Backup Camera

[CanadianX1]

Anybody know about a backup camera for the X1?

I was told that it's something that they don't even offer on the X1 and yet it is listed on BMW Canada as an accessory that is available for the X1.
http://accessories.bmw.ca/internet_b...&absoluteNav=3

The dealership is refusing to help me out.

[danintas]

In Australia, it's available as a factory fitted accessory, but i recall the Sat Nav options is also required (Business or Pro).

[BMWDave]

I have the reversing camera here in Oz. I also have pro-nav but I think I will work with Business Nav. Definitely an option on the X1 (in Australia at least). I thought it might have been a bit of a gimmick but I'm finding it very useful indeed, particularly backing into tight spaces/up to walls.

[CanadianX1]

What's the business or pro Nav?

[BMWDave]

The navigation options - business nav has a smaller screen & no hard drive for storing music on. The pro-nav option has a larger screen and the hard drive. Obviously the wider screen means you can have the map on one side (or 2/3s as the case may be) and other information on the other side (1/3).

Someone else might be able to tell you all the differences, they are the main ones I'm aware of.

[CanadianX1]

Thanks!! I guess I never heard them called that.

Do you think it's possible to retrofit the backup camera?

[BMWDave]

The camera itself wouldn't be a difficult i'm assuming, it's just a little camera module on the tailgate. Assuming the wiring harness is generic (i.e. there is a plug there for it to be plugged into even if you don't order it.

Retrofitting the navigation and iDrive would be a serious pain in the rear and I can't imagine it would be cost beneficial/efficient/economical.

[CanadianX1]

I have Nav and iDrive already so all I would need is the backup camera installed.

[DUH CAR]

Originally Posted by CanadianX1

I have Nav and iDrive already so all I would need is the backup camera installed.

Plus, you would need a software update to get the signal displayed and controlled on the iDrive Nav. Probably why the dealer is hesitant.

Phone BMW Canada and see if you can talk to someone technical there about the possibility (think you have a bit of a case 'cause it is suppose to be an accessory).

Let us know how you make out.

[CanadianX1]

Thanks everyone!! I'll keep you informed. Gonna make a direct call to BMW Canada and see what can be done.

[ohnoyuji]

They will probably tell you, this is the 1st year of X1 model for Canada.
So option are limited.
I had some complaint that i want to bring forward as well.
Like the storage net in the backrest front seat, the center armrest for rear seat are mising.
No storage net in the trunk, front kidney grille not silver matte as shown in the brochure.

[DUH CAR]

Originally Posted by ohnoyuji

They will probably tell you, this is the 1st year of X1 model for Canada.
So option are limited.
I had some complaint that i want to bring forward as well.
Like the storage net in the backrest front seat, the center armrest for rear seat are mising.
No storage net in the trunk, front kidney grille not silver matte as shown in the brochure.

I'll sign the petition.

[CanadianX1]

Originally Posted by ohnoyuji

They will probably tell you, this is the 1st year of X1 model for Canada.
So option are limited.
I had some complaint that i want to bring forward as well.
Like the storage net in the backrest front seat, the center armrest for rear seat are mising.
No storage net in the trunk, front kidney grille not silver matte as shown in the brochure.

I had all the same complaints. I hate that all the pictures that I have ever looked at were different then what I ended up getting. I understood that it was European spec but I should have been warned ahead of time that they cut things out of the Canadian model.

[Phil777]

Hi CanadianX1 - I too was disappointed that several (fairly important and some nice-to-have) features that would have been great to have on the X1 were not made available here in Canada, especially since they are clearly offered on X1's in other countries. My list includes a rear back-up camera, mesh net behind front seats, automatically retracting side-view mirrors (my 550i GT has these and they are great in a small garage, or in tight parking spaces), and cupholders in the rear armrest instead of just in the door pockets.

