Rear view camera/Top-view camera/No camera

marmite · 03-01-2011, 04:18 AM

Hi,

I've been wondering if I'm making a mistake not to add either the std. reverse view camera or the top-view option...

I didn't because, I have managed very well to date with reverse sensors on my E91, they are audio only. On the X3 there will be visual feed back on the iDrive screen also.

Now, I have no doubt it's nice and cool to have the camera - but is it really truly and honestly that useful to see a camera shot versus hearing (and seeing via visual cues) how close you are to something?

X5plug-in · 03-01-2011, 04:41 AM

To me for narrow gaps including my garage door it will be vital and much cheaper than a respray. It is on my list.

ScotX5 · 03-01-2011, 05:10 AM

I have the standard camera and find it really handy. The car also has a really good feature linked with the sensors where you see a visual radar on the I drive screen about how close you are to objects. With both these features I couldn't justify the extra for the top down so I went for brushed aluminium trim instead.

marmite · 03-01-2011, 05:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ScotX3

I have the standard camera and find it really handy. The car also has a really good feature linked with the sensors where you see a visual radar on the I drive screen about how close you are to objects. With both these features I couldn't justify the extra for the top down so I went for brushed aluminium trim instead.

How do you think you'd cope without the camera, but with only the visual radar on the iDrive (which is standard) ?

I can imagine side view camera might be handy in some situations, which the top-view gives you, I'm not sure a live feed camera with visual radar overlayed is much better than just the visual radar still..

sfax · 03-01-2011, 05:59 AM

I've not had mine for long but I can't foresee many situations when I would need any more than the radar and audio cues that I have now. I like the green-yellow-red setup. Camera would give you more peace of mind though

ScotX5 · 03-01-2011, 06:05 AM

I find the radar a bit over sensitive and the camera just gives me that extra bit of re-assurance as this is my first car of this size. I think it's basically a nice to have option and by no means is it a necessity. I never realised the car had the radar view on Idrive until I got a test drive and by that time my car was in the mid Atlantic.

cooldude00 · 03-01-2011, 07:33 AM

does anyone with the reverse view camera know if it includes a view of your rear bumper? not quite sure what use it would be if it didn't as you wouldn't be able to see how close you actually are...

we did spec this option but the dealer had no idea whether it would show your rear bumper or not...

kozzi · 03-01-2011, 07:45 AM

The reverse view camera does not show the bumper and with the radar showing you the distance it helps alot...esp. here in nyc. The camera is actually right above where the plate is attached to the vehicle with a slight offset to the right making it a bit akward to install the plate cover here in the us without sliding it in from the left. It's also fun to press the park assist button in traffic if you are bored.
kozzi

ktjernstrom · 03-01-2011, 08:10 AM

Hi,

To me it's mainly reassurance, since I have two kids. Considering how high the X3 is in the rear, it's nice to see that the kids aren't behind the car.

It also makes the car feel a whole lot more 2011, which in itself makes it worth it. Top view for twice the money is a bit hefty though...

Karl

Lotus7 · 03-01-2011, 09:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kozzi

The reverse view camera does not show the bumper and with the radar showing you the distance it helps alot...esp. here in nyc. The camera is actually right above where the plate is attached to the vehicle with a slight offset to the right making it a bit akward to install the plate cover here in the us without sliding it in from the left. It's also fun to press the park assist button in traffic if you are bored.
kozzi

On mine, I can actually just see the edge of the bumper. The viewing angle is such that you can see pavement lines clearly as you drive in reverse. The visual cut-off is just slightly behind the edge of the bumper at pavement level.

Re: license plate frame: I actually had to file a round "notch" in a fairly thin frame to be able to install it over the plate to clear the camera. It is a plastic frame so it was easy, but I wouldn't want to do that to an expensive metal frame.

Love the rear view camera and the ultrasound "radar" proximity system. With the high rear window, it's really the only way you have any idea what's directly behind the vehicle when backing up.

Beyu · 03-01-2011, 01:36 PM

I've never had a camera on any of my cars but a top/side view would be awesome along with the rear view. I guess the side view cam won't really justify the cost if you don't do much parallel parking but here in Seattle that's about the only type of parking one can find. I've scratched that crap out of the rims on my last car so any type of camera or sensor would be an improvement. What I've noticed or at least in the case of my stepdad is that he has senors on his Sienna and takes more risks with it, letting the car go from a moderate beep to a rapid beep before stopping the car.

