[FL335]

I am putting this in the e9x section to give it a little more exposure.

I have had 2 e90 335i s and since day one, knew it needed a back up camera. I came from a 2007 G35s sedan and got very used to having the extra visibility. My first 335i was totaled and since, I have had some neck and back issues. I bought a new 335i after the accident and finally decided I need to install a reverse camera out of necessity AND convenience.

I did extensive research and decided on Bimmertech. I have read threads about there being a "cheaper' way to add one but this involved some potential pitfalls I didn't want to deal with: coding, need for PDC, potential lack of quality, help/support etc..

I e-mailed over my vin and Patryk quickly got back to me with the kit I would need. I ordered it on a Sat. and it was at my home in FL on Wed. (it came from Poland)…how's that for service?

I was considering have a shop do the install but I have the tools and a friend who is very mechanically inclined so we decided to tackle the job that Sat. am. Overall, the install was very straight forward. The instructions provided were spot on.

Once we got the entire thing installed, we tested it….nothing, dead. Put it in R and we saw no change, not even a black screen. We were bummed. It was about 3:00 EST so i e-mailed over to Patryk and fired a few questions at him. Within 2 minutes..we were e-mailing back and forth….again, excellent customer service.

The issue we had was that the system comes with a mini remote and an RF cable to receive the signal from the remote. The RF cable was wadded up inside, behind the main deck. We decided that it would be best to feed the RF cable down into the glove box for easy access. After we had a clear shot of the RF cable, we used the remote to "program" the module and voila! we had a picture.

This camera is awesome. It spans the full width of the Nav (you can have it set up so it's split screen but the other function (sat radio/cd or whatever) is superimposed in a small window and it's not as visible as when you have full screen. The camera itself is topnotch and appears to be high def.

I highly recommend this set up. These cars are in need of a back up camera…surprising that a 55k car didn't even have the option. (it' an 09).

Let me know if you have any questions. Thanks again to Patryk for the great service.

[blackturbo]

Is there any glare from the plate lights?

[FL335]

Originally Posted by blackturbo

Is there any glare from the plate lights?

Not really…it's a solid picture. I was very impressed.

[jwzimm]

Ah yes, looks familiar. You probably used the instructions I wrote up for Bimmertech as well. I am glad they worked well for you!! Did you opt for the dynamic parking lines as well?

[MineralweissIS]

Nice review. Since the camera and trunk opening switch is an integrated piece and replaces the original, can you comment on the quality? Does it have the feel and fit and finish of the original?

[FL335]

Originally Posted by jwzimm

Ah yes, looks familiar. You probably used the instructions I wrote up for Bimmertech as well. I am glad they worked well for you!! Did you opt for the dynamic parking lines as well?

Ahhh...well you did a damn good job! Instructions we solid. Hardest part we found was fishing the wire through the harness in the trunk. Pretty straight forward, though.

[FL335]

Originally Posted by AlpineweissIS

Nice review. Since the camera and trunk opening switch is an integrated piece and replaces the original, can you comment on the quality? Does it have the feel and fit and finish of the original?

I tried to include a video showing the camera but I could not attach it here...there are a bunch on Youtube from Bimmertech.

The trunk handle is OEM quality. it will take some getting used to as like me, imm sure you;'re used to grabbing the entire width of the handle. With the camera taking up 1/3 of it, it takes a little getting used to.

I hope this helps.

[MineralweissIS]

I was hoping you would say that about the handle. Thanks for the additional feedback!

[Bbacho2002]

Will this work with ccc?

[FL335]

Originally Posted by Bbacho2002

Will this work with ccc?

I believe it is available for CCC as well.

[DrRobert]

I installed one of these a few weeks ago too, agree it is a great mod. My only complaint is there is a brief delay from when you put the car in reverse until the image appears on the screen. There is a little glare from the plate lights but it is not bad. I got the dynamic parking lines - I definitely recommend that option!!!

[FL335]

Originally Posted by DrRobert

I installed one of these a few weeks ago too, agree it is a great mod. My only complaint is there is a brief delay from when you put the car in reverse until the image appears on the screen. There is a little glare from the plate lights but it is not bad. I got the dynamic parking lines - I definitely recommend that option!!!

Same with me. The only "complaint" if there is... is the delay between putting into R and seeing the image...no big for me. My wife's Nissan is immediate... Great customer service and product.

[jezzy]

Awesome, thanks of the write up. So, you need to run wires from the head unit to the trunk right? it's not a wireless solution?

thanks!