Top View Camera

Fryguy29 · 12-07-2011, 03:33 PM

I just bought an 2011 X3 35i. It was brand new and still on lot with 100 miles. It was loaded to the hilt and is awesome in every way except one. It does not have the top view camera. It does have navigation, Park Distance control and the rearview camera, but not the top view. I am not sure why anyone would order this vehicle without the top view or order all these options separately and not just get the package. In anycase, my question is, i assume all the parts are in place for top view. Could this be retrofitted or am I just screwed. It's not that big a deal. It would have been nice to have, but in the long run won't ruin my enjoyment of the car. THanks

greg2step · 12-07-2011, 03:45 PM

so you mean you ordered PDC, Rear view camera and nav as separate items, but not the combined tech package? It actually costs more standalone than it does as the tech package but you only get top view, not top view and rear view (there is the caveat that you can order the features independently and NOT get premium package which is alot cheaper if you will skip premium - i'm assuming thats what you did.... tech package requires premium package and i forget the reason why)

I was under the impression that rear view can be retrofitted but top view can not. top view is achieved by 2 additional cameras below the side rear view mirrors - 1 each side...

the bad news is top view camera is such an amazing features - i repeated advise people in this forum to get the full tech package just for that even if you don't really want NAV.

Lotus7 · 12-07-2011, 03:49 PM

Believe that Top View is not a retrofit option in North America. If you have PDC, (and not Rear View) then the rear camera can be retrofitted at considerably more cost than it would have been as a factory option. Top View requires the side and front cameras which would be pretty expensive to retrofit. Anything is possible, and you probably could talk a dealer into installing the components for "parts and labor" but considering the time involved, you're probably looking at a $5K tab.

Fryguy29 · 12-07-2011, 03:51 PM

I didn't order it that way. I bought it off the lot. I am willing to accept it because I got a fabulous deal. O well. I have lived without it thus far...

Lotus7 · 12-07-2011, 04:00 PM

Guess you're just going to have to "suck it up".
There are those of us on this Forum without Top-View and with the help of psychological counseling, supportive families, and an occasional glass of 15 year old single-malt whiskey, we somehow manage to survive. However, it's a tough life for us poor impoverished souls, Have pity, and welcome to the "Topless" club.

tuco44 · 12-07-2011, 04:23 PM

I also did not get the Top View so am one more of the deprived.

I did ask about retro-fitting and was told it could be done (they thought) but would cost a forture (well over $2500 for a $700 option).

So, I sucked it up and back up using my old talents, sight, mirrors, sound of the PDC, and hopefully not sound of a "crunch".

Razel · 12-07-2011, 05:10 PM

Pretty sure the "Top View" is with the additional cameras located at the bottom of the side mirrors. No real advantage outside of seeing how well you parked without getting out first.

brissim · 12-07-2011, 05:16 PM

I know there's been more than few people raving about how good the top view is and how it is a "must have" option, but I'm also one of these "topless" people (and that would be a frightening sight) and I don't regret it. I did try it out in demonstrator cars before I ordered but simply came to the decision it wasn't necessary. Our Australian spec X3s come standard with the reversing camera and as I have the pro-nav option with the split screen I get both the reversing camera and the visual parking sensors on the centre screen and I find this is more than enough to do the amount of reverse parking or what ever that I do. I also have the powered side mirrors which dip down on the kerb-side when reversing. I can see that for those with particularly tight parking situations it may be useful - but for me - I don't miss the top view at all.

Tony

Steve30dMSport · 12-07-2011, 05:37 PM

We have the top view on insistence by my wife and, whilst my skills definitely suffice and have for 25 years, she loves it and feels much more confident with it. Whilst you won't miss it if you don't have it, it really is an excellent feature once you do use it.

greg2step · 12-07-2011, 06:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Razel

Pretty sure the "Top View" is with the additional cameras located at the bottom of the side mirrors. No real advantage outside of seeing how well you parked without getting out first.

You haven't parallel parked your X3 in a tight city parking spot yet have you? I originally saw this feature on an Infiniti EX35 test drive, then I realized the X3 had it as an option too and I was sold.