TuffLittleUnit · 03-01-2011, 03:17 PM

I was really impressed with the reverse camera - the guide lines were pretty cool and did a good job of detecting the spaces I was looking to reverse into. However, I'm a heads-up kind of driver and looking at the screen is just plain unnatural.

I've got visual parking aids in my current car and I never look at them, I just rely on the audio feedback and, believe it or not, my own spacial awareness skills.

It's another each to his own thing. Many will find it invaluable in regular, difficult locations such as garages, underground car parks etc.

I didn't get to try top view even though I subsequently found the X3 demo was supposed to have it.

BIMMER UK 76 · 03-01-2011, 03:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marmite

Hi,

I've been wondering if I'm making a mistake not to add either the std. reverse view camera or the top-view option...

I didn't because, I have managed very well to date with reverse sensors on my E91, they are audio only. On the X3 there will be visual feed back on the iDrive screen also.

Now, I have no doubt it's nice and cool to have the camera - but is it really truly and honestly that useful to see a camera shot versus hearing (and seeing via visual cues) how close you are to something?

The bmw system is pretty good (no probs using in me E60 which is larger than my soon X3 so im sure the std system will be fine)

jijioben · 03-01-2011, 04:42 PM

The top view in my opinion takes a bit to get used to - the perspective is a bit skewed, especially for vertical offsets. It should be easy to get used to it though, and I plan to use it in tight spaces like garages etc where all I need is a visual confirmation that I'm not hitting anything. I hope to be able to comment on it soon

sfax · 03-01-2011, 04:45 PM

Most importantly: Has anyone with a rear or top view camera reversed into anything yet?!

sfax · 03-01-2011, 04:48 PM

Actually, I have a serious question on this. When does the radar / camera kick in? I drove into a parking space at a reasonable pace (!) and it didn't start bleeping at all. When I got back in and started the car it went nuts because I was an inch away from a bush in front of me.

jijioben · 03-01-2011, 05:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sfax

Actually, I have a serious question on this. When does the radar / camera kick in? I drove into a parking space at a reasonable pace (!) and it didn't start bleeping at all. When I got back in and started the car it went nuts because I was an inch away from a bush in front of me.

As I understand it, if you're in reverse it switches on automatically; but if you're in drive, you have to activate it yourself. Above a certain speed, the system is deactivated (possibly the refresh rate is too low?). The manual says 9mph/15kph (page 95).

xDrive35i · 03-01-2011, 05:42 PM

To me, it's entirely worth it especially during winter. People are always parking along their own version of the curb, and the snow cover hides the real curb. I'm glad to be able to see the curb from another perspective. It's also helpful with lot parking, where you can now see the lines. It's really awesome.

TuffLittleUnit · 03-01-2011, 05:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jijioben

As I understand it, if you're in reverse it switches on automatically; but if you're in drive, you have to activate it yourself. Above a certain speed, the system is deactivated (possibly the refresh rate is too low?). The manual says 9mph/15kph (page 95).

Absolutely - it only comes on automatically when you stick it in reverse. You've got to switch the front sensors on automatically otherwise it would be really irritating in built up traffic with the bleepers going every time you nudged closer to the car in front.

We all know what UK driving is like - leave a generous space and some twonk will think it's their god given right to drive 50 metres down the wrong side of the road and barge in front of you.

It switches off when going forwards at over 9mph because it knows that you're not likely to be parking at that sort of speed. Not sure if the same is true in reverse.

sfax · 03-02-2011, 01:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TuffLittleUnit

Absolutely - it only comes on automatically when you stick it in reverse. You've got to switch the front sensors on automatically otherwise it would be really irritating in built up traffic with the bleepers going every time you nudged closer to the car in front.

We all know what UK driving is like - leave a generous space and some twonk will think it's their god given right to drive 50 metres down the wrong side of the road and barge in front of you.

It switches off when going forwards at over 9mph because it knows that you're not likely to be parking at that sort of speed. Not sure if the same is true in reverse.

True, but clever technology would switch it on automatically (or at least beep) if you got very close to an object in front of you, but not switch it on in normal range unless reverse is engaged. I don't generally get an inch from the car in front of me in traffic

I'll have to find the switch and perhaps make it a favourite. Or always reverse at least once when parking forwards

Lotus7 · 03-02-2011, 02:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cooldude00

does anyone with the reverse view camera know if it includes a view of your rear bumper? not quite sure what use it would be if it didn't as you wouldn't be able to see how close you actually are...

we did spec this option but the dealer had no idea whether it would show your rear bumper or not...

