PDC sensor or backup camera installation

[georgebest]

My car has none and would be great to have it.
What is the best route to go?
Trying to install a factory original or some better alternatives out there? Or just go with a back up camera? I have MK2, probably wouldnt be able to get video to display on it.
Thanks

[sealbeach740]

Can't help you with a PDC retrofit (e38.org probably has a DIY procedure), but years ago I added a backup camera to my 7.
I've sinced replaced the backup camera in the bumper strip with one that's build into the rear license plate frame.
I used a BMW TV tuner (which are now pretty cheap on ebay) to control the backup camera to come on when you go into reverse:
http://www.bimmerboard.com/forums/posts/26374

[Sabreslight]

My car has none and would be great to have it.
What is the best route to go?
Trying to install a factory original or some better alternatives out there? Or just go with a back up camera? I have MK2, probably wouldnt be able to get video to display on it.
Thanks

Yep there is a PDC retrofit on e38.org I did it on my 98 and it wasn't too difficult, but mine was a one piece harness I believe from a facelift car. It's just time consuming.

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[Breaker38]

Wired a backup camera into the video module, works a treat on the 16:9
Fella here in NZ sells the kit and everything for $250 NZD so not cheap but the results speak for themselves comes with all instructions etc.

[georgebest]

Thanks a lot!

[Jamos]

A couple of years ago before I had my Android unit, I was going to do this:

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Basically just wire the $10 eBay backup camera, to a $12 eBay screen. Then I made two buttons - front camera, rear camera, just because why not!? Just press the button on the middle of the screen and it dropped down and folded out, and when you don't want it, just push it back up!

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.. never ended up using it, but it worked just fine!

Also for PDC, those $12-15 eBay systems are exactly the same technology just.. universal, and work fine. I also used them to make a blind spot detection system!

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[Jamos]

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[georgebest]

That's amazing!

[Jamos]

Total cost for everything I showed was no more than $40 =D

Thanks man, just showing options

[georgebest]

Jamos in next post "oh, and also made an active cruise control from $20"

[Jamos]

Hah! If only

[georgebest]

Hah! If only

I often ride a brand new S-Class, that's the only thing I would take over to the E38 (the adaptive cruise control), the rest of the advanced features are not very appealing to me.

[Jamos]

Yeah I'm a sucker for it. The first I had even heard of adaptive cruise control was while driving my buddies brand new Infiniti FX35, was so cool! I don't have it in the E38 so I don't "need" it, but for those long drives after a long day, it sure is nice. Just like all the tech features, and IMO if I can implement them, why the hell not!? If it breaks, it's not going to set an engine code and require a dealer fix like most things in modern cars =D

[georgebest]

...and I was proud of myself installing Bluetooth

[Jamos]

Haha, a LOT of people seem to suffer with that, so you should be proud!! =D

[arthbkins]

I’ll be installing backup camera in my e38 soon.

Using this Navics to interface with the vehicle:

https://naviks.com/i-22264673-1996-2...interface.html

And a cheap eBay backup camera that installs in the license plate light:

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?m...2F222536613057

I’ve used the Navics on my LandCruiser and it worked well. Bit pricey but has been very reliable.



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[georgebest]

I’ll be installing backup camera in my e38 soon.

Using this Navics to interface with the vehicle:

https://naviks.com/i-22264673-1996-2...interface.html

And a cheap eBay backup camera that installs in the license plate light:

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?m...2F222536613057

I’ve used the Navics on my LandCruiser and it worked well. Bit pricey but has been very reliable.

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What Navi do you have? MK3?

I kind of like the old school (casette player!) look and a wooden trim of the MK2, but maybe I should upgrade it at some point. Or get one of those Androids, hard to find one which fits well though.

[arthbkins]

What Navi do you have? MK3?

I kind of like the old school (casette player!) look and a wooden trim of the MK2, but maybe I should upgrade it at some point. Or get one of those Androids, hard to find one which fits well though.

I think I have MK4. I have a 16:9 widescreen unit. Naviks said it’ll work with MK3 or MK4.

I agree about the old school charm of the oem head units. I added a GROM for Bluetooth streaming and calls. Installation of those is simple including taping into the factory mic.


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[sealbeach740]

FYI - a MKIV will have "DVD" written across the front where you load the map or OS disk.

[franco90]

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part number and link

[Jamos]

Hah no part number, just go to ebay and look for "park sensors" and get one of those cheapo systems. The LED I used to light up, I just emailed some Chinese supplier of blind spot sensors and said, "I bought a system from a friend but he didn't give me the leds! Can you sell me just the leds please?" I think they sent them for free just for the cost of shipping or something. Couldn't find the email history, but again.. just some quick searching =)

[Frankie]

...Navics to interface with the vehicle....And a cheap eBay backup camera...

Thanks for this!...looks like the most practical solution I've seen yet. Still, I'm not looking forward to running camera wires thru the trunk. What power source do you plan to tap for the interface?

[arthbkins]

Thanks for this!...looks like the most practical solution I've seen yet. Still, I'm not looking forward to running camera wires thru the trunk. What power source do you plan to tap for the interface?

I haven’t planned that far ahead . I might get to it this weekend and will take some pictures if so.


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[arthbkins]

I mocked this up tonight and the Naviks seems to work but my cheap ebay camera flickers. Have another camera lying around that works well without flickering but it wouldn't be a clean install so I'm searching for a better camera. I grabbed power from one of the open fuses in the fuse box on the right side of the trunk. Picked rear seat heater fuse I think and used a fuse power tap to make it easy. Now I'm on the hunt for a better camera. I've emailed the camera vendor and the Naviks people to see if they have any ideas but won't hold my breath.

[Frankie]

Art,

Thanks for the update. Good to know about those cheap eBay cameras. I suspected them already. As for power, I was planning to tap the amp's 12 volt line, but I like the idea of using a separate, fused circuit.