After I replaced headunit,speakers and installed amplifier it was time for backup camera.

I bought wireless kit and camera, because my old was not suitable for mounting it anywhere on my x3. I must say that wireless kit works great.  It should be easy install, as always things complicate.

 

 

One of the biggest problems is Can bus. This thing really sucks. You could just connect power cables on licence plate lights. It will work ok, until you will turn on your cas, then camera will start to flash. I already disabled checking lights with ncs expert, but that isn’t helped. I hate can bus!!! So I had to connected directlly to headunits rca and remote cable.

I could connected to rear wipper, but that would mean that camera will be on even without ignition on and that will also drain battery.

I must say x3 has the most complicated licence plate light in the world. You can just change stock  light with camera+light like on other models.

You can check how to remove trims here from this post. I was sucked in to work and again forgot to took more pics :S He has very nice article how to remove trims.

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=765468

Here is removed trim:

Back up camera on x3

Checking where I will fit it:

Back up camera on x3

Drilling holes:

Back up camera on x3

Mounting it on licence plate panel:

Back up camera on x3

Secured with high quality hot glue:

Back up camera on x3

Here is how you can help yourself:

Back up camera on x3

Camera installed:

Back up camera on x3

Back up camera on x3

Drilling hole for cable to trunk door. Always paint damaged metal with anti rust and quality paint!

Back up camera on x3

I connected power of camera to remote cable from headunit and also connected cable from heaunit to  backup light, so when you put in reverse camera automaticlly turns on.

Back up camera on x3

Back up camera on x3

I had to run all wires throuh this rubber. So much fun! Noooot. I had to cut rca connector to get it through.

Back up camera on x3

Back up camera on x3

So in trunk I had to solder them back to rca connector:

Back up camera on x3

Here is reverse gear detection cable connected to rear backup light:

Back up camera on x3

 

And after 5 hours finally:

Back up camera on x3

 

 

 

 

 

 

  1. Gary Sterling says:

    Hi

    Did you car have sat nav and cd changer, please tell me how you done your connection.

    I’ve connected camera live and neg to reverse cam. Where have you done the other connections.
    I’ve used the rear wiper for 12v permanent also.
    Please help. The rca is connected but I’m struggling

    • wildman939 says:

      Hello, no I installed aftermarket headunit pionerr. I had stock business cd shit in. Maybe in your case you need to code it in to make it work if you have a rca on sat nav. You can send me pic and i can look .