Before we took delivery of my wife's black-on-black X1 (all options except leather seats) a few weeks ago, I did some research and found that there is a company in Fremont, California called "Alekshop" that sells after-market back-up (and front-facing) camera kits for BMWs that link with the iDrive system allowing the back-up (or forward-facing) image to appear on the iDrive screen (they also carry other BMW accessories). You can find out more info here: www.alekshop.com (click on 'Products', then click the BMW logo on the next page) and you can email them here: info@alekshop.com. I emailed Akeks D. about the back-up camera for the X1 and he replied as follows (and by the way, he got back to me the same day within a few hours of my email request):

Hello Phil,

Congrats on a new car! Since X1 is not out yet in US, I can't say 100% if our kit will be compatible or not. But if you are saying that the iDrive system is similar to F-series then is should work on X1 as well.

I don't know anyone in your area (Southern Ontario) who can install it for you but usually any good car audio shop should be able to install it within 2-3h.

The price of the kit is $495 + $65 shipping to Canada. We have them in stock.

Thank you,
Aleks D.

Since we decided to lease my wife's X1, we're not going to bother buying and installing the back-up camera, but if I had purchased the vehicle, I would definitely try it. Hope this helps!

[ohnoyuji]

have anyone heard that these camera are very easy to being stole?

You only need a screw driver, 5 sec this camera is gone.

Taiwan folks are having this problem....

Also, the outside rear view mirrors are a problem too....

[ohnoyuji]

Originally Posted by CanadianX1

I had all the same complaints. I hate that all the pictures that I have ever looked at were different then what I ended up getting. I understood that it was European spec but I should have been warned ahead of time that they cut things out of the Canadian model.

+1

[CanadianX1]

Originally Posted by Phil777

Hi CanadianX1 - I too was disappointed that several (fairly important and some nice-to-have) features that would have been great to have on the X1 were not made available here in Canada, especially since they are clearly offered on X1's in other countries. My list includes a rear back-up camera, mesh net behind front seats, automatically retracting side-view mirrors (my 550i GT has these and they are great in a small garage, or in tight parking spaces), and cupholders in the rear armrest instead of just in the door pockets.

Before we took delivery of my wife's black-on-black X1 (all options except leather seats) a few weeks ago, I did some research and found that there is a company in Fremont, California called "Alekshop" that sells after-market back-up (and front-facing) camera kits for BMWs that link with the iDrive system allowing the back-up (or forward-facing) image to appear on the iDrive screen (they also carry other BMW accessories). You can find out more info here: www.alekshop.com (click on 'Products', then click the BMW logo on the next page) and you can email them here: info@alekshop.com. I emailed Akeks D. about the back-up camera for the X1 and he replied as follows (and by the way, he got back to me the same day within a few hours of my email request):

Hello Phil,

Congrats on a new car! Since X1 is not out yet in US, I can't say 100% if our kit will be compatible or not. But if you are saying that the iDrive system is similar to F-series then is should work on X1 as well.

I don't know anyone in your area (Southern Ontario) who can install it for you but usually any good car audio shop should be able to install it within 2-3h.

The price of the kit is $495 $65 shipping to Canada. We have them in stock.

Thank you,
Aleks D.

Since we decided to lease my wife's X1, we're not going to bother buying and installing the back-up camera, but if I had purchased the vehicle, I would definitely try it. Hope this helps!

Thanks!! That's awesome. I'll look into this.

[Phil777]

Originally Posted by CanadianX1

Thanks!! That's awesome. I'll look into this.

My pleasure! Let me know if you end up getting it, and how it works.

[DUH CAR]

Originally Posted by Phil777

My pleasure! Let me know if you end up getting it, and how it works.

+1

[jbcarioca]

Originally Posted by CanadianX1

Thanks!! That's awesome. I'll look into this.

I just checked them out and actually spoke with Alex. I have an X1 in brazil and was concerned about whether I could do the installation myself. It seems fairly straightforward so I will probably try it.

BTW, they sell the Front and Rear camera kit for $665. I was instantly addicted after using a 530d which had both of them, so I do want it!

If you have already bought it please tell us about the installation process.