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      05-29-2020, 02:47 PM   #1
Kamry
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Best 2 series aftermarket backup camera?

I'm looking to get a backup camera as I'm installing This carplay retrofit very soon. Has anybody installed a backup camera on a M235I that's happy with the quality? I've been researching myself but cannot find anything OEM style.
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      05-29-2020, 05:41 PM   #2
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Check with Bimmertech they have everything you're trying to accomplish.
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      06-03-2020, 06:30 PM   #3
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I'm in the same boat Kamry . I have the same setup "Carlinkit".

So far i found these two cameras, but im not sure if they work with this unit or f22 platform. Will do more research and report back.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01KLU7OSY..._T3CoEbGZR9X7H

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/33035184966.html
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      06-04-2020, 05:58 AM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by lateapex'er View Post
I'm in the same boat Kamry . I have the same setup "Carlinkit".

So far i found these two cameras, but im not sure if they work with this unit or f22 platform. Will do more research and report back.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01KLU7OSY..._T3CoEbGZR9X7H

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/33035184966.html
Thats exactly what I'm looking for! great finds! I'll be sure and post if i find anything similar or if i end up buying one of those.
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      06-04-2020, 08:49 PM   #5
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I'll offer my two cents in- I've been sorely disappointed with the BimmerTech solution. Their camera doesn't have the image clarity of the factory camera, when it cuts over to camera the overlay looks like crap.
Finally since install the head unit main screen flicks in and out randomly - even after replacing the BimmerTech unit. Never had any problems with it before. I am going to have it removed and replaced with the factory camera and look for another solution.
Their customer support has also been less than satisfactory.

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Originally Posted by BEM-S4 View Post
Check with Bimmertech they have everything you're trying to accomplish.

Last edited by WolfGTI; 06-04-2020 at 08:59 PM..
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      06-05-2020, 08:28 AM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by WolfGTI View Post
I'll offer my two cents in- I've been sorely disappointed with the BimmerTech solution. Their camera doesn't have the image clarity of the factory camera, when it cuts over to camera the overlay looks like crap.
Finally since install the head unit main screen flicks in and out randomly - even after replacing the BimmerTech unit. Never had any problems with it before. I am going to have it removed and replaced with the factory camera and look for another solution.
Their customer support has also been less than satisfactory.
That's good to know. Sucks to hear, but good to know. Iv'e got factory nav and cameras in all my cars, just heard decent things about the Bimmertech gear and saw a few install videos that didn't look bad.
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      06-05-2020, 10:44 AM   #7
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This is the backup camera I purchased for my Carlinkit install. It works flawlessly, at a fraction of the cost of Bimmertech unit. Not sure how the image quality relates to other units... but c'mon folks... it's a back up camera... I can see objects just fine!
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32786911075.html
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      06-05-2020, 02:25 PM   #8
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I have the factory Nav - didn't get the camera - lol I should have.

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Originally Posted by BEM-S4 View Post
That's good to know. Sucks to hear, but good to know. Iv'e got factory nav and cameras in all my cars, just heard decent things about the Bimmertech gear and saw a few install videos that didn't look bad.
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      06-05-2020, 03:08 PM   #9
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I have the factory Nav - didn't get the camera - lol I should have.
Did't realize that was even possible! I think if you get the OEM camera and wiring it should be plug and play for you but maybe not.
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      06-05-2020, 04:18 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BEM-S4 View Post
Did't realize that was even possible! I think if you get the OEM camera and wiring it should be plug and play for you but maybe not.
That was my first idea, but the OEM camera alone is 500 dollars not including the control module. Pretty crazy pricing so an alliexpress aftermarket camera will probably be the route i'll go.
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      06-05-2020, 04:20 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mark184 View Post
This is the backup camera I purchased for my Carlinkit install. It works flawlessly, at a fraction of the cost of Bimmertech unit. Not sure how the image quality relates to other units... but c'mon folks... it's a back up camera... I can see objects just fine!
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32786911075.html
Thanks for the link! do you by chance have any pictures of the image quality?
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      06-05-2020, 04:59 PM   #12
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I don't, but the image is good, if not more than adequate for the required use. It's comparable to my Lexus's reverse cam. It also displays lines that show the direction of steering wheel, that move as you turn the wheel as predictive display. Plus, the license plate light mount fits perfectly, and looks like stock... even though the true stock camera is in the trunk latch. I could not find a 3rd party trunk latch camera that fit the car. This one is perfect. Frankly, even if the Bimmertech product had a higher resolution, it'd be a waste for what is needed for the function. At $20, I'd defy anyone to say this is a compromise.
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      06-05-2020, 06:04 PM   #13
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I'm getting the OEM and required parts - at this point it's more about function over cost.

