2nd group buy update!

1. Steve
2. slientsea
3. Mugen
4.
5.

Round Connector for 2010 X5
 

In waiting for us_matrix to order the video interface unit for 2010 X5, today I removed the built-in screen unit from the front panel to make sure that I really get a round connector (as opposed to the flat connector for the previous models). I'm pleased to report that the screen unit of 2010 X5 is truly equiped with a round connector as shown in the picture I took.

Really want to jump aboard with this mod.

Thanks US_Matrix. I finally got your e-mail of the instructions.

Just wondering if this is possible:
Can I physically move my exisiting camera and place it somewhere in my truck (so that iDrive still recognizes it and does not throw any faults), then install the system in this thread?

It sounds like the new video interface & camera just hijacks and takes priority of the output to the screen (so it doesn't matter what is actually being displayed by iDrive in the background (even if it is the exisiting camera's video output).

I really would like to have a faster activating camera with better resolution.

Can anyone think of any reason why my propsed solution (for people with exisiting cameras) might not work?

It sounds possible to me... i guess the factory camera must be activated (display on screen) by pressing the button. For aftermarket camera system, it simply activate by itself as soon as you shift to "R".

I wish i could give you more insight but I am not 100% sure......

Kind of an elaboration over the previous question I posted.

So I'm looking over the install of the video unit. It looks like the LVDS Cable is what connects the iDrive to the display.

Essentially, we take the LVDS cable from the iDrive and put it to the video unit. Then, take a new LVDS cable from the video unit to the screen. Is it safe to assume that the original camera is still connected to the iDrive? So essentially I don't even need to remove the camera from the original system (except physically from the rear to free up space for the new camera).

So when the car is put into reverse, there is some kind of signal from the iDrive that passes through the original LVDS to the video unit? or how does the video unit know that it is in reverse?

It actually sounds pretty safe to me as we are just placing something in between the iDrive and the screen. Nothing that would relay any input into the iDrive. Am I understanding this correctly?

So what is the price of the 2nd group buy?

I see a few numbers throughout the thread (too lazy to ready through everything again to figure it out).

Video unit for MY 07-09 old iDrive is $320 + shipping.

The after market rear camera is just a video input to the video unit. But again, I cannot tell for sure about how the original camera perform.

Cool. Thanks US_Matrix.

Btw, does anyone know how complicated it is to run wire for the camera? What panels do I need to remove? As detailed instructions as possible is greatly appreciated!

Are we any closer to getting a group buy?

Hi,

We have 3 deposits now. Just waiting 2 more to get start. If you are interested to get the ball rolling. Paypal $30 as deposit to get started. Or any questions, PM me.

Will order for 2nd group buy this week. Let me know if anyone like to join.