[HitmanHearns]

Hello,

I found the perfect Estroil Blue 340 that I want to get, but it lacks my favorite option, the driver assistance package.

Anyone suggest adding a backup camera/sensors to this car? Anyone ever do this before?

The other option is building my own 340 and waiting 12-16 weeks for it too arrive. I don't think I can wait :X

[JunkStory]

or learn to park without the fancy gadgets

[F31_330i]

Buy it and add one of these:

http://www.bimmer-tech.net/bmw-rear-view-cameras/

[RoundelM3]

It shouldn't take 12-16 weeks from order to delivery. The last 2 that I ordered arrived within 10 weeks. Get what you want.

FYI, JunkStory - Driver Assistance is the rearview camera and park-distance control. Has nothing to do specifically with parking, but everything to do with knowing what's behind your car and how close you are to objects around it when you're in reverse. I don't have this on my car, but the wife's 228i convertible has it, and with the limited visibility (due to the wide C-pillars and small rear window of the convertible top), it's a welcome addition.

[dc503]

Originally Posted by roundel335

It shouldn't take 12-16 weeks from order to delivery. The last 2 that I ordered arrived within 10 weeks. Get what you want.

Yeah, even for a CA delivery 10 weeks should be realistic. Order what you want. My last order took 6 weeks to the east coast a few months ago, so it seems if you get a dealer with a build slot, things can happen rather quickly.

[donkey]

I added the bimmertech backup cam to my car after I tinted the windows so I could see out the back easier at night.

It's relatively easy (especially if you've done car audio stuff before) but will be a bit trickier if you have the 6MT and Harman Kardon sound. With the 6MT you have to tap the reverse lights, and the Harman Kardon is a giant head unit that you have to somehow fit the bimmertech module behind.

It took me about a weekend to get it installed but I was taking my time since I didn't have anywhere to be.

End result though was very good, it's a good quality product and the folks over at bimmertech were quick to respond (even on the weekend).

[Prossx]

Originally Posted by F30_340i

Buy it and add one of these:

http://www.bimmer-tech.net/bmw-rear-view-cameras/

Anyone done the bimmer-tech? How easy is install?

[metallicpea]

Hey, at least the bumpers look better without the sensors on them.

Seriously, I have heard the retrofit can be done, although I am pretty daring and I wouldn't be interested in something so invasive and with such a large scope. If it is a must, order one and wait, or have a good dealer do a search and find and trade one with another dealer.

[hollandog]

Depends on where you live. In metro/urban places the backup cam/sensor can save you a lot of trouble where you have to parallel park in tight spaces.

In country areas you can definitely live without it if all you need to do is pull into drive ways and malls have parking lots.

MY last 2 orders came within 6-8 weeks but I'm east coast.

[RoundelM3]

Alternatively, Garmin has a 7" GPS unit that has an accessory wireless camera for backing up. I think it's the 2789 model and taps power from the reverse lights, which throws the display into backup-view mode when the camera goes active.

[sandwi54]

Take this advice from someone who purchased two cars without the driver assistance package and added aftermarket ones (one Bimmertech and one Alekshop).

If you have NOT gotten the car, have some patience and find (or order) one with the driver assistance package. It's cheaper to have the option factory built plus you get the 4-year warranty. The driver assistance package is only $950 and includes both the rearview camera and PDC, while aftermarket cameras alone cost $500-$600, and installation (if you don't do it yourself) is another $300 or so. So after all the costs you are spending close to what the driver assistance package costs, and that's even without the PDC. In addition, both aftermarket cameras I had have worse picture qualities than the factory one.

An aftermarket camera should only be considered in case you already purchased the car without the factory option and still want the camera. If you have not bought the car, wait to find one with the driver assistance package, as well as all the other options that you want, or else you will have buyer's remorse. If you can't find one with all the options you want on the lot, just order one. It should only take 10 weeks to the west coast like other people said, which is the case for both my M3 and my wife's 435i GC.

[raqautle]

Depends on how often ur going to use it. If your like me, I would go for tube package just because it makes parking so much easier. I know how to park without it but knowing exactly how far other objects are, and also what's ruins your car, gets rid of the fear of hitting something. Plus I always park in reverse so every time I drive, I use it. U will also have the car for almost 3 years, waiting several weeks is a small price to pay to make sure you have everything you want

[bones]

I ordered an esotoril 340 on 3/7/16. Expected landing date, before prep, is 6/6/16. Don't bank on a short wait.

[mwh2009]

Originally Posted by roundel335

It shouldn't take 12-16 weeks from order to delivery. The last 2 that I ordered arrived within 10 weeks. Get what you want.

Actually 12-16 weeks is about where I'll end up. Ordered a 340i xDrive on March 8, got an SAfrica build, won't get to the states until May 22, probably won't pickup at PDC until June 11-ish.

[XKxRome0ox]

Originally Posted by roundel335

Alternatively, Garmin has a 7" GPS unit that has an accessory wireless camera for backing up. I think it's the 2789 model and taps power from the reverse lights, which throws the display into backup-view mode when the camera goes active.

https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/on-t...rod150565.html

found what you are talking about

[RoundelM3]

Sorry to hear that. My TX deliveries were anywhere from 8-10 weeks for Germany-built cars. Both were ordered last week in Dec. and arrived 1st/2nd week in March.

[RoundelM3]

Originally Posted by XKxRome0ox

https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/on-t...rod150565.html

found what you are talking about

Kinda nice, isn't it? Garmin has a few more features than the factory Nav and seems like it's a little easier to operate. Too bad BMW doesn't base theirs on Garmin's technology. I like the factory Nav in my wife's car, but I'm more familiar with the Garmin. Guess I'll acclimate soon enough.

[sr5959]

Crazy that rear view camera is not standard on the 3 Series.

[goj]

That is a must have option in my opinion

[goj]

Originally Posted by sr5959

Crazy that rear view camera is not standard on the 3 Series.

The good old German nickel and diming. One should expect that lol

[Sayzar]

Originally Posted by HitmanHearns

Hello,

I found the perfect Estroil Blue 340 that I want to get, but it lacks my favorite option, the driver assistance package.

Anyone suggest adding a backup camera/sensors to this car? Anyone ever do this before?

The other option is building my own 340 and waiting 12-16 weeks for it too arrive. I don't think I can wait :X

get the car the way you wanted it - you'll regret it in the long run. wait the 12 to 16 weeks but in the end you'll get what you want

[RoundelM3]

Or...the dealer may be able to locate a car already at another dealership and arrange a trade for one of their in-stock cars. Ask your Customer Advisor about that.