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      02-01-2015, 10:57 AM   #1
configt
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BimmerTech Front & Rear Camera Review and DIY

Greetings 2ers!

I am a new M235i owner. The car I purchased didn't come with navigation or any of the other multimedia goodies you might find in a loaded M235i. Really, all I wanted was a front and reverse camera and wasn't willing to to shell out the extra two grand BMW was asking for it, but at the same time I didn't want an ugly retrofit kit.

I found an OEM integration kit from a company called BimmerTech and it claimed to offer seamless OEM integration with a bunch of other cool features (Video/Audio input and Output etc). I bought it and installed the unit yesterday. Here is the exact kit I bought:

http://www.bimmer-tech.net/shop/bmw-...amera-retrofit

The unit is pretty much plug and play but requires A LOT of patience. There are a bunch of components to install and if you want it to look perfect you need to spend some time running the cables nicely and such. To say the least, my hands are killing me from pulling cables through the car.

I am very happy with the results and truly impressed with the quality of the front and reverse cameras, even in low light. The unit does integrate seamlessly and if you don't know the differences between OEM and this kit, you will never know it was not from BMW.

Lastly, the A/V control unit that comes with the kit has all sorts of cool features including multiple video and audio input channels. I plan to purchase a wireless streaming/mirroring device and connect it to this box soon so that I can stream video or Google maps from my iPhone to the OEM screen. BimmerTech will be releasing this product in the near future I am told.

I give the unit a 10/10 for quality, and a 8/10 for ease of installation.

Here are DIY videos I made for you guys. Please excuse my constant cough as I am just getting over a cold:







Let me know if you guys have any questions for install as I didn't record every single step. Some of them were self explanatory and others I left out for sake of time.

Last edited by configt; 02-01-2015 at 03:30 PM..
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      02-01-2015, 11:22 AM   #2
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Great video and instructions!! Bimmertech should be paying you for your instructions.

I used them for a Sirius retrofit on my M235i and was impressed. Let us know when you get some other videos up of some of the other features.
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      02-01-2015, 11:27 AM   #3
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Thanks! There are some steps I missed in recording, specifically connecting the harnesses and stuff but I think anyone can figure that out.

Looks like you are in Arizona as well, if you plan to go this route, let me know and I could come over and help you out. I think I could get this done in 4 hours now that I know how it's all done!
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      02-01-2015, 11:33 AM   #4
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Wow, pretty staggering! I couldn't bring myself to add the package for this when I purchased the car, but if this is that good then I'll be ordering this (wife permitting) this month. You are a gent for posting this, nice work!
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      02-01-2015, 11:37 AM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SDKevin View Post
Wow, pretty staggering! I couldn't bring myself to add the package for this when I purchased the car, but if this is that good then I'll be ordering this (wife permitting) this month. You are a gent for posting this, nice work!
No problem! Ask questions on this thread if you have any regarding the install. I can add more detail. I actually have to run and make a quick change to my wiring today so I will make another video with some connection details.
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      02-01-2015, 12:19 PM   #6
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Well done. Thanks for sharing.
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      02-01-2015, 12:42 PM   #7
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Very nice! Price isn't bad for such a well integrated system. My car has the rear camera stock but I'd love a front camera.

Where are you guys in AZ...another AZ member here (N. Peoria)!
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      02-01-2015, 02:05 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by HX_Guy View Post
Very nice! Price isn't bad for such a well integrated system. My car has the rear camera stock but I'd love a front camera.

Where are you guys in AZ...another AZ member here (N. Peoria)!
Cool! I am in East Mesa. I am looking for a BMW club out here since I am new to the BMW scene.

I am uploading another video right now that has detailed connection instructions.
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      02-01-2015, 02:10 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by HX_Guy View Post
Very nice! Price isn't bad for such a well integrated system. My car has the rear camera stock but I'd love a front camera.

Where are you guys in AZ...another AZ member here (N. Peoria)!
Did you get any springs installed on your M235i? I want to get my DINAN springs installed but not sure who to trust for install in Arizona. I can do electronic/computer stuff but when it comes to mechanical I don't trust myself haha.
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      02-01-2015, 03:31 PM   #10
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Ok, I added the new video up above between the two old ones. This one provides a lot more detail.
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      02-01-2015, 07:47 PM   #11
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Fantastic job! Very impressive!
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      02-02-2015, 01:23 PM   #12
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Can the Bimmertech front or rear cameras be used as a dash-cam recorder?

Your not getting any new rattling since the install have you?

Thought it was cute your wife smiling in the drivers seat, great videos.
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      02-02-2015, 05:08 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ScottSinger View Post
Can the Bimmertech front or rear cameras be used as a dash-cam recorder?

Your not getting any new rattling since the install have you?

Thought it was cute your wife smiling in the drivers seat, great videos.
There probably is a way to use it as a recorder since its just a normal RCA connection. I would rather just get a dedicated dash cam for this though.

No new rattling, BMW is very good at tight fitting components. This also makes it insanely hard to get things off sometimes.

Thanks, she didn't want to be filmed hahaha!
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      02-02-2015, 05:37 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by configt View Post
Thanks! There are some steps I missed in recording, specifically connecting the harnesses and stuff but I think anyone can figure that out.

Looks like you are in Arizona as well, if you plan to go this route, let me know and I could come over and help you out. I think I could get this done in 4 hours now that I know how it's all done!
That sounds great. I'll PM you if it's in the plans for sure.
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      02-04-2015, 02:45 AM   #15
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Great thread, thanks for taking the time to post this.
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      02-04-2015, 05:25 PM   #16
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I saw your post yesterday on instagram and give you a like LOL
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      02-04-2015, 07:29 PM   #17
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I appreciate you posting this. I scrape my front a little too often as well, so I love the idea of the front cam in addition to the back up camera.
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      02-04-2015, 11:18 PM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by wujin941005 View Post
I saw your post yesterday on instagram and give you a like LOL
Thanks buddy!
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      02-04-2015, 11:21 PM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Supernaut View Post
I appreciate you posting this. I scrape my front a little too often as well, so I love the idea of the front cam in addition to the back up camera.
My pleasure. Highly recommended product!
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      02-07-2015, 05:58 PM   #20
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Ok, I'll say what everyone else is thinking...the system is awesome, the instructions are great, and your wife is beautiful!
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      02-07-2015, 11:27 PM   #21
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Kudos all around to you and your lovely wife. Thanks for sharing a very valuable add-on to anyone that didn't hike up to the OEM system.
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      02-07-2015, 11:49 PM   #22
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Quote:
Originally Posted by chaswyck@yahoo.com View Post
Ok, I'll say what everyone else is thinking...the system is awesome, the instructions are great, and your wife is beautiful!
Awww that was nice of you to say Thanks!
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