E53 Rear Camera Shortcut Mounting
 

Today I installed my rear camera in anticipation of receiving my Eonon GA6166 head unit tomorrow. Forgive me if this approach has been done before, I'll just share my current take on how I went about it.

I've seen lots of amazingly good work by folks here and elsewhere on installing their rear cameras and give props to them for their efforts. Many of these approaches involve mounting the camera in the rear lift gate, and that's, IMHO, an optimum position for them, however, I wanted a simpler approach that would avoid me having to pull all the inner trim off and run the cables down to the floor near the spare tire from nearly the highest point of the vehicle.

This is the camera I selected. Part of my selection criteria was having the trigger wire running within the video cable so only one cable needs to be pulled up to the HU where you can make the video and trigger connection.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_P...=w1001-h691-no

CMOS 170° Anti Fog Night Vision Waterproof Car Rear View Reverse Backup Camera | eBay

This is my end result, incorporating the camera alongside my retrofitted OE trailer connector & harness:

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/uW...=w1187-h890-no

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/KI...=w1187-h890-no

This location allowed me to come into the rear floor pan in through the tailgate wiring boot, which I liked for ease of access and the perfect location for me to make my connections in the spare tire area. This also puts me right smack in the area of where the reverse bulb wiring is located, so as to make that connection tap easier.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/Op...=w1187-h890-no

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pF...=w1187-h890-no

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/47...=w1187-h890-no

A slight razor blade cut in the side of the boot just big enough to allow a push of the connectors through was all I needed. I feel the boot seal around the wire is adequate enough for my needs.

Here below is the camera wire going through the side of the boot

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/FT...=w1187-h890-no

Here are the camera wires coming inside the body just behind the spare

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/P7...=w1187-h890-no

Pulling the video cable through to mate up with the camera

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/AX...=w1187-h890-no

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/Ig...=w1187-h890-no

Connections to camera made and hidden behind the factory wiring cover

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/Px...=w1187-h890-no

Granted, this is not as clean an install as some of the amazing work done by others, but it will work for my needs and is low enough to be subtle to my eyes.

This is the left side reverse light bulb wiring so when I dive into the wire bundle I can tap into the correct reverse positive trigger wire

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/wq...Q=w668-h890-no

This is the right side reverse light bulb wiring, it has a different colored positive wire with stripe. I've been told that in BMW wiring, brown is ground.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/EA...g=w668-h890-no

I'll figure out which one I can find in the wiring bundle when I tear into that tomorrow.

I'll adjust the angle of the camera after I am able to view the image on the Eonon screen.

I've wanted a video TPMS system for a while (don't have one in my E46 w/Eonon GM5150) and with this install I'm going with this external sensor TPMS system and will incorporate it into my HU and camera install.

http://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/su4AAO...eY/s-l1600.jpg

http://www.ebay.com/itm/361386621796

Mike

THANKS for sharing - please keep us informed with the rest of the install!
total cost?

Just had a flat tire yesterday - built in standard tire pressure system notified me with enough time to get home and fix the tire in my driveway. You need sometime more accurate?

Looked up the head unit you are planing - why does it say "Android"? Does that just mean its computer system is based on Android? and would it sync/work with/apps of iPhone also?
Curious how "plug and Play" the head unit will be.

THANKS

My 2003 X5 doesn't have any factory TPMS system. I hated the embedded sensors in the wheels whose batteries ultimately die and you end up replacing a very expensive sensor or their batteries with an unmounting of the tire.

I am attracted to the ease of dealing with the battery in an external sensor as well as the video display of pressures and temps anytime I am inclined to want to check the tires.

The Eonon HU I am planning is an Android based OS platform and can link to your phone hotspot for live internet based apps for music, software updates, etc.

There is a good thread on this unit here:

https://xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-forums/...on-radios.html

Mike

I would rather be camerafree that have 2 bolts like that running through the bumper.

Hi Jsoto,

That's quite all right, I recognize my approach might not be exceptionally appealing cosmetically.