Fryguy - cool you bought it off the lot. there is not alot of X3's on the BMW dealer lots in these parts right now. While top view is an awesome feature - those who don't have it are also right, their X3's are still pretty kickin rides

Razel · 12-07-2011, 07:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by greg2step

You haven't parallel parked your X3 in a tight city parking spot yet have you?

To be honest? No. In the 9 months I've had the X3, I've parallel parked *1* time where a single slot was available, and the rear camera and PDC was all I needed. Just lucky, I guess.

It's been handy with parking stalls where things didn't quite look right, and I needed to look at the painted lines.

paul386 · 12-07-2011, 08:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lotus7

Believe that Top View is not a retrofit option in North America. If you have PDC, (and not Rear View) then the rear camera can be retrofitted at considerably more cost than it would have been as a factory option. Top View requires the side and front cameras which would be pretty expensive to retrofit. Anything is possible, and you probably could talk a dealer into installing the components for "parts and labor" but considering the time involved, you're probably looking at a $5K tab.

No front cameras on the X3...

Assuming the wiring harness for the X3 is the same for all configurations it should be simple to change out the lower half of the mirror assembly with the type that has the camera and update the software...

JOHNBMWM5 · 12-08-2011, 03:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fryguy29

I just bought an 2011 X3 35i. It was brand new and still on lot with 100 miles. It was loaded to the hilt and is awesome in every way except one. It does not have the top view camera. It does have navigation, Park Distance control and the rearview camera, but not the top view. I am not sure why anyone would order this vehicle without the top view or order all these options separately and not just get the package. In anycase, my question is, i assume all the parts are in place for top view. Could this be retrofitted or am I just screwed. It's not that big a deal. It would have been nice to have, but in the long run won't ruin my enjoyment of the car. THanks

NO it will not be anyway cheap if at all possible, the whole car needs reprogramming even if it was possible, this process takes 4/5 hours on it's own, that could be costly.

tank531 · 12-08-2011, 01:15 PM

At least 80% of owners who refer to specific options on the forum always punt these as 'can't live without them' items. Options and the relative value are as much as a personal choice as colour and trim. If your budget is umlimited and you can tick all the option boxes then its easy to say 'I would not have another car without X, Y & Z'. BMW are the world's best auto maker at seducing buyers into adding $'000's of options. Nearly all options are substantially discounted on the resale value.

TopView would be 'a nice to have', but I too am in the topless club and rely on driving skills required to park even with topview.

colson79 · 12-08-2011, 01:23 PM

I have Top View and I love it and use it frequently but I could live without it.

MAKE · 12-08-2011, 02:04 PM

The wiring for the TOPVIEW Cameras is NOT available in the mirror housings to simply plug in the cameras. I had the same predicament and was quoted USD5000 for the parts - if it could be fitted(which it cant). Labour and programming extra.

Fryguy29 · 12-08-2011, 02:46 PM

Thanks for the info. 5000 for parts only? That seems insane to me. The forum has at least made not feel bad about not having it? This and the heads up display are the only options this car doesn't have.

MAKE · 12-08-2011, 08:04 PM

MY BAD...USD3000 for parts and another USD2000 for labour and programming...sorry for the mis

Fryguy29 · 12-08-2011, 09:09 PM

$5000 for the whole upgrade is still obscene. I think I will pass. I love the X3 without it.

MAKE · 12-09-2011, 01:29 AM

Those are prices in South Africa...our currency is weak against the dollar as well as high duties and taxes current rate around 8 Rand to 1 USD

chubby1 · 12-09-2011, 11:55 AM

I have top view and could easily live without it

Bill S · 12-09-2011, 12:57 PM

Have it - rarely use it.
Other half likes it.

