Additional camera thread, because.

[Christopher72]

There's a ton of rear camera threads of how to connect them up with relays and filters. Several indicate regret in the cameras that use the number plate light due to the offset from center.

This format, adjustable and other seem more practical, while requiring additional drilling.


The rear seems simple... use the horizontal mounting under the ledge centered over the plate. The front seems more challenging, where to put it so that it is functional and not noticeable. Can anyone share their front camera locations, experience with using, and advice? I'll likely be hooking up to a MOST connected box like a Mr 12Volt.

 

[B21]

AnnubisZed is your man…after discussions with him I decided to stay with PDCs..

 

[Christopher72]

Much respect to Dave. I just don't trust PDC's to prevent beaching the bumper on a not-low-enough curb. I'm adding PDC's too, they're good for parking against a wall, fence, or other car.

 

[AnubisZed]

Rear - Yeah the drill in type, as above, but make sure you have enough room to actually fit it (depth and that you can get to the nut etc). Or the number plate surround or the Autovox (https://amzn.eu/d/8sXBf9y) type all work. No need for the relay, but defo a purpose made filter box is needed.

As for the front, I've considered this, and have even looked for something that is purpose made for another BMW that fits the kidney grills (there aren't any for the E89) but did not pursue it further.... for one very good reason.........

Road dirt!!
The rear cam is bad enough when it's a bit wet out, but the front would be awful every single day. Using it as a parking aid, then you'd have to get out first and clean the lens all the time. IMHO, just not worth the hassle.

But saying that, all you need to do is find another BMW that has the same angled profile (or as close as) and with the same distance between the slats and buy a camera for that. They all connect the same anyway so it's just the fitment.
Or you could fit a number plate surround camera, that would do it, it might look a little odd but it would work.

 

[Christopher72]

Well... no number plate on mine in the front. https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a33030106/ohio-no-front-license-plate/.
And the grillwork is all light, so a camera there would stick out like broccoli in your teeth :lol:

I've gotten used to a quick wipe of the backup lens on my Highlander with a microfiber cloth. This would likely need a front wipe as you say. For the most part, it's a fair-weather car with summer tyres -- I'll know when I'm going somewhere that I may need its parking precision.

Maybe another drilled one under the lip in front of the black diamond grill would give a good 170-deg view for front and down. I'm not really looking for it to do FLIR for me - so the down view with a cutoff top horizon would be the compromise. It would be fairly invisible.