[jwzimm]

Hey all.

I just finished installing the Bimmer-Tech reverse camera kit with dynamic parking lines. The system is simply awesome! I chose this over the OEM integration solution as I do not have PDC and didn't want a useless screen. This one is great because it fills the entire screen and has dynamic (aka moving) parking lines. Although I didn't use the feature, you can also hook in other video sources and it will pipe it to your iDrive screen. The quality of the camera is absolute top notch and fit perfectly in the OEM handle location. The picture quality is awesome, especially the nighttime resolution.

Here is a video:

Thanks again to Patryk for his help and support!

[NWCT335d]

This is exactly what I have been looking for. How was the install? What is involved?

Thanks.

[jwzimm]

Originally Posted by NWCT335d

This is exactly what I have been looking for. How was the install? What is involved?

Thanks.

The install wasn't too bad. I generated an installation guide for Bimmer-Tech while I was doing it so that will help you as well if you decide to order from them. Probably the biggest part of the installation is removing all the panels required to route the cable from the trunk to the dash. I detailed exactly how I did this in the guide though so you should be okay. One thing I highly recommend; order the trim tools from them if you don't have them already. They make removing trim soooooo much easier.

A rough estimate is a good DIYer would be able to complete the install in about 4 hours or less.

[NWCT335d]

That's great, thanks. So there was no coding or anything that needed to be done in order to activate everything? Just run the cables, install the camera, plug everything in, and you're good to go?

In my opinion, $600 or so is reasonable enough considering I am always worried about my kids being behind me when I back out of my garage, etc.

Thanks again.

[Patrys@BimmerTech]

Originally Posted by NWCT335d

That's great, thanks. So there was no coding or anything that needed to be done in order to activate everything? Just run the cables, install the camera, plug everything in, and you're good to go?

In my opinion, $600 or so is reasonable enough considering I am always worried about my kids being behind me when I back out of my garage, etc.

Thanks again.

Thank you Jason for the positive feedback!

NWCT335d - please send us your VIN to info@bimmer-tech.net if you are interested in this backup camera.

[jwzimm]

Originally Posted by NWCT335d

That's great, thanks. So there was no coding or anything that needed to be done in order to activate everything? Just run the cables, install the camera, plug everything in, and you're good to go?

In my opinion, $600 or so is reasonable enough considering I am always worried about my kids being behind me when I back out of my garage, etc.

Thanks again.

No coding at all. This system is a standalone system that "hijacks" the OEM screen to display the camera. It is fully independent. It taps in to the CANBUS as well so you can control it from the iDrive knob.

Good luck!

[NWCT335d]

Fantastic! I already emailed Bimmer-Tech.

Thanks.

[taibanl]

what is the difference between red and green lines? they don't update at the same rate.

[NWCT335d]

Originally Posted by Patrys@BimmerTech

NWCT335d - please send us your VIN to info@bimmer-tech.net if you are interested in this backup camera.

Just placed my order for the Rear Camera Retrofit with dynamic parking lines. Can't wait to get it installed!

[jwzimm]

Originally Posted by taibanl

what is the difference between red and green lines? they don't update at the same rate.

The red lines demonstrate the limit of the turning radius and the green lines show the current path based on steering angle. The red lines switch as you pass through 0 degrees of steering angle.

[taibanl]

Good description. Thanks much.

[DrRobert]

Hi,
I too am interested in this kit. Can you post a picture of the back of your car showing what the camera looks like?

Thanks!

[jwzimm]

Here you go.

[DrRobert]

That is very clean and discrete. Think I'll get me one of those too! Thanks!

[bacardi198]

@jwzimm, could you post up a link to download your install guide? Maybe on Zippyshare or Google Drive, one of those type of sites?

I'd appreciate it!

[jwzimm]

Originally Posted by bacardi198

@jwzimm, could you post up a link to download your install guide? Maybe on Zippyshare or Google Drive, one of those type of sites?

I'd appreciate it!

No can do I'm afraid. I developed the guide specifically for Bimmer-Tech and they hold the rights to it. You can contact Patryk and he should be able to provide it to you if you order his kit.

[Stresspuppy]

(Since this thread is about install, thought I would post this here instead of starting a new thread...)

I am working to install the backup camera on my 2011 335d. I have the camera in and wire routed to the front. I have the dash apart and am at the point in the instructions that say:

“Route the BMW video cable out of the screen area and into the area behind the climate control module. The cable can be accessed from behind the glovebox area.”