The two bolts were necessary for me to add the Westfalia factory hitch wiring plug attaching bracket

http://www.xoutpost.com/members/semc...x5-wiring1.jpg

I appreciate your comment because it has energized me now to paint those bolt heads black which would make them less obvious.

Thanks again Jsoto

Mike

Received the Eonon HU today

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/xK...=w1184-h888-no

Got my work cut out for me with factory Nav (no DSP) and hauling that Fakra harness all the way to the rear. :wow:

Mike

I was under the impression you only needed to run the cable to the rear for the DSP amp. That said, I wasn't aware you could do NAV without DSP so what do I know?

Yes OF, apparently DSP was a separate factory option (at least in my 2002/2003 build year) and factory NAV could be ordered separately.

I am not sure that the Eonon GA6166 is able to be integrated into the on board DSP system :dunno: :dunno: :dunno: but their advertising copy says that it can here:

:dunno: :dunno: :dunno:

http://www.sbo2.net/photo2/CA6166/CA6166-05.jpg

Mike

Why did'nt you use the camera on your goodies table, Milton - did it come with the HU?
Do you have cell bluetooth before this retrofit?
My 04 was wired for it but I had to find the ULF unit (I think thats what its called - the box in the back side panel that runs it).
And is the new head unit compatible with the bluetooth - show your calls coming in on the screen/phonebook?

Thanks for sharing all this!

Hi Kevinkay,

Yes, I could have used that one but it still would have been put by me below the bumper and by using the license plate camera, I minimize the off center offset :dunno: :dunno:

I can still retrofit the Eonon camera if things don't work out with the one I've already mounted.

Yes, I currently have a Dice Mediabridge BT set up but I really wanted a more modern resolution GPS, BT integration and DVD infotainment system and for <$300, what could go wrong???? :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

Mike

why not a dash cam too??

For me, I'm not keen on the dash cam thing. :dunno:

But Eonon does have one that they offer to plug into their unit.

Mike

I'm not Ruskie so no dash cam for me

My mother-in-law's '01 and my '04 3.0 have no nav but did have DSP.

You people suck. :nanana:

Ordered a unit yesterday for install into my wife's E46. She has Nav and DSP, so I am anxious to see how it works. If all goes as planned, I will be looking seriously at some of those Android 6.0 units with an OctaCore processor. I am under the impression that this will require ditching DSP, but I am getting more and more confident that I don't care ab that. Function and form are my primary goals.

I've used the Torque application to connect via bluetooth with my OBDII reader that I've had for ab 5 years. If that function, including the auto upload features, were part of my head unit, I can totally see not worrying ab the OBC data. The OBDII connection provides all the data that the OBC does and a lot, lot more.

I am anxious to see how this works our for the E53 as well. :thumbup:

Way to go Prop!

I have a 2014 vintage Eonon GM5150 (Win CE) in my E46 w/Factory Nav and love it. Got all the little bugs out of it and have a rear camera on it. BTW don't forget to change your factory fuse to a 15 amp because IIRC, the original is only 5 amps and in enjoyment mode, you could blow past the 5 amps. The Eonons are fitted with 15 amp fuses IIRC.

I have Dash Command on my phone and it was/is so-so IMHO, and am anxious to see how that will show on the new GA6166 in my E53. If Torque is a better option I'll gladly go with that.

Mike

I made some progress today on my Eonon HU install.

I am going to go around the floorboard front of the rear driver side and up through a wire channel that already exists in the center of the carpet. I will have to make a carpet cut in an area under the console to make it come out and then through the console channel on driver side. It will be hard because the carpet is molded and very tough to lift up but I will prevail.

Tested the unit and all seems to be working well except for BT music from my phone. Made a call through the HU with the phone and it worked perfectly but no music streaming.

My sub RCA cable came up short so I'll need another 36" or a little less.

Used home wifi to download iGo and trial maps. 2GB no problem on the home wifi, but I have an apple extreme airport in the garage and good download speeds.

Steering wheel volume buttons work.

FM radio reception is fine.

Sound fidelity is fine and sub volume is a great feature with full equalizer control.

Video is excellent played from micro SD card (MP4 format on FAT32 card)

The radio antenna cabling could be done a little nicer but big thanks to Eonon for putting the Antenna and adapter into their Fakra harness. Also if Eonon is listening, they should really include a sub and rear camera wire all the way to the end would be a nice touch.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/vz...=w1182-h886-no

Ready for the moment of truth first boot test

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/w7...=w1182-h886-no


I will upload pics and a video later of the initial boot up.

https://youtu.be/vAXaRDSNgos



Mike

That looks good... are you going to add more pics? For the cables routing and other stuff that needs to be done, I have been looking to replace mine on the 05 X5, so I as well as others will appreciate knowing the details of installation and cost.

Yes, I will add more pics on the factory nav routing that I am pursuing.

I got my unit with an included camera and fakra harness for $289 direct from Eonon in HK. FedEx international shipping included.

Cam+ 4Core Android 5.1 7"Car DVD Player GPS Navi DAB+ for BMW E53 X5 2000-2007 E | eBay

Mike

PS, the internal microphone on the face of the unit is awesome. Made a call in garage with it and the other end said they had no idea I was not on the phone or my jawbone headset.

You people suck. :popcorn:

Here are my results from today after a mega PITA pulling the cables under the carpet and into the bottom of the console :pullhair: :pullhair:

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/1j...=w1179-h884-no

I will fiddle with it a little more to see if I can get just a squeak more closure at the bottom edge.

Later I will upload pics of my routing method and tactics.

Mike

Streaming BT from phone is working!

It is in the A2DP app. Initially the stream was choppy but in a couple minutes it got really good.

Illumination of buttons works. No dimming with dash rheostat but that's ok by me.

Steering wheel buttons all work. Talking head goes to phone page.

More later.

Mike

Is there a wire to tap for that function and you've chosen not to? I think no dimming would drive me nutz. Funny, isnt it? How different strokes are for folks so similar.

No, there is no "dimming" wire in the harness to be had. They are picking up "illumination" of the backlighting in the unit from the Fakra harness that goes to the rear near the battery on factory NAV.

Now, on my E46 Eonon GM5150, there WAS a dimming wire in that unit's harness but THAT one I forgot to attach :doh: , so I own that one.

Edit: apparently the dimming is automatic Day/Night setting, not sure yet whether this is GPS time/position related or if there is a light sensor on the unit or in the screen. So some dimming occurs it's just one level. :dunno:

Mike

Is your reverse camera working with tapping into those reverse light leads?

Also, you don't have to connect the red "reverse trigger" wire at the Head Unit end correct?

Yes, the reverse camera is working, however, I had some infant mortality issues with the original camera I selected, so I fitted the one that came with the Eonon unit.

Yes, the reverse lead to tap into from that budge are BROWN and BLUE w/YELLOW stripe.

The Eonon responds to reverse camera activation without any trigger wire needed.

I am going to fit a better quality CCD camera in the near future.

Mike

Awesome! Installing mine today

Here is A2DP app playing BT music stream from iPhone

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/Jd...=w1187-h890-no

Unit playing MP4 HandBrake video from SD Card

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/WM...=w1187-h890-no

Unit showing GPS satellite signals with GPS antenna under dash on right side of steel tubular frame just at right outer edge of vent opening and this signal strength also has to penetrate my garage roof.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/FX...=w1187-h890-no

Hotspot antenna reception is good (I have a Apple Exteme router in my garage) with hotspot antenna just under unit glued to top of switch box enclosure that houses the PDC, rear hatch release, etc. buttons. Phone hotspot is no issue either.

Mike

Everything is working for me in my factory NAV set up except for the Eonon camera which is just a CMOS unit and is mirrored incorrectly as well as no video when the vehicle is running. I do get video, albeit with some interference, when the engine is not running.

