It's mounted to the side of hatch release as Overboost's pic demonstrates, although I've seen cameras as part of the hatch handle on some BMW after-market cams. I haven't seen that type for the E53 X5 hatch handle. I'd recommend mounting it further in than Overboost's as it tends to catch road dirt when it's placed right to the edge of the hatch. My X6M OEM backup camera is way in from the hatch.

You'll see some advertised as working for the e53 hatch handle. They don't.

https://www.amazon.com/Reversing-Lic...596729&sr=8-11

I tried the above but was sent the wrong size and they never responded with sending a new one. Looks like a good idea?:dunno:

That’s good info. Thanks for sharing! I guess it just won’t work since they sent you what I have to assume is the only size they have.

I looked into those. Checked dimensions on all the ones I found that claimed to fit the e53. All were the wrong size.

They supposedly have 3 sizes, but the lack of response in any way makes me think maybe they don't?

I may try another brand because I really liked the fact that I wouldn't have to drill through the plastic and I liked the position as well. I'm not really motivated to get that done. Hell, I still haven't ordered the external mic so I can use the phone over the HU!

I ran my camera through an easy access point in the bed of the trunk, covered by a plastic plug. I mounted my camera on the tow hook cover, if that makes sense. The perspective is very low, but it really helps when backing up to a curb so you don't smash your exhaust tips. Getting a new tow hook cover is a matter of a dozen bucks, something most BMW owners can afford. The below link is the one I installed, but it seems to be unavailable now.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

This is the one I installed: https://www.amazon.com/Backup-Waterp...78ZZSKQ2&psc=1

Do you have a pic of it installed?