do not tilt to the best of my knowledge and do not have any night support. So if to modify the lip it would have to be attached at a proper angle. Lastly is there a special approach to removing from the "finisher" as in pull from the top or bottom first?

Thanks Again.

pete_c · #54 04-24-2010, 09:34 AM

So are the rear cam wires already present in the rear hatch or do they need to be run from the area of the license plates into the vehicle?

Easy to do on my E46. Much more difficult on the E83.

trapdoor · #55 04-24-2010, 03:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by romanice

Thanks for the response, i wonder why they made it so different then the other models. Would of made sense to just reuse the same one from other models. Have you seen any other cameras that may require less modification but may apply to the license plate area. I am worried with these cameras because they do not tilt to the best of my knowledge and do not have any night support. So if to modify the lip it would have to be attached at a proper angle. Lastly is there a special approach to removing from the "finisher" as in pull from the top or bottom first?

Thanks Again.

Mrs has a Prius which has a backup camera - it goes B&W at night and seems to work ok off the light from the reversing lights. I assume these do the same. Her camera doesn't look straight back, but has a view of the rear bumper, the road behind and also some computer generated distance lines which are useful.

As for the X3 finisher, the TIS states to remove, you take out the 2 screws, apply adhesive tape below each lower 'wing' of the finisher, and use the 'special tool' from the bottom, using the tape not to damage the harch paintwork, and pop the 3 panel clips each side, then swing it out and away from the bottom. Difficult to explain really.

I still reckon if a modified handle strip was made with this camera installed ILO one of the plate lamps, it would work OK. You'd have to remove the inner hatch trims and loads of trunk trim to feed the cables though - I may have a bash at this over the summer as I have a VM and wiring in a camera is fairly easy. Just need to obtain a handle strip from a scrap X3.

pete_c · #56 04-24-2010, 03:43 PM

I guess this is where I was thinking of maybe mounting the camera below the bumper and using the opening that's already there into the NAV compartment versus taking all of the trim off of the rear hatch to pass a few cables (unless its a 20 minute job without risk).

romanice · #57 04-25-2010, 12:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trapdoor

I still reckon if a modified handle strip was made with this camera installed ILO one of the plate lamps, it would work OK. You'd have to remove the inner hatch trims and loads of trunk trim to feed the cables though - I may have a bash at this over the summer as I have a VM and wiring in a camera is fairly easy. Just need to obtain a handle strip from a scrap X3.

I am planning to get the parts and install it in June. Would you be able to PM the TIS file to me? I'm pretty sure i got it from your description but just in case. As for the prius camera, they are pretty good, and the bumper is much closer to the camera so the angle is pretty simple. I'm not sure these are as good as the prius cameras. Lastly what kind of VM do you have, I noticed that the current models are less plug and play then i saw before. The new ones don't provide splicing or relay adapters.

EDIT I took off the light and saw the plastic housing, I haven't removed the lip but i wonder if the housing for that light bulb is separate or connected with the other. It looks like a insert honestly to me. I understand what would have to be modified but is the light well the same size as on an x5 or 3 or 5 series.

Quote:

I guess this is where I was thinking of maybe mounting the camera below the bumper and using the opening that's already there into the NAV compartment versus taking all of the trim off of the rear hatch to pass a few cables (unless its a 20 minute job without risk).

There are no cables already wired. It's not difficult to wire the cables at all. All you have to do is take the inside cover off and run the wire along the the rest which goes into the car in the top right corner. Then just keep following the wiring harness down and across right in front of the tire lift and your in the nav area. The difficult part is fitting the camera. When I installed my hitch I considered wiring a camera there since i had to cut my bumper anyways and it would be easy cable work. But the problem with that is that there is no reference point. The reverse cameras usually have wide angle lenses which would make it impossible to be able to tell the actual distance. Having it higher i can see my bumper and hopefully my tow so i can align it and be able to tell distance. If it seems like too much work i would recommend an after market PDC. Drill four holes in the bumper run the wires to the right side and attach the pdc control box to the prewired cables. If still interested in camera please help me find a camera that fits easily into an X3.

trapdoor thanks for the reply
and
pete_c hope the info helps.

pete_c · #58 04-25-2010, 12:41 AM

So the inside cover of the hatch is easily removed eh?

Will look for cam. Thanks romanice

KiwiJochen · #59 04-25-2010, 04:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pete_c

I guess this is where I was thinking of maybe mounting the camera below the bumper .

I don't recommend that

The distance between you and the obstruction behind the car will be nigh on impossible to judge without a visual reference of your own vehicle on the camera

This is why OEM solutions always let you see part of the bumper in the picture, achieved by mounting the camera somewhere above the bumper.

romanice · #60 04-25-2010, 07:40 AM

Quote:

So the inside cover of the hatch is easily removed eh?

Well I can't recall exactly how easy it is. But there is a screw in each hand grip and the rest are just clips. There may be one or two more screws, but i consider that easier then having to take apart the whole trunk and splicing into the reverse lights with the Video module and running a switch to the front of the car so that you can turn on the video at any time.

As for what KIWIJOCHEN responded, although he dittoed what i said, i want to add that it's a personal popular preference. My friend in their sedans mounted keyhole cameras that are really nice small flat and works great. In other words i am not writing this to discourage your idea, i definetly considered it and for some people it works. and i agree it would be much easier to put a camera right on top of the tow hitch if you have one and it will be fully protected. If no hitch then there is still plenty of places to attach it but i am not sure it would do well against rear end collisions.

I would recommend to take a a small camera or camera phone and tape it to possible spot you may be interested in putting the camera and recording as you back up safely. Then watch the video and see if that is something that you like. Although also remember that the cameras will be much wider on the view.

Sorry about any confusion.

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