I'm suspecting really poor camera quality so I have a CCD unit on order that I should have in a couple days.

Will see :dunno: :dunno:

Mike

I do like how the unit fits in the car. can you please post a video or pic with the GPS/ aux/ Bluetooth and other that you might use with lights on and off... oh and a link for the radio...

Thanks

Confused on what your saying....(i get confused a lot)
Eonon camera = back up camera?

mirrored incorrectly = you see everything like it WAS in a mirror NOT as if you turned around?

No video when running = while the engine is running and put into "R" screen does not default to camera video?

THANKS for keeping us informed.

Hi Emory,

I'll try to upload a video tomorrow showing the functions. Meanwhile, here is a link to the seller I used to get this unit for $289

Cam+ 4Core Android 5.1 7"Car DVD Player GPS Navi DAB+ for BMW E53 X5 2000-2007 E | eBay

Mike

Yes, Eonon camera = back up camera. This was supplied free with my purchase.

Yes, mirrored incorrectly, I stand at driver side corner and image shows me on passenger side of vehicle in video image on screen.

Yes, while engine running and placed in "R" no image. When engine not running and placed in "R", the rear camera image appears on the screen.

Mike

I'll check my unit tomorrow, but I recall there being a setting for camera mirroring. Given that a shot?

Thanks OF,

I'll try to find that menu option. But even that won't solve the "no image during engine running" issue.

Mike

Thanks, I did not know if there was a tab that I needed to click for the dsp cable. Now I see that it's included in it

What power source are you guys using for triggering the camera? I had the same issue when installing mine last summer and was advised on this forum to add a relay (used the reverse light cable as trigger/power). The relay did the trick. Before that it was like you say; picture only comes up when engine off and in reverse, nothing once engine starts. Hope it helps.

Sent from my SM-G900F using Tapatalk

I am using the actual reverse light positive and negative wires from the harness that returns from the tailgate boot.

I have come to understand that there is some voltage monitoring of all the lights and voltage regulation to enhance incandescent bulb life. Possibly, this "system" is creating the interference in the voltage supplied????

I will investigate the relay solution as well and source a clean, unregulated positive voltage source to see what happens.

Thanks,

Mike

You can use the relay with the reverse light cable in the tail boot, since you're already there. The cable is like you said, does not give a stable current once engine starts, hence the need for the relay. I think it was crystalworks who helped me with mine, but he took another route with his....which is a much better and cleaner way. I just didn't have the time or space to do like he did.

Sent from my SM-G900F using Tapatalk

Thanks All!

Yes, I can confirm all the guidance on the relay is absolutely ON TARGET :thumbup: for our E53 lighting circuits.

I connected a relay today which used the reverse light positive in the wiring harness as the positive side of the relay activation (#86 in the below relay diagram).

Then I connected camera positive power IN to the LOAD side of the relay (#30 in the below relay image)

http://www.12voltplanet.co.uk/user/D...ng_diagram.png

#85 of the relay goes to ground point and I placed the ground wire for the camera IN power on this tab as well (since I had already run the positive in power up to #86 of the relay, the negative was right there so I piggybacked off the #85 tab which goes to ground.

#87 of the relay went to a clean unregulated ACC power source nearby which for me was the purple with white stripe wire going into one of the connectors just forward of where the amplifier lives.

Upon completion, of relay integration, image is rock solid during engine running with absolutely NO interference lines.

Problem solved.

Thanks to everyone for their insight and guidance.

Mike

My rear camera reverse image issue was solved in "Settings-----> Driving Settings--------> Mirror Reversing check box (uncheck)

My selection was "checked".

Unchecking this selection put the image in the proper perspective for the rear camera.

:thumbup: :thumbup:

Mike

So your good to go, all finished?

Can you give us part number on the relay and maybe photos of the included camera you switched to (is it on the license plate or back down on the hitch).

Only time will tell if the 2018 mandate for all new cars to be fitted with back up cameras will stick, but you will be ready!

