BMW
X7 and XM
forum
BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read
BMW X7 (G07) Forums General BMW X7 Forum Dash cam options/pics help

Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      05-27-2020, 11:58 PM   #1
stockguru
Second Lieutenant
United_States
87
Rep
216
Posts

Drives: BMW X7
Join Date: May 2020
Location: NYC

iTrader: (0)

Dash cam options/pics help

Moving from x5 to the x7 and awaiting delivery.

Researching forum and curious if anyone installed dash cam and can post pics. I'm researching and can't seem to find any. Would prefer integrated dash cam / rear view mirror for the x7.

Here's an example that seems to exclude the x7

https://www.kammu.com/shop/dash-cam/...080p-g-sensor/
Appreciate 0
      05-28-2020, 04:40 AM   #2
Rublezz
Private First Class
Azerbaijan
68
Rep
100
Posts

Drives: BMW X7 40i
Join Date: Nov 2019
Location: Baku

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by stockguru View Post
Moving from x5 to the x7 and awaiting delivery.

Researching forum and curious if anyone installed dash cam and can post pics. I'm researching and can't seem to find any. Would prefer integrated dash cam / rear view mirror for the x7.

Here's an example that seems to exclude the x7

https://www.kammu.com/shop/dash-cam/...080p-g-sensor/
Did you find any feedbacks reg this cam? If you want really high class cam, you have to buy Blackvue.
Appreciate 0
      05-28-2020, 07:13 AM   #3
jmciver
///M SubDriver
jmciver's Avatar
United_States
1824
Rep
2,781
Posts

Drives: 2017 M3, 2020 X7 40i
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: DMV

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2017 BMW M3  [10.00]
2020 BMW X7  [0.00]
2019 BMW X3  [0.00]
2009 BMW 128i  [0.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by stockguru View Post
Moving from x5 to the x7 and awaiting delivery.

Researching forum and curious if anyone installed dash cam and can post pics. I'm researching and can't seem to find any. Would prefer integrated dash cam / rear view mirror for the x7.

Here's an example that seems to exclude the x7

https://www.kammu.com/shop/dash-cam/...080p-g-sensor/
Time will tell if vendors will build an integrated style dash cam for the newer X5 (G05) and the X7 as the mirror frame/base has a different design than past BMWs. That said, I don't think you would be pleased with the functionality and performance of those "cheap" dash cams compared to the models from established brands like Thinkware or BlackVue. Even the mid-grade or "base" models from those two manufacturers (and a few others) will be better than the one you have posted.

When looking for a dash cam for my M3 a few years ago, I also wanted a more integrated design for aesthetic reasons. But I ultimately went with a mid grade model from an established manufacturer (BlackVue in particular). As I did more research on models like the one you posted, the quality, performance and features were just not there. And I am not talking about "bells & whistles" like storing videos automatically in the cloud or WiFi connectivity with your phone - those are nice features to have. I am talking about basic video quality, camera lens construction, and reliability when operating in the harsh environment of the car (like heat from sitting in your car in the hot sun for example).

My recommendation, stick with an established dash cam manufacturer for both form and function - even if you lose some integrated aesthetics. If you don't want (or need) some of the newest features, you can still get a quality model at a lower cost.
__________________
///M3 COMPETITION 6MT - 2017 F80 Smoked Topaz Metallic
BM3 / MP-HAS / GC Camber Plates / Carbonstructure Interior
X7 XDrive 40i ///M-SPORT - 2020 G07 Arctic Grey Metallic

X3 XDrive 30i - 2019 G01 Mineral White (wife's) / 128i 6MT - 2009 E82 Jet Black (son's)
Appreciate 0
      05-28-2020, 12:55 PM   #4
stockguru
Second Lieutenant
United_States
87
Rep
216
Posts

Drives: BMW X7
Join Date: May 2020
Location: NYC

iTrader: (0)

Appreciate the feedback. I told myself when I move to a new car I wanted to go integrated for the cleaner look, but honestly have no clue what video quality or options those have so that's why I'm doing my research while I await delivery. I have a blackvue now in the x5 but hate seeing it every time I walk to my car.

There also appears to be a software upgrade where the car cameras save the last 20 seconds prior to and after collision? Can anyone confirm that this is true?

https://www.bmwblog.com/2019/05/17/b...camera-system/

Seems logical for them to expand the memory to record longer and just allow that to replace any dashcam.
Appreciate 1
      05-28-2020, 02:03 PM   #5
jmciver
///M SubDriver
jmciver's Avatar
United_States
1824
Rep
2,781
Posts

Drives: 2017 M3, 2020 X7 40i
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: DMV

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2017 BMW M3  [10.00]
2020 BMW X7  [0.00]
2019 BMW X3  [0.00]
2009 BMW 128i  [0.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by stockguru View Post
Appreciate the feedback. I told myself when I move to a new car I wanted to go integrated for the cleaner look, but honestly have no clue what video quality or options those have so that's why I'm doing my research while I await delivery. I have a blackvue now in the x5 but hate seeing it every time I walk to my car.

There also appears to be a software upgrade where the car cameras save the last 20 seconds prior to and after collision? Can anyone confirm that this is true?

https://www.bmwblog.com/2019/05/17/b...camera-system/

Seems logical for them to expand the memory to record longer and just allow that to replace any dashcam.
I hear you about "seeing" the dash cam, either inside or from outside the car - my OCD was not too happy about that initially. However, I spent the extra money on a mirror mount so that when sitting inside the driver seat, I could barely see it and it still looked ok from the outside - which was acceptable to my OCD .

