Reversing camera

[DanG]

Hi everyone,

Seems like a helpful bunch here so I wondered if anyone could point me in the direction of a good quality reversing camera for the e89? I’ve bought a lovely z4 and want to keep it that way!

Seems the car is already fitted with an aftermarket CarPlay screen and when I put it in reverse I get lines but no video and a ‘no signal’ message. So seems like someone set up the system but never bothered fitting the camera?

Any known / loved brands? Assuming boot light positioning? Or know anyone who fits them in the Surrey area? All links gratefully received.

Right, off to take the roof down and go for a spin! Enjoy the sunshine everyone.

 

[B21]

There are versions that combine the number plate light (one of two) that are cheapo that work or there are higher end versions much better quality but require a bit of drilling..

https://www.amazon.co.uk/PARKVISION-Reversing-Flexible-Mounting-Vertically/dp/B08RB5FWK8/ref=pd_bxgy_d_sccl_2/261-7057832-0840357?pd_rd_w=r97dS&content-id=amzn1.sym.26650545-76bb-4cec-9169-6ae3698dbb86&pf_rd_p=26650545-76bb-4cec-9169-6ae3698dbb86&pf_rd_r=XAW7D0J71BS83CPRFAZ5&pd_rd_wg=7qsVi&pd_rd_r=c8efc557-f073-4411-8708-31d582cf98c4&pd_rd_i=B08RB5FWK8&psc=1


https://unique-ad.co.uk/product/bmw-e89-z4-reversing-backup-camera/

 

[AnubisZed]

This is the latest version of the one I have from Auto-Vox....
https://www.auto-vox.com/products/cs2-rear-camera

The plate sticks behind the number plate and is then pointing just above it. It doesn't obscure the numbers and can be placed centrally.

Looking around, and some sellers on eBay are selling this same camera for £82!! :thumbsdown:

And I highly recommend using a filter box to power it off the reversing light...
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CZ8M4JCP/?coliid=I2541WQDTGOV9H&colid=SHM7HC8GH0OG&psc=1&ref_=list_c_wl_lv_ov_lig_dp_it

 

[sakamoto]

It's hard to see under the front bumper, and I can't see the rear bumper at all, so I use a monitor that attaches to the rearview mirror

 

[javis20]

Do you have a link to the monitor?

 

[DanG]

Thanks for all the links and advice.

Link to monitor… hmmm not sure. Got the card yesterday so still trying to figure out what goes where. In the boot compartment on the left are a few wires leading into the rear light well. I hoped that might mean a camera was already installed but no obvious sign of that from the exterior.

 

[AnubisZed]

Some of this video may be of use to you....
https://youtu.be/j-I2KSQxYb8?si=NqMVHP5hkil50Lg_

Ignore the power feed and relay, as that filter is linked earlier does a better job. Oh and you don't need to remove the rear lights to get the bumper off.

 

[DanG]

Great, thanks for the advice everyone.

This looks like the kind of thing. Anyone had any experience fitting this particular model:

https://unique-ad.co.uk/product/bmw-e89-z4-reversing-backup-camera/

Hoping it's simple as I'm pretty rubbish at DIY and emotionally not quite ready to take a drill to my lovely new Zed yet!

 

[B21]

Great, thanks for the advice everyone.

This looks like the kind of thing. Anyone had any experience fitting this particular model:

https://unique-ad.co.uk/product/bmw-e89-z4-reversing-backup-camera/

Hoping it's simple as I'm pretty rubbish at DIY and emotionally not quite ready to take a drill to my lovely new Zed yet!

I bought a couple but decided against them..happy to sell to you at a good price..

 

[AnubisZed]

My honest opinion on that type of camera.... Don't!
Doesn’t matter on quality or price point, my old camera was actually perfectly fine, it's the positioning on the car that makes all the difference. Both of the numberplate lights are too far off centre, so it doesn't give anywhere near a true centre line. It's best to have the camera in the centre. Both the one I linked above and the first link from B21 can be mounted in the centre.