[ATX78703]

Was just hoping someone could help me out here:

While the quality of the picture on the rear view and top view cameras is awesome on my new f30, i am having some difficulty at night time. The lighting does not illuminate very well and the picture is very dark. I have tried adjusting the brightness and contrast and it doesn't really help that much. We have the same camera system on our E70 X5 and it has always worked great at nighttime.

What am I doing wrong here? or do i need to take it in to the dealer?

[Dr.HiTcH]

I noticed the same thing in mine...!
During the night time, the top view is not that reliable.
The picture quality is not good even if you change the brightness.So in dark spaces try to relay on the sensors alone.

[zeezz]

When you go in reverse, are your door LEDs (the ones under the handle) lighting up? I think it had to be enabled on the 2012s with an update- but it looks like you have a 2014 so not sure.

[ATX78703]

Originally Posted by Dr.HiTcH

I noticed the same thing in mine...!
During the night time, the top view is not that reliable.
The picture quality is not good even if you change the brightness.So in dark spaces try to relay on the sensors alone.

That's all well and good, but the cameras worked great on Our x5 - so not understanding why these don't

[ATX78703]

Originally Posted by zeezz

When you go in reverse, are your door LEDs (the ones under the handle) lighting up? I think it had to be enabled on the 2012s with an update- but it looks like you have a 2014 so not sure.

Ahh, that would make a huge difference - how do u enable that? Owners manual?

[Chris@codemybimmer]

Originally Posted by ATX78703

Ahh, that would make a huge difference - how do u enable that? Owners manual?

the only way is to get it coded to enable this feature.

[Chris@codemybimmer]

Originally Posted by ATX78703

Ahh, that would make a huge difference - how do u enable that? Owners manual?

the only way is to get it coded to enable this feature.

[Sedan_Clan]

Originally Posted by 1lyfe

the only way is to get it coded to enable this feature.

Hmmm....that's pretty cool. Do you know what the code reference is?

[EvenKeel]

Will check out my top view display at night. Have never noticed an issue with it.

[zeezz]

This should have been enabled on all cars after 2012, to my knowledge... mine started doing it after I took it in for service and they updated the car software.

[ATX78703]

Ok - when I first turn the car on and put it in reverse the LED door handles are light. But it doesn't seem to really help in pitch dark environments. It does look fine in a parking lot or dim street lighting. Maybe I'm asking too much, but I swear on the e70 I had great visibility.

[claykin]

2014 F30's turn on the door handle downlights when placing trans in reverse. At least cars with top/side view do this. No coding required on MY14 cars.

My top view cameras are semi useful at night in dark parking lots. You need to watch closely for objects, but its better than not having them. Same with the rear view, but I notice it seems to self adjust and provide a better image after a few seconds of being on.

I've read that some claim the AW bumper causes the rear camera to take longer to adjust to lower light. As a test try placing a dark towel on bumper and see if the rear cam works better at night.

[Chris@codemybimmer]

Originally Posted by Sedan_Clan

Hmmm....that's pretty cool. Do you know what the code reference is?

Fembody 3070 OVT_BEI_RUECKFAHRLICHT aktiv

[Sedan_Clan]

Originally Posted by 1lyfe

Fembody 3070 OVT_BEI_RUECKFAHRLICHT aktiv

Thanks man!

[Sedan_Clan]

Originally Posted by claykin

I've read that some claim the AW bumper causes the rear camera to take longer to adjust to lower light. As a test try placing a dark towel on bumper and see if the rear cam works better at night.

I think it may be F30 specific. My RVC on my AW X5 had better clarity than the RVC on my AW F30.

[claykin]

Originally Posted by Sedan_Clan

I think it may be F30 specific. My RVC on my AW X5 had better clarity than the RVC on my AW F30.

The X5 rear cam was also further away from the bumper than on the F30.

[Sedan_Clan]

Originally Posted by claykin

The X5 rear cam was also further away from the bumper than on the F30.

Do you really believe that would have a significant impact?

[/serious question]

[ATX78703]

Originally Posted by claykin

2014 F30's turn on the door handle downlights when placing trans in reverse. At least cars with top/side view do this. No coding required on MY14 cars.

My top view cameras are semi useful at night in dark parking lots. You need to watch closely for objects, but its better than not having them. Same with the rear view, but I notice it seems to self adjust and provide a better image after a few seconds of being on.

I've read that some claim the AW bumper causes the rear camera to take longer to adjust to lower light. As a test try placing a dark towel on bumper and see if the rear cam works better at night.

I will try it - what you're saying makes a lot of sense. Also makes sense that the x5 was so much higher and separated from the bumper - calibration would be easier. thanks.

[claykin]

Originally Posted by Sedan_Clan

Do you really believe that would have a significant impact?

[/serious question]

the F30 forum. Others have complained of same. I recall a thread from Australia discussing rear cam issues with AW.

[Sedan_Clan]

Originally Posted by claykin

the F30 forum. Others have complained of same. I recall a thread from Australia discussing rear cam issues with AW.

I'm well acquainted with the "Search" function. Thanks! Why would "I" search when I'm not the one having an issue??! Anyway, thanks for the relatively useless response.

[claykin]

Originally Posted by Sedan_Clan

I'm well acquainted with the "Search" function. Thanks! Why would "I" search when I'm not the one having an issue??! Anyway, thanks for the relatively useless response.

OK, then I'll answer your last ?. Yes I do since the X5 cam is different and mounted further from bumper.

Too much of the F30 bumper shows up in the rear cam, and if car is AW, the lower portion of the image is bright white at night. Bright white reflecting back into the camera plays havoc with simple inexpensive video circuitry like that used in cars.

[Sedan_Clan]

Thanks for the response. I don't have that issue with my RVC on my F30. My X5/335i comparison was referring to something other than washing out/distortion.