The lower edge of the camera's field of view should just show the top 1/4 inch (or so) of the bumper. Because the camera position is slightly forward of the bumper, the closest point on the ground that can be seen before being blocked by the bumper is actually 7 inches (18cm) behind a vertical line dropped from the rearmost part of the bumper.

This drawing shows the side view of the camera's viewing angle limits:

Nahoa · 03-02-2011, 05:10 AM

I think the front sensors work even without the cameras switched on (which, as above, happens when you throw it in reverse) if the Park Distance Control button is selected (green light on). It's been on for me and I was swinging into a parking place, no cameras on, and the PDC warning sound activate as the front end swept past a pole (or maybe he was czech, I'm not completely certain).

Will try it again.

03-01-2011, 04:18 AM	#1
marmite Private First Class 13 Rep 184 Posts Drives: E91 330d Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	Rear view camera/Top-view camera/No camera Hi, I've been wondering if I'm making a mistake not to add either the std. reverse view camera or the top-view option... I didn't because, I have managed very well to date with reverse sensors on my E91, they are audio only. On the X3 there will be visual feed back on the iDrive screen also. Now, I have no doubt it's nice and cool to have the camera - but is it really truly and honestly that useful to see a camera shot versus hearing (and seeing via visual cues) how close you are to something? __________________ BMW xdrive30d M Sport Space Grey, Black Nevada, Aluminium Trim, 19" 369M alloys, Prof. Media package, Visibility package, Access package, VDC, Sun Protection Glass, Front Seat Heating, Split-folding rear seats, Sun Blinds, Lumbar support, Extended Storage, Business Stereo, DAB, Tel. USB audio interface, 6NR, 614 Internet.
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03-01-2011, 04:41 AM	#2
X5plug-in Lieutenant 73 Rep 532 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	To me for narrow gaps including my garage door it will be vital and much cheaper than a respray. It is on my list.
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03-01-2011, 05:10 AM	#3
ScotX5 Private First Class 43 Rep 159 Posts Drives: X5 Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Scotland iTrader: (0)	I have the standard camera and find it really handy. The car also has a really good feature linked with the sensors where you see a visual radar on the I drive screen about how close you are to objects. With both these features I couldn't justify the extra for the top down so I went for brushed aluminium trim instead.
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03-01-2011, 05:59 AM	#5
sfax Brigadier General 92 Rep 3,855 Posts Drives: BMW X3 2011 F25 Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Berkshire, UK iTrader: (0)	I've not had mine for long but I can't foresee many situations when I would need any more than the radar and audio cues that I have now. I like the green-yellow-red setup. Camera would give you more peace of mind though __________________ F25 xDrive20d SE __ professional multimedia package \| dynamic package \| climate package \| 309s \| xline \| xenons \| electric seats \| folding mirrors \| business speakers Last edited by sfax; 03-01-2011 at 06:16 AM.. Reason: peace of mind! lol
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03-01-2011, 06:05 AM	#6
ScotX5 Private First Class 43 Rep 159 Posts Drives: X5 Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Scotland iTrader: (0)	I find the radar a bit over sensitive and the camera just gives me that extra bit of re-assurance as this is my first car of this size. I think it's basically a nice to have option and by no means is it a necessity. I never realised the car had the radar view on Idrive until I got a test drive and by that time my car was in the mid Atlantic.
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03-01-2011, 07:33 AM	#7
cooldude00 First Lieutenant 7 Rep 332 Posts Drives: x3 2.0d Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: uk iTrader: (0)	does anyone with the reverse view camera know if it includes a view of your rear bumper? not quite sure what use it would be if it didn't as you wouldn't be able to see how close you actually are... we did spec this option but the dealer had no idea whether it would show your rear bumper or not...
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03-01-2011, 07:45 AM	#8
kozzi Pygocentrus Piraya 927 Rep 1,008 Posts Drives: 2021 BMW X3MC Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Brooklyn, NY iTrader: (0) Garage List 2021 BMW X3MC [10.00]	The reverse view camera does not show the bumper and with the radar showing you the distance it helps alot...esp. here in nyc. The camera is actually right above where the plate is attached to the vehicle with a slight offset to the right making it a bit akward to install the plate cover here in the us without sliding it in from the left. It's also fun to press the park assist button in traffic if you are bored. kozzi
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03-01-2011, 08:10 AM	#9
