BMW 1-Series Forum (F20) 135i - 1Addicts.com > Second Generation 1 Series Forum > 2012 BMW 1-Series Sporthatch (F20) Discussion > Rear Camera - is it worth it?
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      04-06-2013, 03:39 PM   #1
white 125M
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Rear Camera - is it worth it?

A search on this forum doesn't show up a lot of discussion about the rear camera option so not sure if anyone is opting for this or not. If anyone has selected this option, is it useful?

I ask because the view out through the rear window isn't that great so although I will get front/rear parking sensors, which are on my 335 and have found them very useful, I'm wondering if going the extra step with the camera option, is a good idea?

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      04-06-2013, 03:58 PM   #2
matlough
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Lots of opinions over on babybmw forum......

http://www.babybmw.net/viewtopic.php...camera#p544560
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      04-06-2013, 05:35 PM   #3
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In many ways it's just another expensive toy.

It works, and gives you a useful view of what is happening back there. The overlay lines for max and actual turn radius are spot on, and the PDC overlays nicely.

But, if the road is wet you'll have a blurred view from the dirt and moisture when you arrive anywhere, and really I think that you can do just as well in almost all situations with a combination of mirrors and the standard PDC.

What it does do nicely is let you judge how far to reverse up to a kerb without guessing or hanging out of the door (as long as the weather is good).

It's also pretty good at night. Sure the image is grainy thanks to the gain being cranked right up, but it still works.

In summary a nice toy, but not essential.
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      04-06-2013, 05:52 PM   #4
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I find it very useful when reversing out of my garage space. It's actually pretty accurate and it works quite well at night
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      04-06-2013, 07:22 PM   #5
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Rev-Cam should be a standard item now
It is a cheap ancillary add in for a manufacturer these days.
You only have to look at the bottom end of the market.
Nearly all the 15 to 25K new cars and all the SUVs have it as standard now.
I think the new A-Klass has it as standard on all but the base model.
BMW needs to follow the pack on this.
The cost is small. A friend who works for Ford says the cost of the boot mounted device at the build is around $8.80 to Ford, so it is only the type of infotainment system that it needed to operate.
All their cars have the wiring for it in the cable harness, so you would expect all the other manufacturers would also. I bet the wiring is already there on a 1er.
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      04-06-2013, 10:03 PM   #6
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I'd get it just to make sure I don't hit anything. The parking spots are not always well lit and sometimes kinda tight. I am a lousy driver worse comes to parking, I go for the option.

You can always do it aftermarket, but if something goes wrong (especially anything having to with dash) BMW will ask you to restore everything back to original before they start working.
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      04-07-2013, 12:48 AM   #7
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I have it, but I'm not used to it yet. For me, front and rear PDC is more than enough, but if you have small kids around you, or pets, it could be very important.
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      04-07-2013, 01:31 AM   #8
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Not for me thanks, but then I don't see the fuss in PDC either. They stop beeping when you're a foot away and if you want to keep a foots distance font and back at all times when parking in London, you may as well give up trying to park ever again.
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      04-07-2013, 01:39 AM   #9
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Wow, nice range of thoughts out there, thanks everyone. The jury is still out for me at the moment, so will wait and see.

Cheers
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      04-08-2013, 01:13 AM   #10
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I do not have it, but I have front and rear PDC. I am with the majority in this one, i.e. that it is a nice epxensive gadget....nice to have bit not essential. The PDC (front and rear) works a treat and for me is more than adequate to park even in the tiniest spots in the centre of Athens.
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