[Nickco43]

My rear view camera emulator broke last night so I started looking at the OEM options. Since the E70 has the CIC in theory it should work with a E90.

Goal: Retrofit a complete $3AH system off a E70.

Requirements: Any E9X with a CIC system and LCI mirrors.

Parts needed:
Camera control module
Rear camera +Trunk handle from a F10 / F30
2x X70 side camera
Farka HSD video cables
Wiring
Drill


Current challenges:

Where will the module go?
Will the side cameras fit in the LCI mirrors?
Where will the holes be drilled into the mirror?
Will the rear camera fit?

Information:

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/show...diagId=66_0199

https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/e...amera/B3MtDDjc

https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/e...camera/oUnm1Tg


In the E70 the camera module went into the dash. I am thinking it will be better to mount the box where the MULF would be in the E90. I started calling junkyards and they want $$$ for the cameras and all of them cut the wiring. The three camera cables are $$$ from the dealer so if I want to keep this bellow $200 I will need to find used cables.

If anyone is parting out a E70 with $3AH send me a PM.

Update 10/9/18:
Everything is ordered for the proof of concept base backup camera retrofit

X6 Backup camera, Side camera and Top View camera module: $75
F10: Trunk Handle with Camera: $90
3M HSD Farka cable for camera: $24

Total: $189

This weekend I need to go to the pick and pull and cut out a huge section of a main wiring harness so I can make the module harness. I will be using the combox for power and K can bus; then three wires need to be run to the cic.

We may get a test run of this Sunday if my 6FL cable will fit in the camera.

[StevenY.]

Subscribed for updates!

[Nickco43]

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/70z6vfuci...zHi1WZLPa?dl=0

This PDF shows basically what I want to do in the e90 except add the top view cameras.

I am not paying $150 for a few wires so I will make my own.

Backup camera HSD cable:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-F30-F31...MAAOSwNppbZ6z7

Top view HSD cable x2:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-F30-F31...UAAOSwO~5bZ689

I am shooting to do this under $300. I am going to buy the backup camera parts frist and then do the top view camera.

[smass]

Subscribed. I don't think many people have added top view cameras to an E70. You may as well also add the side cameras that came in the front fenders of the later E70s. .

Did you have your backup camera working without PDC? I am getting ready to take that project on with a full dash replacement on our 06 E90.

[gamesfrager]

Another project nice.
From looking at the aliexpress system installation videos; you would need to calibrate it so the images from all cameras merge properly.
Not sure how would you do that on the OEM system.
But very interested to see how it turns out.

[Nickco43]

Originally Posted by gamesfrager

Another project nice.
From looking at the aliexpress system installation videos; you would need to calibrate it so the images from all cameras merge properly.
Not sure how would you do that on the OEM system.
But very interested to see how it turns out.

I have been calling around and junkyards want to sell the whole mirror at $500 a pop. I will be doing just the backup camera first.

I asked a member on F30 post if he can measure his trunk handle. That seems like the only OEM way to mount the rear camera without drilling into my trunk. As for the side cameras I have about a 15mm gap in the bottom of my pre LCI mirrors. Hopefully the LCI mirrors have more of a gap to fit a camera or I am thinking of buying F30 mirrors to see if they will fit.

After parts shopping I now have an estimated price list:

Backup camera only: $200

+ Top View (If possible): $300

+ Side View (If possible): $300

[gamesfrager]

It's interesting the aliexpress one uses 4 camera setup, and still able to do a full 360/top view.
I did buy a backup cam from aliexpres that uses the trunk release handle.
Looks 100% OEM but ofcourse the output is RCA.

[Nickco43]

Originally Posted by gamesfrager

It's interesting the aliexpress one uses 4 camera setup, and still able to do a full 360/top view.
I did buy a backup cam from aliexpres that uses the trunk release handle.
Looks 100% OEM but ofcourse the output is RCA.

For $60 the emulator rear view camera gets the job done. But for $140 more you can get the OEM system with dynamic lines.

[smass]

Originally Posted by Nickco43

For $60 the emulator rear view camera gets the job done. But for $140 more you can get the OEM system with dynamic lines.

Can you hook the E90 LCI camera directly to the CIC? I thought LCI also needed the camera module. Perhaps that is only for E70.