Hi Kevin,

Yes, I am good to go! :thumbup: I am still going to switch to a CCD camera as opposed to the supplied CMOS camera supplied by Eonon. CCD is reported to have less interference than CMOS and I do get a slight amount of interference with the engine running on the CMOS unit.

The Eonon supplied camera is mounted just above my Class III receiver.

The relay I used was just a simple $7 four terminal relay from AutoZone in their electrical section.

http://contentinfo.autozone.com/znet...N005W/image/3/

Part Number: N005W

Blazer Relay and Resistors N005W - Read Reviews on Blazer #N005W

Hope this helps everyone hooking up a rear camera to an E53.

This is the CCD camera I am planning to install soon

http://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/w68AAO...BY/s-l1600.jpg

and here is an eBay link for it

Chetoo CCD Car Backup View Camera,Waterproof High Definition Color Wide Viewing | eBay

My CCD selection will mount identical to this one which died due to infant mortality :(

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/uW...=w1187-h890-no

I will be doing some black paint over the bolt heads to make them less obvious. Your mounting methods may vary.

Mike

and maybe some "fake" bolt heads on the other side for balance?

how did you mount the camera that your using in the meantime (the one that came with the kit??)

:thumbup: Trying to get this info out to as many as possible. Really frustrated me until I found a few posts on audio forums regarding certain Audis and BMWs needing a relay for proper functionality.

Here is my mounting of the Eonon supplied camera. FYI, this camera and/or mounting location is subject to a good deal of spray.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/Hh...=w1187-h890-no

Your choices of camera mounting location may vary. My location selection was based purely on convenience of getting the camera wire into the lower rear hatch area. :dunno: :dunno:

Mike

Isn't there a path to run wires through at a license plate light? I am not sure youve answered this (sorry), but I am also not sure if this helps spray. Thoughts ab that?

The only way I saw to keep the wires in the tailgate and therefore a more direct path into the lower rear boot area and keep the wires hidden was in that area down by the hitch where the wire can come in and follow the same path as the trailer hitch wiring.

Anything in the top hatch area has to deal with all the hatch trim and then through the little hatch boot to the roof line, then that interior trim from the roof line on down. Not to mention all the fabrication for the license light cameras to fit. And my E46 experience with license light cameras is that the LEDs die and then you have only one license light which is an invitation to a night time cop stop, so I ended up changing the camera once already and camera #2 lights have died :pullhair: :pullhair:

Yeah, I took the easy way out ;) ;) and I have to live with the compromises ;)

Mike

My next project is back up camera.

I concur on the meh image quality of the CMOS Eonon camera. Just an hour ago I finished installing the CCD camera

http://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/w68AAO...BY/s-l1600.jpg

Chetoo CCD Car Backup View Camera Waterproof High Definition Color Wide Viewing | eBay

I just went to the garage and started up the X and this CCD camera does a great job. The lights help a lot in the darkness and the image is much clearer and no interference, shakiness or lines were observed.

Mike

Semcoin. were you able to do the short video of the radio?

Here is about a 5minute video of my Eonon GA6166 install appearance and some of its capabilities

https://youtu.be/RAv0qZusgBQ



Not perfect or flawless but for just under $300, it's a :thumbup: from me.

PS: I put the anti-glare screen on after this video and it helps.

Here is a new photo of my fitment after using a different set of screws (actually JL Audio speaker screws) that screwed down into the Eonon frame and slightly into the factory retainers.

What this did was allow a little offset/setback (longer screws) from the factory frame point and allowed the Eonon to sit a little more forward at the top which for me, prevented the lower edge gap that I was previously experiencing.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/GR...=w1187-h890-no

Also, with a little bit of voltmeter sleuthing I determined it is the BROWN wire from the Canbus module and also the BROWN wire embedded in the Fakra cable that is the reverse trigger.

The BLUE wire of the below TPMS unit tapped into the BROWN wire of the Fakra harness (HU rear camera trigger) and my gray wire was connected to ACC power.