The built in camera functionality that you are talking about is the BMW Drive Recorder. I would describe it as a very poor implementation of dash cam functionality - even though it is integrated with the car and iDrive. It does provide the accident capture functionality of modern aftermarket dash cam systems, and it can record all of the cameras on the X7 for that purpose (compared to just two on an aftermarket dual camera system). But it lacks some basic features that your BlackVue probably has, like better and more camera storage (there is no SD card in the BMW system) or having a parking mode feature - there are other weaknesses as well. I have not decided if I want to get a dash cam system yet for my X7, but if I do, it will be similar to the one I have in my M3, which is a middle-end BlackVue model.

I think the BMW Drive Recorder system has tons of potential to blow away any modern, high end dash cam system. But I will speculate that BMW is not ready to do that yet, most likely because of some litigation fear/concern....
__________________
///M3 COMPETITION 6MT - 2017 F80 Smoked Topaz Metallic
BM3 / MP-HAS / GC Camber Plates / Carbonstructure Interior
X7 XDrive 40i ///M-SPORT - 2020 G07 Arctic Grey Metallic

X3 XDrive 30i - 2019 G01 Mineral White (wife's) / 128i 6MT - 2009 E82 Jet Black (son's)
Appreciate 0
      05-30-2020, 01:52 PM   #6
Ex_Stig
Colonel
Ex_Stig's Avatar
2563
Rep
2,674
Posts

Drives: '24 X7 M60i
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Scottsdale, AZ

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2024 BMW X7 M60  [10.00]
I don't think you will find a camera integrated into the rear view mirror any time soon.

I went with the BlackVue camera and a Blendmount that attaches to the rear view mirror and couldn't be happier.
Attached Images
 
__________________
Ex Stig

'25 M5 Touring (on the list, first slot)
'24 X7 M60i
'22 M5 CS - (sold)
Appreciate 1
      05-30-2020, 07:45 PM   #7
jmciver
///M SubDriver
jmciver's Avatar
United_States
1824
Rep
2,781
Posts

Drives: 2017 M3, 2020 X7 40i
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: DMV

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2017 BMW M3  [10.00]
2020 BMW X7  [0.00]
2019 BMW X3  [0.00]
2009 BMW 128i  [0.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by GNALUZU View Post
I don't think you will find a camera integrated into the rear view mirror any time soon.

I went with the BlackVue camera and a Blendmount that attaches to the rear view mirror and couldn't be happier.
+1. My setup as well in my M3 (and what I would do in my X7 if I decide to get a dash cam).
__________________
///M3 COMPETITION 6MT - 2017 F80 Smoked Topaz Metallic
BM3 / MP-HAS / GC Camber Plates / Carbonstructure Interior
X7 XDrive 40i ///M-SPORT - 2020 G07 Arctic Grey Metallic

X3 XDrive 30i - 2019 G01 Mineral White (wife's) / 128i 6MT - 2009 E82 Jet Black (son's)
Appreciate 1
Ex_Stig2562.50
      05-31-2020, 09:59 AM   #8
stockguru
Second Lieutenant
United_States
87
Rep
216
Posts

Drives: BMW X7
Join Date: May 2020
Location: NYC

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by GNALUZU View Post
I don't think you will find a camera integrated into the rear view mirror any time soon.

I went with the BlackVue camera and a Blendmount that attaches to the rear view mirror and couldn't be happier.
That set up and mount looks great. Did you do rear cam too? Do you have pics if so.
Appreciate 0
      05-31-2020, 10:47 AM   #9
Ex_Stig
Colonel
Ex_Stig's Avatar
2563
Rep
2,674
Posts

Drives: '24 X7 M60i
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Scottsdale, AZ

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2024 BMW X7 M60  [10.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by stockguru View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by GNALUZU View Post
I don't think you will find a camera integrated into the rear view mirror any time soon.

I went with the BlackVue camera and a Blendmount that attaches to the rear view mirror and couldn't be happier.
That set up and mount looks great. Did you do rear cam too? Do you have pics if so.
I do have the rear cam as well. It is just mounted to the top of the back window using the provided mount from BlackVue. The wires are all above the headliner.

Not sure how easy it would be to run the wires in an X7. I don't have a sunroof in the CS so the install was a lot easier.
__________________
Ex Stig

'25 M5 Touring (on the list, first slot)
'24 X7 M60i
'22 M5 CS - (sold)
Appreciate 0
      05-31-2020, 10:53 AM   #10
jmciver
///M SubDriver
jmciver's Avatar
United_States
1824
Rep
2,781
Posts

Drives: 2017 M3, 2020 X7 40i
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: DMV

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2017 BMW M3  [10.00]
2020 BMW X7  [0.00]
2019 BMW X3  [0.00]
2009 BMW 128i  [0.00]
Here is the install in my M3. I also have the rear cam. Not an X7 obviously (or even a hatchback type install), but gives you an idea of what the install could entail...

https://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1573576
__________________
///M3 COMPETITION 6MT - 2017 F80 Smoked Topaz Metallic
BM3 / MP-HAS / GC Camber Plates / Carbonstructure Interior
X7 XDrive 40i ///M-SPORT - 2020 G07 Arctic Grey Metallic

X3 XDrive 30i - 2019 G01 Mineral White (wife's) / 128i 6MT - 2009 E82 Jet Black (son's)
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 08:44 AM.




xbimmers
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST