[SEW247]

Hi all

I've just got back from my 2.5 week trip driving through Alaska and The Yukon with my wife. She's a good driver but having grown up in Canada is not used to our narrow roads and as such has not driven much here in the UK.

My plan is to get her 5 driving lessons in order to build up her confidence and to get to grips with narrow roads and the usual need to reverse where roads are too narrow for two cars to pass (we live in SE London ).

One thing I was thinking of was the surround view. I have reversing camera assist, speed limit display, HUD and pro nav and am wondering if it would be possible to have the surround view retrofitted.

I've not seen it in action and would appreciate some thoughts on it - do you think it would be of benefit to her - my main scenario would be when she is reversing up a road with cars parked each side to let someone pass. I find the reversing camera invaluable but I'm wondering how effective it is looking at the corners and sides of the vehicle.

Whilst I'm a keen DIYer I don't fancy doing it myself and don't really want an after market kit; ie I would want a BMW system. Any thoughts on what a dealer would end up stinging me for?!

[2real4u]

Of course is possible, just parts cost over £1k.

[pmgreenwood]

Surround view is useful when reversing on narrow lanes and keeping an eye on sides and back of car. Its only failing is no front view.

I fitted it because of restricted view on exit from my drive but find it useful in so many other situations.

[Chris330]

Best option I spec'd for that reason - it's an absolute breeze when parking in a bay or parallel - I'm in SW London so have similar challenges

[notused]

I don't like the surround view on the 3 series. Had it on my X6 and loved it which is why I wanted it but it's not as good on the 3er. I barely use it now.

The X6 has front, rear and side cameras in wing mirrors. Resolution is good. The 3er has rear and side cameras in front bumper. Resolution not as good.

[pmgreenwood]

Originally Posted by RWDpetrol

I don't like the surround view on the 3 series. Had it on my X6 and loved it which is why I wanted it but it's not as good on the 3er. I barely use it now.

The X6 has front, rear and side cameras in wing mirrors. Resolution is good. The 3er has rear and side cameras in front bumper. Resolution not as good.

My 3 surround view has also cameras in bottom of wing mirrors just checked

[notused]

Originally Posted by pmgreenwood

My 3 surround view has also cameras in bottom of wing mirrors just checked

So it does, I stand corrected. Thanks. I wonder why then the view is not similar. On the 3er there is a triangular type cut/join, whereas on the X6 there wasn't.

Maybe I should use it more.

[Archer-s]

Have a look at the surround view on the 7, it's another level

[teaston]

Originally Posted by SEW247

Hi all

I've just got back from my 2.5 week trip driving through Alaska and The Yukon with my wife. She's a good driver but having grown up in Canada is not used to our narrow roads and as such has not driven much here in the UK.

My plan is to get her 5 driving lessons in order to build up her confidence and to get to grips with narrow roads and the usual need to reverse where roads are too narrow for two cars to pass (we live in SE London ).

One thing I was thinking of was the surround view. I have reversing camera assist, speed limit display, HUD and pro nav and am wondering if it would be possible to have the surround view retrofitted.

I've not seen it in action and would appreciate some thoughts on it - do you think it would be of benefit to her - my main scenario would be when she is reversing up a road with cars parked each side to let someone pass. I find the reversing camera invaluable but I'm wondering how effective it is looking at the corners and sides of the vehicle.

Whilst I'm a keen DIYer I don't fancy doing it myself and don't really want an after market kit; ie I would want a BMW system. Any thoughts on what a dealer would end up stinging me for?!

On top if the cameras, control module and wiring, you'd also need a new front bumper and wing mirrors to house the cameras!

[RobUK]

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