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-   -   X5 Reversing Camera At Night - RUBBISH (https://xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-forums/x5-e70-forum/94533-x5-reversing-camera-night-rubbish.html)

nephs 10-24-2013 07:11 AM

X5 Reversing Camera At Night - RUBBISH
 
Hi all

I have a 2012 X5 with a lot of bells and whistles including the reversing camera with top view. During the day, the camera is awesome and I probably won't buy another car without it but at night, when the lights are on, the picture is all 'clouded' out and is unusable.
This is caused by the number plate light which the camera sits right next to. Has anyone been able to come up with an idea to block the light hitting the camera. Obviously cannot remove the bulb (as much as I am tempted to) as this is illegal. Any ideas / help would be much appreciated. Have to say poor design by BMW though.
Thanks

texvette 10-24-2013 10:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nephs (Post 960836)
Hi all

I have a 2012 X5 with a lot of bells and whistles including the reversing camera with top view. During the day, the camera is awesome and I probably won't buy another car without it but at night, when the lights are on, the picture is all 'clouded' out and is unusable.
This is caused by the number plate light which the camera sits right next to. Has anyone been able to come up with an idea to block the light hitting the camera. Obviously cannot remove the bulb (as much as I am tempted to) as this is illegal. Any ideas / help would be much appreciated. Have to say poor design by BMW though.
Thanks

Maybe our design is different, smaller plate, but rear view at night isn't
that bad. If something is back there I know it, its 2013

nephs 10-24-2013 10:44 AM

I will try and take a picture so you can all see what I am talking about. It's mainly the first third of the screen that is unsuable. Heaven forbid if a child is standing there as you would have no chance of spotting them. I have tried taking down the brightness and contrast of the screen to zero and whilst it helps, it's still unaccepatable IMO.

Davidf 10-24-2013 11:35 AM

Yes, the back-up camera on my '08 is worthless at night as well.

I should say: Unless there is sufficient ambient light available.

delviacv2 10-24-2013 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nephs (Post 960836)
Hi all

I have a 2012 X5 with a lot of bells and whistles including the reversing camera with top view. During the day, the camera is awesome and I probably won't buy another car without it but at night, when the lights are on, the picture is all 'clouded' out and is unusable.
This is caused by the number plate light which the camera sits right next to. Has anyone been able to come up with an idea to block the light hitting the camera. Obviously cannot remove the bulb (as much as I am tempted to) as this is illegal. Any ideas / help would be much appreciated. Have to say poor design by BMW though.
Thanks

have you play with the settings/adjustments?

Toneaero 10-24-2013 02:05 PM

I noticed it more when I replaced my license plate lights with white LEDs. The backup cam at night will be washed out due to the plate light. Its even worse when the backup camera lens is dirty.

nephs 10-25-2013 04:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by delviacv2 (Post 960879)
have you play with the settings/adjustments?

yes, tried adjusting the brightness and contrast to both extremes andmaking it brighter makes it worse. Hope to take a pic and post tonight

3Series 10-25-2013 11:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Davidf (Post 960877)
Yes, the back-up camera on my '08 is worthless at night as well.

I should say: Unless there is sufficient ambient light available.


Cameras are different on a 2008 compared to a LCI vehicle. But yes, the pre-lci cameras are worthless unless it's sunny and clear.

mgmidget72 10-25-2013 12:01 PM

I can't see much at night on mine either (2011). When backing into my driveway, I ride the brakes so that the brake lights illuminate the area. While this isn't as good as during the day, I can see enough to get into the driveway and not hit anything.

-Scott

JCL 10-25-2013 12:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nephs (Post 960870)
I will try and take a picture so you can all see what I am talking about. It's mainly the first third of the screen that is unsuable. Heaven forbid if a child is standing there as you would have no chance of spotting them. I have tried taking down the brightness and contrast of the screen to zero and whilst it helps, it's still unaccepatable IMO.

To me, this illustrates the downside of rear view cameras. They are not designed to replace driver situational awareness and actually checking for obstacles, including children. It is like relying on a rear view mirror without doing a shoulder check. What if that child was just out of view of a perfectly functioning rear view camera?

If there is a risk that children are playing behind the vehicle I would suggest a walk around before reversing.


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