12-07-2011, 03:33 PM	#1
Fryguy29 Private First Class 14 Rep 167 Posts Drives: 2011 BMW X3 35i Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Wisconsin iTrader: (0)	Top View Camera I just bought an 2011 X3 35i. It was brand new and still on lot with 100 miles. It was loaded to the hilt and is awesome in every way except one. It does not have the top view camera. It does have navigation, Park Distance control and the rearview camera, but not the top view. I am not sure why anyone would order this vehicle without the top view or order all these options separately and not just get the package. In anycase, my question is, i assume all the parts are in place for top view. Could this be retrofitted or am I just screwed. It's not that big a deal. It would have been nice to have, but in the long run won't ruin my enjoyment of the car. THanks
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12-07-2011, 03:45 PM	#2
greg2step X3 Owner/Driver 212 Rep 785 Posts Drives: 2018 X3 M40i Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Baltimore, Maryland, USA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2018 BMW X3 M40i (G01) [0.00]	so you mean you ordered PDC, Rear view camera and nav as separate items, but not the combined tech package? It actually costs more standalone than it does as the tech package but you only get top view, not top view and rear view (there is the caveat that you can order the features independently and NOT get premium package which is alot cheaper if you will skip premium - i'm assuming thats what you did.... tech package requires premium package and i forget the reason why) I was under the impression that rear view can be retrofitted but top view can not. top view is achieved by 2 additional cameras below the side rear view mirrors - 1 each side... the bad news is top view camera is such an amazing features - i repeated advise people in this forum to get the full tech package just for that even if you don't really want NAV. __________________ 2018 X3 M40i G01 \| Phytonic Blue \| Mocha \| Premium+Exec \| Driver Assist \| Adaptive M Suspension 2011 X3 XDrive35i F25 l Deep Sea Blue l Mojave Leather l Sport, DHP, Premium, Nav/Technology, Cold Weather, Convenience [traded in] 2008 328XI E91 Sportwagon l Sparkling Graphite [traded in]
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12-07-2011, 03:49 PM	#3
Lotus7 Major 66 Rep 1,041 Posts Drives: xxxx Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: xxxx iTrader: (0)	Believe that Top View is not a retrofit option in North America. If you have PDC, (and not Rear View) then the rear camera can be retrofitted at considerably more cost than it would have been as a factory option. Top View requires the side and front cameras which would be pretty expensive to retrofit. Anything is possible, and you probably could talk a dealer into installing the components for "parts and labor" but considering the time involved, you're probably looking at a $5K tab.
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12-07-2011, 03:51 PM	#4
Fryguy29 Private First Class 14 Rep 167 Posts Drives: 2011 BMW X3 35i Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Wisconsin iTrader: (0)	I didn't order it that way. I bought it off the lot. I am willing to accept it because I got a fabulous deal. O well. I have lived without it thus far...
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12-07-2011, 04:00 PM	#5
Lotus7 Major 66 Rep 1,041 Posts Drives: xxxx Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: xxxx iTrader: (0)	Guess you're just going to have to "suck it up". There are those of us on this Forum without Top-View and with the help of psychological counseling, supportive families, and an occasional glass of 15 year old single-malt whiskey, we somehow manage to survive. However, it's a tough life for us poor impoverished souls, Have pity, and welcome to the "Topless" club.
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12-07-2011, 04:23 PM	#6
tuco44 Colonel 644 Rep 2,294 Posts Drives: 2018 340i xDrive M Perf Edtn Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Western Canada iTrader: (0)	I also did not get the Top View so am one more of the deprived. I did ask about retro-fitting and was told it could be done (they thought) but would cost a forture (well over $2500 for a $700 option). So, I sucked it up and back up using my old talents, sight, mirrors, sound of the PDC, and hopefully not sound of a "crunch". __________________ 2018 340i xDrive M Perf Edtn Sunset Orange Previous BMWs - 19 others since 1971.
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12-07-2011, 05:10 PM	#7
Razel Rider and driver 141 Rep 506 Posts Drives: '21 X3MC Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Oregon City, OR iTrader: (0)	Pretty sure the "Top View" is with the additional cameras located at the bottom of the side mirrors. No real advantage outside of seeing how well you parked without getting out first. __________________ 2021 X3 MC I work for Keyser Söze
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12-07-2011, 05:16 PM	#8
