Installing dashcam

[MattBianco]

Originally Posted by NPickles

That would be awesome, another reason to get surround cameras, but I reckon the chances of that happening are virtually nil

We need a new thread for hack wish lists, and added options/improvements.

[r33_RGSport]

Do anyone mind sharing the video? Would like to see the quality.

[r33_RGSport]

@socal2025, do you have some video that you can share? I would love to see the quality.

[Snow-Kidney]

Originally Posted by r33

@socal2025, do you have some video that you can share? I would love to see the quality.

Below is a video I found from an Amazon review on the 500 model.

"YouTube compresses video - quality is actually much better than shown on YouTube."

[Snow-Kidney]

Another vid from manufacturer better resolution and shows smartphone integration. Seems like a very cool toy:

[Snow-Kidney]

Blackvue website: http://www.blackvue.com/en/contents/sub1.asp?idx=25

[krisdv]

Originally Posted by mattbar1

I edited the post above. Sorry for the delay.

Hi, from the picture it looks like you are using 137 and 162, is that correct?

[hyde]

Originally Posted by MattBianco

For those with surround cameras (driver assist plus in the US), I wish there was a way to:

1) hack into existing cameras, and feed a small DVR recorder

2) or better yet, do the hack and feed the onboard media drive that holds (20GB??) plenty of data.

The cameras are there. The wires are there. The capture and display are there. They data storage is there. This would be more than a code as it would need a software patch, is my guess, but BMW should do it. Is there a way to petition them?

I remember someone posted a message asking for feedback on what would the demand be and how much they would be willing to pay for a retrofit DVR functionality.

With this two channel, are you actually hooking one to front and one to rear and all those wires are just exposed like that especially in the back? Wouldn't it be easier to just buy two cams? I bought one of the latest Abee cameras for my dash and hooked it up next to rearview camera (behind it) and routed the power cord behind visor into the A pillar trim totally invisible down through below glove box and only thing visible is the power socket. I am a bit sad that F15 comes with a single slider instead of dual for the cup holder, I could cover cup holders before even with socket plugged, but now I won't be able to do that.

[MattBianco]

Originally Posted by hyde

I remember someone posted a message asking for feedback on what would the demand be and how much they would be willing to pay for a retrofit DVR functionality.

That was me

Originally Posted by hyde

....Wouldn't it be easier to just buy two cams? ....

It is easier. But wouldn't be great if you paid $400-800 more and it was built in?

Perhaps my lack of handy skills always steers me towards paying for every option I can, as I cannot add/do anything on my own.

[hyde]

Originally Posted by MattBianco

That was me


It is easier. But wouldn't be great if you paid $400-800 more and it was built in?

Perhaps my lack of handy skills always steers me towards paying for every option I can, as I cannot add/do anything on my own.

LOL!

Oh yeah, it would be a lot easier but I meant two cams against two channel cam mentioned by OP, I thought those two had to be connected to each other to work that's why I said two cams instead of two channel.

[MysticBlue]

I've been thinking this ever since I got my first dash cam a couple years ago... I think the auto manufacturers are missing out on providing something that a lot of people would eventually want. It would be profitable because it could be designed and engineered into the car with 50 bucks worth of components max, and with an OM, built in system they could charge 500 bucks for the option. I know I would check that box on the option list. As more people got familiar with them, more and more people would want them. I think it's just a matter of time before it becomes very common, I'm just surprised it isn't happening already.

[monkray]

After seven months of waiting I am going to pick up my F15 3D MSport tomorrow I have bought a Blackvue 650 2-channel Dashcam with the power adapter and appreciate the information on the forum about the fuses to tap into for a constant 12v source. I am wondering if you need to disconnect the battery before pulling out the live fuses to install the "piggyback"? Are there any other issues to look out for? I would not like to have any problems. Thanks in advance for any advice.

[nameisjae1]

@monkray, you do not need to disconnect the battery. Just make sure that the car is off. I had mine installed last month, piggyback from fusebox with 12v/auto-off function if it drops below that etc.

[opasha]

So, I posted a comment in the M4 valet thread and got a really nasty reply from member ChicagoM4. I don't know if the guy woke up on the wrong side of the bed that day, but I wanted to get everyone's input if my comment was considered "snide" and "amateur" since none of that was my intention: http://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho...1#post17338511. Instead of replying with any negative comment, I liked it instead. Thanks guys .

[Armen383]

opasha While he has a point in terms of terminology of hit and run, but I think that's completely irrelevant to the actual discussion/views exchange. Moreover it doesn't justify the general tone of his reply. But anyway, it's interwebz - try reading comments to youtube videos, that'll make your day with the amount of hatred/trolling/stupidity in there.

