The OEM camera is blatantly obvious. It is a big, black square looking thing attached to the top corner of the license plate. It is more expensive as well, but the advantage is that you see the rear bumper and ground immediately behind you. You may not notice a car parked a short distance behind you.

With an aftermarket camera in the roundel, it's hardly noticeable. Plus you get more of a wide angle view behind you. You can easily see what's directly behind the vehicle but you don't see the bumper. This is where my park distance allows me to judge the distance. :thumbup:

QUOTE Rob,
Since you have the OEM cam, do you think it is noticable? If you were in the car behind you, would you easily notice the camera?

Please forgive me NCX...as King has stated, it is blatantly obvious :loco:
I will still post pics later so you can make your own decision. :)

Rob, King,
Thanks for the info. I realize opinions will be different so I guess I'll have to see both and just decide from there. Really, this is mainly for the Mrs. who does not "do the backup thing" very well. She only drive's my X once in a while but I want to make sure she can see what she is about to back in to.

does anyone have pictures of the oem camera on their X5

NCX, here are some pics!

Rob, thanks a lot, that is really helpful. That angle seems to be about right.
Thanks again

NCX here are some more pics. With flash and without flash "obvious" and "blatantly obvious" as stated earlier. :rofl:

NCX, I just remembered that your X5 is black so it wouldnt be and noticable.

HA! :bustingup

Rob - Thanks for the rear pics. I think you are right... on black it would be less noticable. This is a viable option to the roundel method if I decide not to cut anything. Appreciate the photos... :thumbup:

Where is the front camera mounted?

I have TV on NAV kit with camera. I installed camera at the area for the tow hitch. It works well for me so far. I was concerned if it will get dirtier than other location, the reality is the camera has such short focal length, unless there was mud on the camera, it is hardly noticable the dirt at all. I posted some picture before during the snow season. I can try to find those pics and post them again.