I got the TPMS unit functioning great!

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/iE...=w1187-h890-no

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/Ou...=w1187-h890-no

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/g-...Q=w668-h890-no

The little brain box fits nicely in the driver side cubby on the metal panel that the factory amplifier is mounted onto.

Mike

Mike

Thanks for that... One question... does the music stop playing when you engage the rear view camera?

Yes, all the audio stops when the reverse camera is activated or the TPMS is activated because it is running on the rear camera trigger circuit.

Mike

There is an option under settings that allows you to keep music playing while the reverse cam is engaged

Oh cool, I will try to find it.

Thanks,

Mike

Thanks Mike for sharing your progress and experience. Good job!

Why are your two left wheels diffrent temps? Parked in the sun or snow? Do we need to care about tire temp? They must get hotter when your driving on them?
And that yellow button on the lower display, that will light if there's an issue? I have an 04, I get a light on the dash and have a button to reset it - maybe you can get one of the reset buttons and rig that up as your "problem light"

I wish I could figure out a way to get rid of that obnoxious aftermarket TPMS button but no joy I fear. It would be nice if I could figure out how I could configure the TPMS button in the factory panel to "ignite" the aftermarket brain :dunno:

The front tires do turning and are also closest to the engine so I would expect that to drive a slight difference and sunlight as well can play a part.

In that picture, my torpedo heater in the garage aims down in the direction of the DS rear tire so it was a little warmer.

The aftermarket button does NOT light up if there is something out of parameters that I set, the display is activated and then the issue is highlighted there.

I took off one of the sensors to adjust the pressures when I got back to warmer Texas air and the unit began alarming immediately for that tire.

I do not have factory TPMS on my E53 but do have it on my E46 and the factory unit is a PITA when batteries go dead in the wheel sensors and changing tires over, etc. So I wish I could disable it in the E46 and stop the annoying yellow tire. I have an 3 year old Eonon Win CE unit in my E46 and down the road I will go with another one of these units with external sensors.

They work nicely for me.

PS: I found the setting for keeping music on in Driving Settings. You have a choice of volume reduction levels (from -10, -9 and all the way down to NONE, meaning no volume reduction), whatever those choices mean (maybe db? :dunno:)

Mike

Here is the latest CCD camera mounting on my E53.

The LEDs really help a lot for night visibility!

And for those wondering, the slight right offset is no factor for me in my rear image capture.

Others may not prefer this location and opt for a more traditional location further up onto the rear tailgate or hatch lid :dunno: :dunno:

Again, my mission was to prioritize ease of installation and time required (since no tear out of the interior hatch lid panels was required and wiring is simplified by having the wiring enter into the spare tire area).

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/FD...=w1211-h629-no

Mike

Mind sharing how the camera looks in your heaunit mounted that low to the car?

I'm brainstorming and cannot get myself to run the wire through the hatch either, it's very tight and my cable pulling tool can't fit or if I force it too much afraid of chaffing some wires during the process.

I was thinking of mounting it the license plate frame something like this:
https://www.amazon.com/AUTO-VOX-Wate...se+plate+frame

And have just the wire go through the lower hatch latch. Once the upper hatch is closed the wire won't be visible but when opened it will be but might have to live with it.

Or even drill a tiny hole behind the license plate as it won't be visible. At least it will be easily serviceable in case the cheap camera dies or whatever. Easily serviceable is always my main priority.

I'll try to get you a picture at some later time. The camera I have in use has a pivot around its mounting axis so I have all the flexibility I need for angle of view.

I chose this mount for expediency of installation and ability to keep the wires out of sight. Any of the license plate cameras that I looked at required a wire stream along the lower center below the plate and on the face of the tailgate. So, my choice was a compromise for my personal limitations/criteria.

Mike

Yes, I found the setting and I used a slightly lower volume setting during reverse, not a full mute.

I do not have this option in my GM5150 Windows unit in my E46, it is a full mute of the music during reverse.

Mike