[jschnelk]

Has anyone done a rear camera install on an e91? I see a number of how to's for the e90, but the wagon is a much different animal with the hatch instead of the trunk.

I purchased the Auto Vox wireless rear view mirror / backup camera kit:

https://www.amazon.com/Wireless-Back.../dp/B078N5NZPW

I like this set up because it is a clean install and does not require a new head unit with a video screen.

Wiring the mirror in to the fuse box should not be a problem, but I am struggling with the best way to connect the camera and transmitter in the back. It seems like I could wire it into the reverse light behind the panel in the hatch and tuck the transmitter back there as well, but from what I have read on these forums I may need to use a relay with a 12v constant power source. I don't think that exists in the hatch itself which means I would likely need to run wire through the hinge assembly and all the way to the battery or 12v source in the boot.

Has anyone done this install? Any guidance?

Thanks in advance!!

[nsjames]

the camera will have it's power/video lead in one wire. fish that through the hatch wiring harness, through the rubber boot, and down the hatch. Leave transmitter and the like hidden in the rear cargo area under a panel by the battery. Run your relay and power tap right there.

that's what I did in my wife's volvo wagon anyway.

[jschnelk]

Update: Installed the camera yesterday and it works great.

Camera DID NOT need a relay as power from the reversing light was enough to power it. This made the install simple as once you tap into the ground and reversing light wires in the hatch, you can tuck the wireless transmitter behind the insulation behind the hatch panel. No need to run wire through the hatch loom to access the battery or another 12v source in the boot itself.

The only tricky part is you need to drill a hole behind the license plate to fit the cables from the camera so they can be connected to the transmitter. I used a small hole bit on my drill and after the wire was through sealed it with foam and silicone to prevent any water leaking in.

At the front, you can mount the mirror/monitor and just run the power through the ceiling headliner and A Pillar trim down to the fuse box. I used a fuse tap into an empty slot on my fuse panel.

The entire setup is very clean and works well. I suspect the reason a relay was not needed (as other posts have indicated is necessary) is because this is a newer camera and draws very little power. I have a clear picture with no interference just by using the reversing wire as my source.

If anyone wants any photos, just let me know and I can post them here.

[foxfire235]

I'd like to see some pics if possible. Just picked up a 2007 e91 and would love to put a similar backup cam in. Thanks!

[nsjames]

may want to look into
https://www.amazon.com/LIEBMAYA-Degr...71680302&psc=1

if I do a backup camera that's what will happen.

[jschnelk]

Hi All, I finally got around to taking some pics of the install. You can see how the camera mounts over the mirror. The camera image is much more clear than in the photo.

You can see where I drilled the hole behind the license plate to get the module to fit. I just filled it with foam rubber and sealed it with silicone to prevent leaking.

The camera mounts in the center above the plate. The mount has two holes that line up with the top screws for the plate. It makes it a little tricky to activate the handle to open the hatch, but not too bad. I suppose any camera might work as long as you plugged it into the wireless transmitter. So perhaps a BMW handle with the camera to the side would work.

I snapped a pic of the boot panel. You can see the insulation. You need to cut it to get back in there and tuck everything in place, but as you can see, once you put it back in you could never tell there is anything back there. the wireless transmitter is back there and is spliced into the reversing wire using the included connectors that came with the camera.

I did not photograph the fuse tap in the fuse box. Pretty simple. I ran wire from the mirror down behind the a pillar cover.

All in all, I am really happy with this. It was easy, required minimal wiring or modification, inexpensive and looks clean.

If anyone has any questions, let me know!

[Luna118]

Originally Posted by jschnelk

Update: Installed the camera yesterday and it works great.

Camera DID NOT need a relay as power from the reversing light was enough to power it. This made the install simple as once you tap into the ground and reversing light wires in the hatch, you can tuck the wireless transmitter behind the insulation behind the hatch panel. No need to run wire through the hatch loom to access the battery or another 12v source in the boot itself.

The only tricky part is you need to drill a hole behind the license plate to fit the cables from the camera so they can be connected to the transmitter. I used a small hole bit on my drill and after the wire was through sealed it with foam and silicone to prevent any water leaking in.

At the front, you can mount the mirror/monitor and just run the power through the ceiling headliner and A Pillar trim down to the fuse box. I used a fuse tap into an empty slot on my fuse panel.

The entire setup is very clean and works well. I suspect the reason a relay was not needed (as other posts have indicated is necessary) is because this is a newer camera and draws very little power. I have a clear picture with no interference just by using the reversing wire as my source.

If anyone wants any photos, just let me know and I can post them here.

+1