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Originally Posted by BEM-S4 View Post
Did't realize that was even possible! I think if you get the OEM camera and wiring it should be plug and play for you but maybe not.
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      06-05-2020, 06:08 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by WolfGTI View Post
I'm getting the OEM and required parts - at this point it's more about function over cost.

Quote:
Originally Posted by BEM-S4 View Post
Did't realize that was even possible! I think if you get the OEM camera and wiring it should be plug and play for you but maybe not.
I think that's smart - even if OEM costs double vs aftermarket you're talking hundreds not thousands to avoid ripping your car apart again.

I'm currently working through 2x radar detectors, 2x iPad, 2x pro clip phone cradles and a wireless laser jammer. My wiring hell is probably worse than yours if it makes you feel better.
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      06-05-2020, 06:12 PM   #15
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Thanks - lol - I did the V1 G2 in May, so that's done -now awaiting the concealed display to come out for it.

Quote:
Originally Posted by BEM-S4 View Post
I think that's smart - even if OEM costs double vs aftermarket you're talking hundreds not thousands to avoid ripping your car apart again.

I'm currently working through 2x radar detectors, 2x iPad, 2x pro clip phone cradles and a wireless laser jammer. My wiring hell is probably worse than yours if it makes you feel better.
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      06-05-2020, 07:08 PM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by WolfGTI View Post
Thanks - lol - I did the V1 G2 in May, so that's done -now awaiting the concealed display to come out for it.
Check out V1 Driver too, it looks like a really nice app to compliment the detector. I'm debating concealed display, will see what it looks like when it comes out. Phone in dock on dash serves essentially the same purpose. If you're an Android person the JBv1 app looks AWESOME.
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      06-09-2020, 08:50 AM   #17
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Thanks - I had the V1 driver installed when I ordered the detector - just started playing with JBV1 this weekend - it's a very nice app.

Quote:
Originally Posted by BEM-S4 View Post
Check out V1 Driver too, it looks like a really nice app to compliment the detector. I'm debating concealed display, will see what it looks like when it comes out. Phone in dock on dash serves essentially the same purpose. If you're an Android person the JBv1 app looks AWESOME.
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      06-10-2020, 05:01 PM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mark184 View Post
I don't, but the image is good, if not more than adequate for the required use. It's comparable to my Lexus's reverse cam. It also displays lines that show the direction of steering wheel, that move as you turn the wheel as predictive display. Plus, the license plate light mount fits perfectly, and looks like stock... even though the true stock camera is in the trunk latch. I could not find a 3rd party trunk latch camera that fit the car. This one is perfect. Frankly, even if the Bimmertech product had a higher resolution, it'd be a waste for what is needed for the function. At $20, I'd defy anyone to say this is a compromise.
Thanks for your feedback mark. I had been looking up and down for an adequate aftermarket solution. What threw me off at first was the fact that I thought this would replace the license plate light in its entirety, come to find out that is not true. Looking at the pictures, it does include some light output.

Out of curiosity, which kit did you choose from the supplier, wired, wireless RCA or wireless AUX?
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      06-11-2020, 02:19 AM   #19
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If you go the aftermarket solution, the RCA camera ( be it wired or not, it still connects to the car by RCA ) needs to go somewhere.

There are two options here:
  1. aftermarket android navigation, and camera connects to the screen and that is all you need to do
  2. a camera emulator, that tricks the car into thinking it has OEM camera hardware like this. Camera then connects to this module. Also, you need to VO code the car for camera option ( 3AG ).
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      05-29-2021, 12:09 PM   #20
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Looking for a back up camera MMi for my 230i. Its a 2017 w/ EVO and 8.8 display. Can anyone recommend a kit that supports wireless Android phones? I already mounted a camera on the trunk handle and ran the wiring to the dash area.
Thx, Don
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      05-29-2021, 12:51 PM   #21
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Bimmertech is a total rip-off, selling Chinese kit and slapping a bimmertech logo on it and overcharging unsuspecting consumers.

I bought Andrea's identical MMI package for about half what bimmertech charges and added the camera for $15 at the time whereas bimmertech charges $300 for the camera.

https://www.android-car-dvd.com/coll...31283405488264
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