In my car, the video and power cables go back into the dash and off to the left, so trying to route towards the glovebox and down won't work (can't get to them and if I could, they wouldn't be long enough). I took off the panel under the steering column to see if I might have access there but no luck.

Has anyone done this in an E90 and if so, how did you route the wires? I'm kind of stuck at the moment so any help is GREATLY appreciated.

[NWCT335d]

I too have a 2011 335d and installed this kit back in the fall. I had the same issue. Here is what I did (from what I can remember):

- I pulled up as much slack on the video cable as I could. i remember getting a bit more length out of it
- I routed the video cable straight down from its original location, behind the horizontal "shelf" that is in front of where the iDrive screen goes, and then just to the left (or maybe right) of the HVAC vent that is in the middle of the area just below the iDrive screen.
- when putting the control module for the back up camera in the area behind the climate control, I had JUST enough of the video cable to make the connection. It was VERY tight, but it made it and is secure.

There must be some sort of design difference on the 335d vs other models....or perhaps it is a build date thing on the 2011's? Mine was an extremely early 2011, built in 3/10, for reference.

Good luck.

[jwzimm]

Originally Posted by Stresspuppy

(Since this thread is about install, thought I would post this here instead of starting a new thread...)

I am working to install the backup camera on my 2011 335d. I have the camera in and wire routed to the front. I have the dash apart and am at the point in the instructions that say:

“Route the BMW video cable out of the screen area and into the area behind the climate control module. The cable can be accessed from behind the glovebox area.”

In my car, the video and power cables go back into the dash and off to the left, so trying to route towards the glovebox and down won't work (can't get to them and if I could, they wouldn't be long enough). I took off the panel under the steering column to see if I might have access there but no luck.

Has anyone done this in an E90 and if so, how did you route the wires? I'm kind of stuck at the moment so any help is GREATLY appreciated.

Interesting. My cable was routed to the right. Now that I think about it though, I think I had that cable replaced at the dealer and it looks like they too a shortcut in routing the new cable. Sorry about that. If you can extract the cable you can re-route pretty easily I think though.

[Stresspuppy]

I'm not sure if it is because it is a 4 door or a diesel or something else, but definitely a different routing of the wires. Mine is a 5/2010 manufacture. I'm going to make some notes and take some pictures and send to Patryk so he can update the docs if he wants (and good doc jwzimm!! The things that were different for me, other than the video cable, were minor.)

Patryk and Bimmer Tech have been AMAZING. I ordered last Saturday and had the package on Wednesday (Poland to Virginia USA!) and his communications have been extremely prompt and very helpful throughout.

[jwzimm]

Originally Posted by Stresspuppy

I'm not sure if it is because it is a 4 door or a diesel or something else, but definitely a different routing of the wires. Mine is a 5/2010 manufacture. I'm going to make some notes and take some pictures and send to Patryk so he can update the docs if he wants (and good doc jwzimm!! The things that were different for me, other than the video cable, were minor.)

Patryk and Bimmer Tech have been AMAZING. I ordered last Saturday and had the package on Wednesday (Poland to Virginia USA!) and his communications have been extremely prompt and very helpful throughout.

Glad they are working for you. I share your impression of Patryk; great guy to work with!

So you know, that video cable routes from the CIC (radio below the climate control) to the CID (monitor). If you can access it at the CIC you might be able to pull it down to get it back behind the CIC. It should be a simple matter to route it to the module after that.

Good luck!!

btw, did you get the dynamic parking lines option?

[Stresspuppy]

Originally Posted by jwzimm

So you know, that video cable routes from the CIC (radio below the climate control) to the CID (monitor). If you can access it at the CIC you might be able to pull it down to get it back behind the CIC. It should be a simple matter to route it to the module after that.

I'll take a look at that. There is pretty much no room to get hands back there to do anything but maybe I'll get lucky. As NWCT335d mentioned, I've tried to just route the cable as is down by the air ducts and to the module. VERY tight and I haven't tried to put things back in the dash yet, so not sure how well it will work. If I can get behind there I like the option of pulling it down (though it would be impossible to put it back up there if you ever remove the unit later for some reason).

Yes, with dynamic lines. I have only tested in the garage since the dash is still apart but seems very nice and I can't wait to use it for real.