[BRIANXIX]

After entertaining myself watching dash cam crash videos I decided I need a dash cam. Does anyone run one on their Z4? If so any advice/recommendations?
One of the videos

[masaville]

I use the thinkware f800 pro. There are however newer models that are 4k that are better. Overall the camera is pretty decent. I also have it hooked up to a battery pack so it records when the car is parked for impact detection etc. The nice thing about the z4 is the 12 volt socket in the center console will automatically shut off after about 15 minutes. So if you install the dash cam and you plug in 12 volt socket connector, you don't have to worry about your battery going dead. Wiring it is fairly easy. I also have a rear dash cam that I mounted just behind the windscreen. Word of warning if you are using the 12-volt socket and you use a splitter. Make sure you get a decent splitter off of Amazon that has built-in fuse protection so you don't end up shorting the fuse. You can get one fairly cheap that will split it if you need both sockets. I use one for my radar and one for my camera. If you use a cheap y splitter you will burn out the fuse and you'll have to replace it. It's a bit of a pain in the ass to replace if you short it out. It's in the front right passenger panel. Here's a good splitter to get that will prevent that from happening. It has a built-in 15 amp fuse. Perfect if you have two devices like I do. Also saves you from having to hardwire the camera. You can still hide all of the camera wires fairly easily, but hard wiring it is a pain.

Nulaxy Car Charger Adapter, 2 Sockets Cigarette Lighter Splitter, 150W USB Fast Car Charger with Type-C/QC3.0/2.4A, Separate Switches, 15A Replaceable Fuse for GPS/Dash Cam/Phone/iPad

[Combatcrew2]

If you search this forum you will find a comprehensive article with hints and how to dos from many people.

[danbart]

I'm running the Escort Max360c & the M-2 Dash cam mounted on a blend mount.

Everything is powered from the mirror via a Mirror Tap.

Very easy and simple instal.

[ph.z4]

Linus Tech Tips on YouTube recently did a review of various dashcams with a good explainer about how similar some of them are. Many use common components and often spending more doesn't necessarily increase video quality, but might come with other added features. It's worth watching if you're curious:

[ebirotedu]

I like the idea of this setup, but imagine that having the detector mounted up near the mirror will make it a bit conspicuous with the top down.

Originally Posted by danbart

I'm running the Escort Max360c & the M-2 Dash cam mounted on a blend mount.

Everything is powered from the mirror via a Mirror Tap.

Very easy and simple instal.

[tall0n]

I have the BMW Advanced Car Eye 3.0 dash cam and while its a little bigger than some of the other devices on the market, I wanted the BMW dealership to install it.
Initially, the dealership told me it was going to take 4 or 5 hours to install. However, I printed out a BMW website in the Philippines that said it was a 120 minute install and they honored it. Its important to note that I live in Texas, not the Philippines. The URL, if anyone is interested, is at:
https://www.bmw.com.ph/en/topics/off...e-3-0-pro.html

[Westside Guy]

Originally Posted by tall0n

I have the BMW Advanced Car Eye 3.0 dash cam and while its a little bigger than some of the other devices on the market, I wanted the BMW dealership to install it.
Initially, the dealership told me it was going to take 4 or 5 hours to install. However, I printed out a BMW website in the Philippines that said it was a 120 minute install and they honored it. Its important to note that I live in Texas, not the Philippines. The URL, if anyone is interested, is at:
https://www.bmw.com.ph/en/topics/off...e-3-0-pro.html

You always need to keep them honest for non warranty work like this. That was a good catch on your part concerning the time for the installation!

[Westside Guy]

Originally Posted by ebirotedu

I like the idea of this setup, but imagine that having the detector mounted up near the mirror will make it a bit conspicuous with the top down.

I would love to see a picture of one installed with the top down.

[StanDiego]

Originally Posted by tall0n

I have the BMW Advanced Car Eye 3.0 dash cam and while its a little bigger than some of the other devices on the market, I wanted the BMW dealership to install it.
Initially, the dealership told me it was going to take 4 or 5 hours to install. However, I printed out a BMW website in the Philippines that said it was a 120 minute install and they honored it. Its important to note that I live in Texas, not the Philippines. The URL, if anyone is interested, is at:
https://www.bmw.com.ph/en/topics/off...e-3-0-pro.html

From what I gather, there are two versions available (with and without the rear camera).