brissim Lieutenant 86 Rep 510 Posts Drives: X3 30d (2011 F25) - now sold Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Brisbane, Australia iTrader: (0)	I know there's been more than few people raving about how good the top view is and how it is a "must have" option, but I'm also one of these "topless" people (and that would be a frightening sight) and I don't regret it. I did try it out in demonstrator cars before I ordered but simply came to the decision it wasn't necessary. Our Australian spec X3s come standard with the reversing camera and as I have the pro-nav option with the split screen I get both the reversing camera and the visual parking sensors on the centre screen and I find this is more than enough to do the amount of reverse parking or what ever that I do. I also have the powered side mirrors which dip down on the kerb-side when reversing. I can see that for those with particularly tight parking situations it may be useful - but for me - I don't miss the top view at all. Tony
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12-07-2011, 05:37 PM	#9
Steve30dMSport Banned 3 Rep 80 Posts Drives: 2011 X3 30D M Sport Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Melbourne iTrader: (0)	We have the top view on insistence by my wife and, whilst my skills definitely suffice and have for 25 years, she loves it and feels much more confident with it. Whilst you won't miss it if you don't have it, it really is an excellent feature once you do use it.
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12-08-2011, 01:15 PM	#14
tank531 Deckhand 5 Rep 389 Posts Drives: F25 2.0D SE xDrive (Sep 11) Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Coventry - UK iTrader: (0)	At least 80% of owners who refer to specific options on the forum always punt these as 'can't live without them' items. Options and the relative value are as much as a personal choice as colour and trim. If your budget is umlimited and you can tick all the option boxes then its easy to say 'I would not have another car without X, Y & Z'. BMW are the world's best auto maker at seducing buyers into adding $'000's of options. Nearly all options are substantially discounted on the resale value. TopView would be 'a nice to have', but I too am in the topless club and rely on driving skills required to park even with topview.
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12-08-2011, 01:23 PM	#15
colson79 Second Lieutenant 7 Rep 221 Posts Drives: 2012 X3 35i DSB Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Wisconsin iTrader: (0)	I have Top View and I love it and use it frequently but I could live without it. __________________ 2012 X3 35i \| Deep Sea Blue \| Oyster \| Packages \| Sports \| Cold Weather \| Cold Weather 2 \| Premium \| Technology \| Premium Sound
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12-08-2011, 02:04 PM	#16
MAKE New Member 1 Rep 29 Posts Drives: 2012 F25 X3 20i Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: South Africa iTrader: (0)	The wiring for the TOPVIEW Cameras is NOT available in the mirror housings to simply plug in the cameras. I had the same predicament and was quoted USD5000 for the parts - if it could be fitted(which it cant). Labour and programming extra.
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12-08-2011, 02:46 PM	#17
Fryguy29 Private First Class 14 Rep 167 Posts Drives: 2011 BMW X3 35i Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Wisconsin iTrader: (0)	Thanks for the info. 5000 for parts only? That seems insane to me. The forum has at least made not feel bad about not having it? This and the heads up display are the only options this car doesn't have.
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12-08-2011, 08:04 PM	#18
MAKE New Member 1 Rep 29 Posts Drives: 2012 F25 X3 20i Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: South Africa iTrader: (0)	MY BAD...USD3000 for parts and another USD2000 for labour and programming...sorry for the mis
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12-08-2011, 09:09 PM	#19
Fryguy29 Private First Class 14 Rep 167 Posts Drives: 2011 BMW X3 35i Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Wisconsin iTrader: (0)	$5000 for the whole upgrade is still obscene. I think I will pass. I love the X3 without it.
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12-09-2011, 01:29 AM	#20
MAKE New Member 1 Rep 29 Posts Drives: 2012 F25 X3 20i Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: South Africa iTrader: (0)	Those are prices in South Africa...our currency is weak against the dollar as well as high duties and taxes current rate around 8 Rand to 1 USD
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12-09-2011, 11:55 AM	#21
chubby1 New Member 3 Rep 18 Posts Drives: 550ix Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	I have top view and could easily live without it
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12-09-2011, 12:57 PM	#22
Bill S Private 4 Rep 63 Posts Drives: F25 X3 30d N57 + E60 535d M57 Join Date: May 2011 Location: UK & USA iTrader: (0)	Have it - rarely use it. Other half likes it.
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