Wuzin has a pretty good rundown here on the installation, we prodive instructions as well as live help if needed. The VSM kit already comes with an A/V port and TV Out cable if you wish to use the iPod buttons.

Here's the camera I recommend for the X5:

Reverse "Bumblebee" Camera
http://www.europeanautosource.com/pr...roducts_id=439

Video Source Module (VSM) for BMW - Core System
http://www.europeanautosource.com/pr...roducts_id=161

Here's a good link with pictures of the camera installed: http://www.xoutpost.com/129508-post25.html

Let me know if you have any further questions.

other features ?
 

Tom,
thanks for the quick reply. not sure if I asked question corrrectly , if I want to have control of the ipod via my steering wheel buttons will this cover it or do I need something else ? not sure I want this was just wondering.

Thanks
Dennis

The DICE will allow for this, but the real muscle for the DICE is audio integration - not so much on video.

The iLink is a heavy hitter in the Mulitmedia field, but does not offer steering wheel control - instead includes a wireless remote.

You will have to device which is more important to you. I couldn't - so I have both systems in my car and swap the ipod from the DICE to the iLink depending on if I wanted to watch a movie or drive and listen to the iPod. :rofl:

Tom

The link Wuzin gives for the camera doesnt mention the VSM why is this? Has this install been done directly to the TV modulator unit without the VSM? Do we need the VSM in that case if all I want is the Backup camera?

I dont know if I am missing something here but the link instructions from wuzin post seem to contradict the instructions sent by yourself with the VSM and camera for installation.

Also can you confirm to fit the VSM in accordance with the instructions that came with it, you have to remove the screen at the front and not just 'plug and play' from the DVD unit at the rear?

Lastly there are two sets of instructions for the camera and the VSM both seem to require a connection to the reverse lights, is that right? If so why both if going to the expense of the VSM. Assuming thats all you want to do with it.

I hope that makes sense, Thanks for your help

wuzin used the bumblebee camera from an earlier Group Buy - which we now carry on the site and just received in stock yesterday (just not at the time when he ordered).

Reverse "Bumblebee" Camera
http://www.europeanautosource.com/pr...roducts_id=439

The reason the NAV screen was removed was to gain access to the AUX connector behind the NAV display. If you are not interested in having an additional A.V port in the glovebox area, the connection can be sourced directly at the radio tuner underneath the spare tire - and all work is completed in the rear eliminating the need for cable routing.

The VSM gets the command to switch over using the reverse taillight which is why we need to tap into this wire. Since the VSM is located in the cargo area - this is only inches away from where the module resides.

Hope this clears things up! ;)

If thats the case with the radio tuner do you have instructions for this is it just a connector to be pulled and reconnected, where is it connected etc. (Unfortunately the instructions dont mention this.) Or is it not plug and play. When we spoke you talked about it being 90% plug and play using the back of the DVD nav unit, is that not right?

As far as I can see the Wuzin link gives instructions to use the bumblebee camera without the VSM, is that right? if so then, if all I want to do is have a back up camera do I need the VSM?

I understand why I have to tap into the reverse light what I want to know is why do both camera and VSM have to be wired in to the reverse light. I say that because again thats what was said when I asked the question as both instructions say they need to be though they dont take into account each other.

You say since the VSM is located in the cargo area - this is only inches away from where the module resides.... sorry but what module are you referring to?

Apologies for going on but I need to be clear on this as at the moment it really makes no sense to me especially when you look at the links that you endorsed in relation to the instructions in the box evven more so now with the comment on the radio tuner as that is not mentioned in the VSM instructions nor on the resource page on the EAS website.

The kit you received has the additional A/V port, in which the AUX will need to be picked up from behind the NAV screen.

wuzin has a VSM also, as this is needed to allow the camera signal to display. The VSM can be referred to as the video gateway for the NAV screen.

The camera doesn't need to be on at all times - only when the vehicle is in reverse. Tapping into the reverse light will activate the camera when on reverse only.

I am referring the VSM module - it connects to the NAV computer which is also located next to the driver's taillight.

The thread was meant as an overview, not as a DIY which is why it can be slightly confusing. Feel free to contact me via email or phone and I'll be happy to explain any of the steps in detail if needed.

In Wuzin's post he gives a link to an install instruction by NCX which you congratulate. In it there is no mention of a VSM and my question is and has been if all I wanted was the back up camera, as explained, did I need the VSM?


As previously asked does the VSM and the camera need to be linked to the reverse light?

I wont pick up the other points at the moment as I am keen just to get an answer to the above.

You do need the VSM, the backup camera needs a interface to talk to the nav screen and VSM provides that.

I have the backup camera and need to buy the VSM.

Tom, Any special deal on VSM or a group buy?:)

:iagree:
Pete, you will need an video input device for the camera such as the VSM. I already had the OEM TV module in my X5 which has a built-in camera input and displays it on the nav screen when in reverse. That is why there is no mention of the VSM in my DIY article... I didn't need it.

For a person with no TV module installed, you have to have the VSM or similar device to get the camera video to the nav screen.