Where did you purchase it from? I only see version 2.0 available on the US site. Do you have a part number for the version without rear camera?

[tall0n]

Originally Posted by StanDiego

From what I gather, there are two versions available (with and without the rear camera).
Where did you purchase it from? I only see version 2.0 available on the US site. Do you have a part number for the version without rear camera?

My local dealership ordered it for me, and the specific model is:
BMW Advanced Car Eye 3.0 (Front Camera Kit) - Part Number 66-21-5-A44-494

[Cliffj335]

Originally Posted by tall0n

My local dealership ordered it for me, and the specific model is:
BMW Advanced Car Eye 3.0 (Front Camera Kit) - Part Number 66-21-5-A44-494

How much did your dealer quote you for just the front camera? I Googled, but only found the front/rear camera option for around $750.

Cheers.

[StanDiego]

Originally Posted by Cliffj335

How much did your dealer quote you for just the front camera? I Googled, but only found the front/rear camera option for around $750.

Cheers.

ECS Tuning lists it for $270.

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...0/66215a44494/

[auditorycanvas]

I got one of these. Took 10 minutes to fit, no wiring, it piggy backs off the rain sensor power (rain sensor still works).

https://www.amazon.com/Fitcamx-Suita.../dp/B096NK7MC8

4k, f1.6 which is a bigger f stop than most others on the market so it's also great at night.

[CeEl]

Originally Posted by auditorycanvas

I got one of these. Took 10 minutes to fit, no wiring, it piggy backs off the rain sensor power (rain sensor still works).

https://www.amazon.com/Fitcamx-Suita.../dp/B096NK7MC8

4k, f1.6 which is a bigger f stop than most others on the market so it's also great at night.

And it doesn't interfere with the lane keep assist or any other driving aids?

[danbart]

Here ya go:

[auditorycanvas]

Originally Posted by CeEl

And it doesn't interfere with the lane keep assist or any other driving aids?

No, all present and working. About as discrete as it gets for a dashcam. Looks barely any different to the stock mirror housing cover.

[mss400]

That Fitcam looks really good! Anyone else have one?

[StanDiego]

Originally Posted by auditorycanvas

No, all present and working. About as discrete as it gets for a dashcam. Looks barely any different to the stock mirror housing cover.

It looks great, appears to be well engineered. My only concerns are: 1: tapping off of the existing circuit, what have they done to ensure their equipment can't overload that circuit and cause external damage and 2: Who wrote the software and can it be trusted to be safely protect user data?

Sorry, but with a lengthy background in electronics and IT, I am a bit skeptical of hardware and software from unknown or little known Chinese companies (Dongguan Daozhi Electronic Technology Company, Guangdong Province, Dongguan City). I hope my concerns are unwarranted and I certainly don't mean to tarnish the company's reputation but I personally won't take the risk on my new BMW.

[auditorycanvas]

Originally Posted by StanDiego

It looks great, appears to be well engineered. My only concerns are: 1: tapping off of the existing circuit, what have they done to ensure their equipment can't overload that circuit and cause external damage and 2: Who wrote the software and can it be trusted to be safely protect user data?

Sorry, but with a lengthy background in electronics and IT, I am a bit skeptical of hardware and software from unknown or little known Chinese companies (Dongguan Daozhi Electronic Technology Company, Guangdong Province, Dongguan City). I hope my concerns are unwarranted and I certainly don't mean to tarnish the company's reputation but I personally won't take the risk on my new BMW.

Current draw is very very low, so zero concern with overload. As for the software, are you referring to the app or the camera firmware? It’s not IP based, so you can’t access the camera unless you wifi connect to it while it is receiving power. The app has to go through Apple’s approval process, for what it’s worth. You don’t have to use the app though, you can just grab the video off the card if needed.

[Skinbc]

Originally Posted by tall0n

My local dealership ordered it for me, and the specific model is:
BMW Advanced Car Eye 3.0 (Front Camera Kit) - Part Number 66-21-5-A44-494

Does it work when the vehicle is parked? For remote monitoring?

[Skinbc]

Anyone using owlcam? If so, any pictures of the final install?

https://shop.owlcam.com/collections/...lassic-5-1-cam