ktjernstrom Private 3 Rep 92 Posts Drives: BMW X3 Xdrive20d 2011 Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Stockholm, Sweden iTrader: (0)	Hi, To me it's mainly reassurance, since I have two kids. Considering how high the X3 is in the rear, it's nice to see that the kids aren't behind the car. It also makes the car feel a whole lot more 2011, which in itself makes it worth it. Top view for twice the money is a bit hefty though... Karl
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03-01-2011, 01:36 PM	#11
Beyu Lieutenant 13 Rep 579 Posts Drives: 135i Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: WA iTrader: (0)	I've never had a camera on any of my cars but a top/side view would be awesome along with the rear view. I guess the side view cam won't really justify the cost if you don't do much parallel parking but here in Seattle that's about the only type of parking one can find. I've scratched that crap out of the rims on my last car so any type of camera or sensor would be an improvement. What I've noticed or at least in the case of my stepdad is that he has senors on his Sienna and takes more risks with it, letting the car go from a moderate beep to a rapid beep before stopping the car.
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03-01-2011, 03:17 PM	#12
TuffLittleUnit Lieutenant 112 Rep 518 Posts Drives: G26 420d MSport Pro Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Leeds, UK iTrader: (0)	I was really impressed with the reverse camera - the guide lines were pretty cool and did a good job of detecting the spaces I was looking to reverse into. However, I'm a heads-up kind of driver and looking at the screen is just plain unnatural. I've got visual parking aids in my current car and I never look at them, I just rely on the audio feedback and, believe it or not, my own spacial awareness skills. It's another each to his own thing. Many will find it invaluable in regular, difficult locations such as garages, underground car parks etc. I didn't get to try top view even though I subsequently found the X3 demo was supposed to have it. __________________ G26 420d Gran Coupe MSport Black on black, MSport Pro Pack, Comfort Plus Pack, Harman Kardon audio
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03-01-2011, 04:42 PM	#14
jijioben Second Lieutenant 17 Rep 242 Posts Drives: 2011 F25 X3 35i Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Canada iTrader: (0)	The top view in my opinion takes a bit to get used to - the perspective is a bit skewed, especially for vertical offsets. It should be easy to get used to it though, and I plan to use it in tight spaces like garages etc where all I need is a visual confirmation that I'm not hitting anything. I hope to be able to comment on it soon
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03-01-2011, 04:45 PM	#15
sfax Brigadier General 92 Rep 3,855 Posts Drives: BMW X3 2011 F25 Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Berkshire, UK iTrader: (0)	Most importantly: Has anyone with a rear or top view camera reversed into anything yet?! __________________ F25 xDrive20d SE __ professional multimedia package \| dynamic package \| climate package \| 309s \| xline \| xenons \| electric seats \| folding mirrors \| business speakers
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03-01-2011, 04:48 PM	#16
sfax Brigadier General 92 Rep 3,855 Posts Drives: BMW X3 2011 F25 Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Berkshire, UK iTrader: (0)	Actually, I have a serious question on this. When does the radar / camera kick in? I drove into a parking space at a reasonable pace (!) and it didn't start bleeping at all. When I got back in and started the car it went nuts because I was an inch away from a bush in front of me. __________________ F25 xDrive20d SE __ professional multimedia package \| dynamic package \| climate package \| 309s \| xline \| xenons \| electric seats \| folding mirrors \| business speakers
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03-01-2011, 05:42 PM	#18
xDrive35i Lieutenant Colonel 126 Rep 1,781 Posts Drives: Porsche Macan S Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Chicago iTrader: (0)	To me, it's entirely worth it especially during winter. People are always parking along their own version of the curb, and the snow cover hides the real curb. I'm glad to be able to see the curb from another perspective. It's also helpful with lot parking, where you can now see the lines. It's really awesome.
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03-02-2011, 05:10 AM	#22
Nahoa Lieutenant Colonel 45 Rep 1,876 Posts Drives: F25 35i Mineral Silver/Black Join Date: May 2008 Location: Virginia iTrader: (0)	I think the front sensors work even without the cameras switched on (which, as above, happens when you throw it in reverse) if the Park Distance Control button is selected (green light on). It's been on for me and I was swinging into a parking place, no cameras on, and the PDC warning sound activate as the front end swept past a pole (or maybe he was czech, I'm not completely certain). Will try it again. __________________
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