[Nickco43]

Originally Posted by smassey321

Can you hook the E90 LCI camera directly to the CIC? I thought LCI also needed the camera module. Perhaps that is only for E70.

US spec E90s never had a backup camera option. It was special order for Europe only.

I am talking about the aftermarket emulator which emulates the camera module I want to put into my car. This allows you to hook up a cheap RCA camera. I had this until it broke after a month.

https://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1005301

[gamesfrager]

Originally Posted by Nickco43

For $60 the emulator rear view camera gets the job done. But for $140 more you can get the OEM system with dynamic lines.

Since I don't have iDrive, I only got the release handle with the camera for about $30 CAD.

[Nickco43]

Originally Posted by gamesfrager

Since I don't have iDrive, I only got the release handle with the camera for about $30 CAD.

This is happening. I ordered the module and the camera. I just need to order the HSD cable from China.

I may be able to make a plug and play harness off the combox

[Nickco43]

Today @obert kind enough to measure his trunk handle and the trunk handle itself looks like the same size as the E90 one. Mounting the camera like the F30 is option one once you drill a square hole to the right of the camera.

Option two is to take one of the halogen number plate lights and to cut out a hole in the center.








I have aftermarket LED lights that look bad with one of them not plugged in. I think to make it look good I will go back to the halogens.

[PichaDis11]

Searched up online while doing my retrofit for CIC few years back. This site may be able to help you with custom HSD Cables.

https://www.rfsupplier.com/c/hsd-cable-assemblies_0028

[gamesfrager]

I know you said you don't want to deal with aliexpress stuff.
But what about getting one of these

https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/bByxlcHE

And replace the camera with the one you get for BMW? I mean instead of drilling and all?

[Nickco43]

Originally Posted by PichaDis11

Searched up online while doing my retrofit for CIC few years back. This site may be able to help you with custom HSD Cables.

https://www.rfsupplier.com/c/hsd-cable-assemblies_0028

I ordered a superbat cable from AlieExpress. I also have one for my $6FL and it works great

Originally Posted by gamesfrager

I know you said you don't want to deal with aliexpress stuff.
But what about getting one of these

https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/bByxlcHE

And replace the camera with the one you get for BMW? I mean instead of drilling and all?

Dead link

If I can modify the number plate light with the OEM camera that will be my best bet. My trunk handle + camera comes in tomorrow.

The end goal of this is to to be able to sell plug and play retrofit kits that can be installed without any modification. If I can make a little bit of money off these kits I will be more inclined to do even more crazy retrofits like ACC Stop + Go and other driver assist mods from the F series cars.

Side note, I think the ACC with Stop + Go is 100% possible to retrofit if you use the E70 X5 system:

https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/e...ntrol/BIQgK4xr

https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/e...ntrol/CkNaK1aO

[gamesfrager]

Sorry, here is a better link https://m.aliexpress.com/item/32808727254.html

[Nickco43]

Originally Posted by gamesfrager

Sorry, here is a better link https://m.aliexpress.com/item/32808727254.html

I just spent two hours getting that exact camera/ trunk handle out of my trunk. What a POS. It was so tight in the trunk.

[gamesfrager]

Originally Posted by Nickco43

I just spent two hours getting that exact camera/ trunk handle out of my trunk. What a POS. It was so tight in the trunk.

yep, I remember when I tried to reattach the rubber housing as it slipped while pushing it in, it took a bit of effort.

Well, I certainly don't know how to read all these diagrams nor have the money to keep spending

Very interested still in all your DIY projects. Keep up the great work.

[Nickco43]

The camera is too big to fit in the number plate light. I will need to buy a non camera trunk handle and make a drilling template. I called my local body shop and said it was going to be $200- 300 to drill the hole. I am going to DIY the hole using a drill and a dermal.

[gamesfrager]

Can't you use that POS aliexpress handle and swap the camera?

[Nickco43]

Originally Posted by gamesfrager

Can't you use that POS aliexpress handle and swap the camera?

I mean I could: https://www.ampire.de/Multimedia/CAS...DM-RCAF&p=3809

That adapter is 50 euros shipped. I am thinking about buying another china camera and make the adapter myself.

The OEM camera is huge.



I will need to drill out almost the entire section between the hundle and the number plate light.