The silver box is for the radio. I was meant to reply yesterday but i think there is a bug in Xoutpost, just couldn't reply to nothing.

I don't get it. Do you just buy the camera and plug it in? Other threads showed a much more complex process.

No, its not a simple plug n play.

Don't believe what China Ebayer says, they've got no idea. You'll need to buy something similar to this BMW AV ADAPTER, AUX INPUT, CAMERA, E46, E39, X5 E53 | eBay .... (i think ECS has them for cheaper) which you can plug into the TV tunner. Along with that harness comes a Reverse cam input and a reverse cam trigger wire.

A lot of mucking around, running the wires in the hatch of the X5 .....etc.

there are 4 ways:
1. your car has TV module or you install TV module (~$200-$400). then power camera from relay and connect it to TV module. there is a backup camera pin on tv module to switch video input.
2. you install video switch module from BMW (designed for backup camera functionality without TV tuner)
3. you install not-OEM video module that is connected to OEM navigation ~$200 on eBay
4. you install not-OEM head/navigation (like Hooligan) with built in rear camera input.

Ok I don't have TV.

Cooluserid, option two looks like it fits my bill. Which part do I need? Please advise. I'd really appreciate instruction that fit my order if you can. Thanks.

You can read detailed instructions:
Backup camera install write-up...

Some backup cam install threads and links

http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...stalled-2.html

http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...up-camera.html

Step-bu-step instructions by member ncx
Backup Cam

Wiring through tailgate


http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...ound-wire.html

http://www.xoutpost.com/articles/x5/...amera-kit.html

Dont tap the camera into the reverse light, there is a slot in the TV tuner harness that was designed to trigger the screen to switch to rear view cam as soon as you engaged reverse.

Ok, so this must be the 20th time I see those links. Now though, I am starting to figure some things out.

I have come to the conclusion that I need to get back there, and see what is actually installed, and which parts I need to get. The kits in those links are not available. So I think I am screwed going that route. I see this relay thing everywhere, so going to get that.

I guess I will resurrect this after I get in the trunk and see what is installed.

Thanks all for those links. At least they are all in one place now. My head really hurts after reading all this. Did I ever mention I don't like doing wiring stuff? Well now I did.

:rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl:

You picked the wrong project then