[roadkillrob]

Since I am too cheap to by a nav2tv box just to have a backup camera and didn't want pdc as I would rather have a camera, here is my latest idea.

I was going to buy a cheap camera, 2.5" lcd and retro it into the mirror, but I am now thinking this - can get the gentext mirror with a screen for $300 (Toyota OEM supplier and 3 yr warranty)

http://www.autoanything.com/mirrors/...&from_search=1

get a license plate camera and wire it all up, originally I was thinking about trying to take this appart and retro it into my mirror as I loose homelink if I replace the mirror, but now I am thinking that I can get a used homelink visor on ebay and pull the homlink buttons and stick them on my visor to replace the functionality and just use the mirror.

Opinions or better ideas?

[Bimmer007]

why don't you just turn your head?

[brokemywallet]

Originally Posted by Bimmer007

why don't you just turn your head?

[mbmbm&w]

Originally Posted by Bimmer007

why don't you just turn your head?

Linda Blair drives a Bimmer?!

[roadkillrob]

Originally Posted by Bimmer007

why don't you just turn your head?

I would like a camera as my kids tend to leave things in the driveway behind the car that I can't always see from in the car and that something like PDC doesn't pickup, but with a camera I will be able to see it before I pancake it!

[Deda]

hmm,dont do anything..you will be sorry later.

[roadkillrob]

Originally Posted by Deda

hmm,dont do anything..you will be sorry later.

Car to enlighten me further?

[Tallest]

Originally Posted by roadkillrob

I would like a camera as my kids tend to leave things in the driveway behind the car that I can't always see from in the car and that something like PDC doesn't pickup, but with a camera I will be able to see it before I pancake it!

for the risk or repeating, why don't you just look around behind car? You have a vert, how hard can it be?

Sorry, this product sounds like another meaningless gadget deseigned to rip off 50000 people before the idea wears off and noone cares.

[SoYank]

Originally Posted by roadkillrob

I would like a camera as my kids tend to leave things in the driveway behind the car that I can't always see from in the car and that something like PDC doesn't pickup, but with a camera I will be able to see it before I pancake it!

Get a large LCD TV mounted on the garage wall in front of the car. Put security cameras looking down the length of the doorway behind the car. Keep the remote for the TV in the car and as you're starting the car tune the TV to the security camera Then you can see what's behind you. A cheaper method would be to walk around the car before getting in. An even easier way would be to teach the kids not to leave their things in the driveway. OK, maybe not.

[onth]

your kid would be happy if you run over their toys! then they will get new toys every day!

[SoYank]

My kids wouldn't be happy. Their toys would have been destroyed and because the kids left them out they wouldn't be replaced. I know, I'm a mean old man.

[flush01]

waist of $

[Tag]

You can get a convex mirror and mount it in your garage. You'll be able to see what's behind your car then.

http://www.amazon.com/s/qid=12219396...or%2Ci%3Atools

[TerraLvr335i]

The backup camera in the mirror looks pretty cool, but losing homelink stinks and you might run into trouble with the rain sensor being integrated into the mirror housing/assembly. Definitely report back.

By the way, to those saying "just turn around," I was in that same camp until we got our Odyssey with a backup camera and began using it. There's no substitute...period. Whether you're backing out of your driveway, out of a parking spot in a busy lot, or parallel parking, it's a HUGE help. I know the Ody is much bigger, but I miss the camera every time I'm in the 3 and shift into reverse. The security that comes with the camera and LCD is worth every penny and I think it should (and eventually will) be standard on every car made.

[ejazbmw]

its already been done by a east coast member i forgot his name because he hasn't been on here in awhile but it was pretty neat since it was set up with this idrive..

[SoYank]

How do you keep mud and dust off the lens? My number plate gets filthy in the rain and the cameras are usually positioned in that area.

[ejazbmw]

Originally Posted by SoYank

How do you keep mud and dust off the lens? My number plate gets filthy in the rain and the cameras are usually positioned in that area.

well i mean his lens was under the trunk handle....

[akhter]

Do you have Idrive? If so, why not get the factory camera? Its USD300 from my BMW dealer in Japan and integrates with IDrive and its in the BMW accessories catalog. I can post the part number if needed.

[Tallest]

Originally Posted by TerraLvr335i

The backup camera in the mirror looks pretty cool, but losing homelink stinks and you might run into trouble with the rain sensor being integrated into the mirror housing/assembly. Definitely report back.

By the way, to those saying "just turn around," I was in that same camp until we got our Odyssey

still, he has a vert! you gotta have a spacial awareness of a dead goat to not see things behind it!

[The Other Tom]

check the z3/z4 board over on bimmerfest.com. Search for posts by Ron Stygar who added backup and also a front camera to his Z4

[roadkillrob]

Originally Posted by akhter

Do you have Idrive? If so, why not get the factory camera? Its USD300 from my BMW dealer in Japan and integrates with IDrive and its in the BMW accessories catalog. I can post the part number if needed.

Have you ever seen it work - last I saw the part, it was euro only, and no one knew if it could be activated in idrive or not. Please PM me any info if you have it.

It seems like no one else has ever had a car with a backup camera - it is very nice once you have it, can see kids running behind the car, works much better for parking than PDC and you can see all the things that just looking out the back of the car you can't see when they are too low.

[Dan73]

Originally Posted by roadkillrob

Have you ever seen it work - last I saw the part, it was euro only, and no one knew if it could be activated in idrive or not. Please PM me any info if you have it.

It seems like no one else has ever had a car with a backup camera - it is very nice once you have it, can see kids running behind the car, works much better for parking than PDC and you can see all the things that just looking out the back of the car you can't see when they are too low.

Or you can get a aftermarket one, my dad owns his own car electronics store and it is possible to get a aftermarket one working with iDrive too, just make sure you go to a good shop. But honestly it might be better to get a BMW one so BMW wouldn't bitch as much.