Back on the subject of dashcams though: still can't make up my mind if I need this or not. The pragmatic part of me says that if I'm not sure I really need it, then surely I don't need it. It'll just end up as a toy... or will it? Decisions, decisions...

[opasha]

Originally Posted by Armen383

opasha While he has a point in terms of terminology of hit and run, but I think that's completely irrelevant to the actual discussion/views exchange. Moreover it doesn't justify the general tone of his reply. But anyway, it's interwebz - try reading comments to youtube videos, that'll make your day with the amount of hatred/trolling/stupidity in there.

Back on the subject of dashcams though: still can't make up my mind if I need this or not. The pragmatic part of me says that if I'm not sure I really need it, then surely I don't need it. It'll just end up as a toy... or will it? Decisions, decisions...

Yeah I hear you, Armen. I know what a hit and run is. I guess I should have worded it better. Oh well, as you said, internet is full of trolls.

There's a few useful functions for my dash cam:

1) Continuous Recording Mode: This mode is activated automatically when you start the engine. Recorded videos are saved in one-minute segments with an auto-looping mechanism.

2) Incident Recording Mode: The Active Impact Monitoring System will automatically store the ten seconds prior and after a collision registered by the 3-axis G-Sensor.

3) Parking Surveillance Mode: The F550 can support a parking surveillance mode that monitors your vehicle when the ignition is off. A combination of motion detection and impact monitoring is used to protect your car from hit-and-run incidents.
* This feature is only available when installed using the optional hardwiring cable, which I have.

4) Manual Recording: Similar to a video camera, you can use the Manual Recording Mode to capture events that occurs in front of you even if your vehicle is not involved. Just for every day driving scenes you want to record like scenic views, bad weather, etc.

5) Built in GPS recording and speed for live tracking of routes, etc

6) Dash Command/Torque integration the way paicapo captured his 0-60 moments (of course on a safe road with no other traffic/cars/people).

So, yes, many great uses . I want to protect my car especially because of all my mods - that's the main purpose for me.

[delviacv2]

My guess is that ChicagoM4 is having a bad day

[r33_RGSport]

FYI guys, I just saw in the new BMW parts catalog, BMW now offering dash cam set also.

[BimmerSFo]

Originally Posted by r33

FYI guys, I just saw in the new BMW parts catalog, BMW now offering dash cam set also.

R33, do you have a link by any chance? i can not find it

[opasha]

Originally Posted by BimmerSFo

R33, do you have a link by any chance? i can not find it

It's not new. It's been around for some time and from my research the quality isn't that great or worth it: http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...75&hg=66&fg=95.

You can buy the whole system for $399 from ECSTuning: http://www.ecstuning.com/ES2784691/. The part number is 66212359954. Here's some videos on youtube: https://www.youtube.com/results?sear...vanced+car+eye. Note through acceleration the quality really starts to blur where competitors maintain better image quality. My thinkware cost me about the same price for the front, rear, and hardwire kit from Amazon.

[BimmerSFo]

Originally Posted by opasha

It's not new. It's been around for some time and from my research the quality isn't that great or worth it: http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...75&hg=66&fg=95.

You can buy the whole system for $399 from ECSTuning: http://www.ecstuning.com/ES2784691/. The part number is 66212359954. Here's some videos on youtube: https://www.youtube.com/results?sear...vanced+car+eye. Note through acceleration the quality really starts to blur where competitors maintain better image quality. My thinkware cost me about the same price for the front, rear, and hardwire kit from Amazon.

Thanks Opasha!

i used to have the 500 series i think... it was great i also had the sony one with sony sensors, not too happy.... i am just also thinking of a way to install them hidden but not easy to do i guess.

[opasha]

Originally Posted by BimmerSFo

Thanks Opasha!

i used to have the 500 series i think... it was great i also had the sony one with sony sensors, not too happy.... i am just also thinking of a way to install them hidden but not easy to do i guess.

My pleasure . Here are the install guides provided by r33 and nameisjae1: https://copy.com/yaAjIbahiZRV9q1m.

I actually am going to send back my Thinkware F550 since the new X500 (the best 1080p front and 1080p rear camera on the market currently) is now available from Amazon:

Thinkware X500 Front: http://www.amazon.com/THINKWARE-X500...=ATVPDKIKX0DER

Thinkware X500 Rear: http://www.amazon.com/THINKWARE-TWA-...=ATVPDKIKX0DER

Thinkware X500 Hardwire Kit: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

http://www.pcworld.com/article/28653...-features.html

http://www.thinkware.com/Products/X500