[bde]

Hi All,

I just swapped from my 2020 model for 2024 and noticed that the rear camera image quality is significantly worse than my 2020 model (more blurry and not as good color wise)- yes i cleaned it)

I didn't have surround parking on my 2020 so can't comment on the 360 front and side cameras, but definitely noticed that with the rear.

Post-covid BMW budget savings? Thoughts?

Thanks!

[alex2364]

Haven’t noticed any camera image issues compared to any of my previous BMWs. If anything it’s more crisp than my 2020 M4.

[TXGrey]

My buddy has a ‘24 M240i and hates his rear camera… I will admit, after he and I discussed it a few times, I never noticed that the camera image looks great at night so long as there is some ambient/extra lighting coming from somewhere. But if it’s pitch black, our camera doesn’t show Jack-crap!! I guess I never noticed it before because I don’t do a ton of night/dark driving except early morning… but it doesn’t require me to do any backing up during those hours. Too funny.

[hyde]

Can you post the horrible quality you are referring to? Pressing the camera button (not the parking distance button) after putting her in reverse to see wide angle (but no parking lines) gives a much better picture. Do you have 360 or just rear camera?

Another problem with BMWs, they should be hiding the camera in enclosure when not in use without having to go up to 7 series. A lot of cheaper cars have this function already. Cameras are susceptible to damage and extreme dirt.

[BMWbiker]

The rear camera on my M40i is a distinct improvement over my ‘15 328xi wagon.

However, the loaner 430xi GC I had for a couple days last year had a really nice rear view camera. Maybe it was better than the one in my M40i, or maybe it’s the same or similar unit.

I make a habit of wiping off the lens of the rear view camera every time I pass the rear bumper, which is almost every time I get out of or into the car.

[BMWZ4]

My wife's '23 x1 rear cam is really quite good, better than my old '20 x3mc, which I sold a year ago - traded for a '23 Progressiv Audi A4 Allroad...if you think your cam is bad, you should see Audi's rear cams...yikes...2010 megapixel quality

[lfdal54]

Originally Posted by TXGrey

My buddy has a ‘24 M240i and hates his rear camera… I will admit, after he and I discussed it a few times, I never noticed that the camera image looks great at night so long as there is some ambient/extra lighting coming from somewhere. But if it’s pitch black, our camera doesn’t show Jack-crap!! I guess I never noticed it before because I don’t do a ton of night/dark driving except early morning… but it doesn’t require me to do any backing up during those hours. Too funny.

I got to experience that last month when we were up north in pitch darkness, i.e. no streetlights, moonlight, houses, etc. just dark. The backup camera was pretty useless.

[arRod1981]

Originally Posted by hyde

Can you post the horrible quality you are referring to? Pressing the camera button (not the parking distance button) after putting her in reverse to see wide angle (but no parking lines) gives a much better picture. Do you have 360 or just rear camera?

Another problem with BMWs, they should be hiding the camera in enclosure when not in use without having to go up to 7 series. A lot of cheaper cars have this function already. Cameras are susceptible to damage and extreme dirt.

The issue with hiding the camera in an enclosure would get rid of the Drive Recorder. There's no way for it to be constantly recording if it's hidden.

Also, looking at a photo the camera isn't completely hidden. It's just in the BMW emblem at the very bottom, so it's still exposed and suseptible to damage.

[hyde]

Originally Posted by arRod1981

The issue with hiding the camera in an enclosure would get rid of the Drive Recorder. There's no way for it to be constantly recording if it's hidden.

Also, looking at a photo the camera isn't completely hidden. It's just in the BMW emblem at the very bottom, so it's still exposed and suseptible to damage.

Wow I had no idea, good eye. I guess it could be mounted differently for those who bought drive recorder since it's an option now but it is a very good point I didn't think of. I just wish drive recorder was actually recording all the time or at least did not record press and hold for so long to save the recording. Perhaps double press or even single press a dedicated button.

[arRod1981]

Originally Posted by hyde

Wow I had no idea, good eye. I guess it could be mounted differently for those who bought drive recorder since it's an option now but it is a very good point I didn't think of. I just wish drive recorder was actually recording all the time or at least did not record press and hold for so long to save the recording. Perhaps double press or even single press a dedicated button.

Agreed, the Drive Recorder could definitely be better implemented instead of having to resort to BMW ACE 3.0 or some other aftermarket camera which takes up real-estate on the windshield and back window.

[avi66]

Originally Posted by hyde

I just wish drive recorder was actually recording all the time or at least did not record press and hold for so long to save the recording. Perhaps double press or even single press a dedicated button.

Drive Recorder captures video constantly when the car is in drive mode, but only records to memory once automatically or manually triggered.

Because of the constant video capture it can be configured to record video from 20 seconds before you pressed the button, or it was automatically triggered.

[Leem40i]

On my 21 X4 M40i the rear camera is useless in low light areas at night. Doesn't matter if lens is clean or not.