[arsenal6]

I installed the Andream MMI box and the rear cam retrofit (YAY!).

I am considering doing a front camera retrofit.
After watching the PEMP and Kie's video, it looks pretty easy.

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/32568...d=Wq53qvwfqFaT

Was wondering if anyone had experience with doing it?
Andream didn't sell a specific one, but from what I read you would manually activate it using the option control.

I was wondering if I could alternatively install the PDC button for that.

[eff32fl]

No need to post the same thing twice.

[Runner340]

Originally Posted by arsenal6

I installed the Andream MMI box and the rear cam retrofit (YAY!).

I am considering doing a front camera retrofit.
After watching the PEMP and Kie's video, it looks pretty easy.

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/32568...d=Wq53qvwfqFaT

Was wondering if anyone had experience with doing it?
Andream didn't sell a specific one, but from what I read you would manually activate it using the option control.

I was wondering if I could alternatively install the PDC button for that.

I installed the Bimmer-Tech front sport grill camera kit which in my opinion should have been a factory option on our cars. Install "did not" require coding but there was a fair amount of wire snaking and the MMI Prime (multi media interface) that needs to be connected to the iDrive control unit in the dash. Time needed for the install took me about 5 hours taking my time.

[INROADRACR]

I did the same as Runner340 and installed the front camera with a Bimmer-Tech MMI unit. It was a very expensive way to add a front camera (I already had the CarPlay, rear camera, etc.). But I really wanted a front camera and this integrated cleanly with the existing system. Took me a few hours for the install.

My car had a front license plate holder (it was originally from CA) and that is screwed into the M-Sport bumper, forever scarring it. So I decided to put that plate holder to use.

[arsenal6]

Originally Posted by INROADRACR

I did the same as Runner340 and installed the front camera with a Bimmer-Tech MMI unit. It was a very expensive way to add a front camera (I already had the CarPlay, rear camera, etc.). But I really wanted a front camera and this integrated cleanly with the existing system. Took me a few hours for the install.

My car had a front license plate holder (it was originally from CA) and that is screwed into the M-Sport bumper, forever scarring it. So I decided to put that plate holder to use.

Do you have to use the option button to activate it? Or is it automatic

[Runner340]

Originally Posted by arsenal6

Do you have to use the option button to activate it? Or is it automatic

Yes you can to both questions. By default if option button 8 on the dash is not in use it can be activated that way. I set mine to opt 7 because 8 was used as my nav home button. I also set mine up to auto when going from the reverse BU camera to forward camera for my specified amount or seconds.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f9KOlawwD3Y

[arsenal6]

Originally Posted by Runner340

Yes you can to both questions. By default if option button 8 on the dash is not in use it can be activated that way. I set mine to opt 7 because 8 was used as my nav home button. I also set mine up to auto when going from the reverse BU camera to forward camera for my specified amount or seconds.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f9KOlawwD3Y

How do you set it so that number 8 uses it?

[Abzynthe]

The front camera I have comes on when you hold the idrive knob in the down position and also comes on automatically when you select drive after reversing.

[arsenal6]

Originally Posted by Abzynthe

The front camera I have comes on when you hold the idrive knob in the down position and also comes on automatically when you select drive after reversing.

Which one do you have

[Abzynthe]

Originally Posted by arsenal6

Which one do you have

I think it's this one. https://car-solutions.com/en/video-i...ng-guidelines/

I can also then have a fire stick in the car too lol

[Runner340]

Originally Posted by arsenal6

How do you set it so that number 8 uses it?

The install is not for everyone IMO. It does take a some automotive mechanical skills, electrical skills, tools and some courage to dive into this project. I did quite a bit of research and viewed several install videos from Bimmertech as well as from YouTube videos from individuals. Bimmertech provides access to a PDF install guide when you purchase the product as well. I wish there was a single front camera video with a start to finish install and usage so I had to get the info in bits and pieces at the time I did mine.

This video towards the end has some bread crumbs to your question.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SksfQZnKILg

[arsenal6]

Originally Posted by Runner340

The install is not for everyone IMO. It does take a some automotive mechanical skills, electrical skills, tools and some courage to dive into this project. I did quite a bit of research and viewed several install videos from Bimmertech as well as from YouTube videos from individuals. Bimmertech provides access to a PDF install guide when you purchase the product as well. I wish there was a single front camera video with a start to finish install and usage so I had to get the info in bits and pieces at the time I did mine.

This video towards the end has some bread crumbs to your question.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SksfQZnKILg

I am trying to decide whether it's worth it to mount it under the bumper or clip it on.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...0?ie=UTF8&th=1

Clipping it on seems to be the easiest, but not sure about the aesthetics. Thoughts?

[Wires]

This is what the clip in looks like. (Ignore the "winter death" the car is suffering with right now).

[eff32fl]

Front cameras are intended to protect your bumper so the lower the better. Attach it to the lower grille.

[arsenal6]

Originally Posted by Wires

This is what the clip in looks like. (Ignore the "winter death" the car is suffering with right now).

Attachment 3051263

Are you able to see the ground?
I have the same kidney grill!
Can you send me a link to which one you ordered.

I measured 38 mm.

So you don’t find it ruins the aesthetic?

[arsenal6]

Originally Posted by eff32fl

Front cameras are intended to protect your bumper so the lower the better. Attach it to the lower grille.

I agree, I’m hesitant to drill into the rubber.
Wish they had one that could attach to the bottom.

[Wires]

Originally Posted by arsenal6

Are you able to see the ground?
I have the same kidney grill!
Can you send me a link to which one you ordered.

I measured 38 mm.

So you don’t find it ruins the aesthetic?

Nah.. I never see the front! It does a nice job of seeing in the front, and I can see the ground, but I've never measured how close.

For that grill, this is what I found worked for the width:
HD 720p Front View Camera Logo Parking Camera Waterproof Night Vision for BMW F34 3er GT 320i 328i 330i 335i 2016-2017

I did have to trim some side plastic on on the camera though, and it was just VGA to my Android HU.

[arsenal6]

Originally Posted by Wires

Nah.. I never see the front! It does a nice job of seeing in the front, and I can see the ground, but I've never measured how close.

For that grill, this is what I found worked for the width:
HD 720p Front View Camera Logo Parking Camera Waterproof Night Vision for BMW F34 3er GT 320i 328i 330i 335i 2016-2017

I did have to trim some side plastic on on the camera though, and it was just VGA to my Android HU.

https://bigamart.com/product/hd-720p...35i-2016-2017/

Was it this one?

[eff32fl]

Originally Posted by arsenal6

I agree, I’m hesitant to drill into the rubber.
Wish they had one that could attach to the bottom.

Here you go.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0863TLS11/

[arsenal6]

Originally Posted by eff32fl

I know the kit that Bimmertech sells has the camera that mounts to the lower front grille. There's is repackaged Chinese products based on what I've heard so Amazon or ebay should have one available that attaches in the same fashion. Just search for front camera BMW and you should find some.

Yeah those ones are requiring drilling, it’s a preferred location. I will see if they have a lower grill mount.

[eff32fl]

Originally Posted by arsenal6

Yeah those ones are requiring drilling, it’s a preferred location. I will see if they have a lower grill mount.

I edited my post with a link to one that will work. Attach it to the lower grille with bolts.

[arsenal6]

Originally Posted by eff32fl

I edited my post with a link to one that will work. Attach it to the lower grille with bolts.

That looks interesting. Will look into it.
Thanks man!