Dash cam for 330xi

gilespy · 03-03-2016, 10:10 AM

Hi everyone,

I am looking for a way to record the traffic in front of me, for what I've been thinking of several options:

1. buy mini camera and put it behind the grill, while recording its footage on me HDD integrated in Navigation Professional
2. buy HERO4 Seasson (200 USD). it is only 3.8mm small, easily mountable behind the grill or the rear view mirror. it supports auto start of recording upon the engine start and it can be wired to the car's installation
3. buy Transcend DrivePro 200, which is a real dash cam. Downside is that it is a little bit bigger then I'd like to.

Of all the fancy features I need exactly 0 of them. What I need is only the auto start/stop of the recording once the engine starts/stops, the loop recording, fullHD with decent night recording, the smallest size of the camera possible and to be able to withstand the high temperatures over the summer.

Has anyone any experience with any of the above mentioned options or maybe thoughts on what the next best alternative might be.

Thank you,
Gile

Monkeyboxers · 03-03-2016, 05:56 PM

I've been doing some research around the forum and the options available.

I've narrowed down to two brands; Thinkware and Blackvue. Blackvue seems to be more discrete but the video quality on the Thinkware is slightly better.

I'm planning to hard wire the dash cam to my fuse box and you'll be able to set the camera to record when the engine is off (parking mode). Here's the link to one of threads.

Hope this helps

MSportTune2 · 03-03-2016, 07:58 PM

You won't go wrong to install the BMW ACE Advance Car Eye.
I also bought Hero3 and tried and there are too many limitations as it is not really designed as a dash cam IMHO. I also found night recording not very good at all.
I had the Blackvue DR500 wifi and had to add T Comp so that it does not trigger any batt issue and to record when at park which is too short.

Go and search for the thread on dash cam. Many discussions there.

Broadsword · 03-03-2016, 08:22 PM

I second the BlackVue option. I have the DR600GW which is a one channel (front) dashcam on both my F30 and F15. It is very discrete and the video quality is great. I believe their newer models use Sony CMOS cameras for better video quality.

gilespy · 03-04-2016, 04:48 AM

Thanks for all the comments guys.
I've been reviewing both Blackvue and BMW Advanced Aye, and truth to be told, they do not quite meet the expectations. BMW, although integrated seamlessly, is pretty big, where I'm looking for a discrete solution.
Blackvue on the other hand has the GPS built in, which I see as more of a down side, because it records your speed as well. This can easily backfire on you if you had an accident because some moron cut you off, but you were driving slightly above the limit. After all...who buys the BMW and does not speed? :-D

Emilim · 03-05-2016, 01:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gilespy

Blackvue on the other hand has the GPS built in, which I see as more of a down side, because it records your speed as well. This can easily backfire on you if you had an accident because some moron cut you off, but you were driving slightly above the limit. After all...who buys the BMW and does not speed? :-D

You can always turn off the speed display if you want to.

gilespy · 03-08-2016, 05:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Emilim

You can always turn off the speed display if you want to.

If that's the case, then it makes much more sense. :-)
Thanks.

Gabreigns · 03-08-2016, 06:34 AM

Another cheap and reliable option is the mobius action camera with a wide angle C2 lens and a super capacitor. Sometimes they come up as a set preconfigured. I am not sure if you have a high beam assist camera in your car but if you don't then you can install it with the mirror cover plate and drop the camera in it after minor modifications for a clean install. Someone on the e90 forums has done this successfully and I hope to do it and post a DIY soon for the F3x series. Will keep you updated.

03-03-2016, 10:10 AM	#1
gilespy New Member 8 Rep 19 Posts Drives: bmw 330xi m sport Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: Germany iTrader: (0)	Dash cam for 330xi Hi everyone, I am looking for a way to record the traffic in front of me, for what I've been thinking of several options: 1. buy mini camera and put it behind the grill, while recording its footage on me HDD integrated in Navigation Professional 2. buy HERO4 Seasson (200 USD). it is only 3.8mm small, easily mountable behind the grill or the rear view mirror. it supports auto start of recording upon the engine start and it can be wired to the car's installation 3. buy Transcend DrivePro 200, which is a real dash cam. Downside is that it is a little bit bigger then I'd like to. Of all the fancy features I need exactly 0 of them. What I need is only the auto start/stop of the recording once the engine starts/stops, the loop recording, fullHD with decent night recording, the smallest size of the camera possible and to be able to withstand the high temperatures over the summer. Has anyone any experience with any of the above mentioned options or maybe thoughts on what the next best alternative might be. Thank you, Gile
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03-03-2016, 05:56 PM	#2
Monkeyboxers Second Lieutenant 84 Rep 236 Posts Drives: '21 X3 30i G01 M-Sport Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: Melbourne iTrader: (0)	I've been doing some research around the forum and the options available. I've narrowed down to two brands; Thinkware and Blackvue. Blackvue seems to be more discrete but the video quality on the Thinkware is slightly better. I'm planning to hard wire the dash cam to my fuse box and you'll be able to set the camera to record when the engine is off (parking mode). Here's the link to one of threads. Hope this helps
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03-03-2016, 07:58 PM	#3
MSportTune2 First Lieutenant 80 Rep 346 Posts Drives: F30 MSport Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Singapore iTrader: (0)	You won't go wrong to install the BMW ACE Advance Car Eye. I also bought Hero3 and tried and there are too many limitations as it is not really designed as a dash cam IMHO. I also found night recording not very good at all. I had the Blackvue DR500 wifi and had to add T Comp so that it does not trigger any batt issue and to record when at park which is too short. Go and search for the thread on dash cam. Many discussions there.
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03-03-2016, 08:22 PM	#4
Broadsword Sustinendum Victoriam 82 Rep 349 Posts Drives: '13 335i Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Texas iTrader: (2)	I second the BlackVue option. I have the DR600GW which is a one channel (front) dashcam on both my F30 and F15. It is very discrete and the video quality is great. I believe their newer models use Sony CMOS cameras for better video quality.
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03-04-2016, 04:48 AM	#5
gilespy New Member 8 Rep 19 Posts Drives: bmw 330xi m sport Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: Germany iTrader: (0)	Thanks for all the comments guys. I've been reviewing both Blackvue and BMW Advanced Aye, and truth to be told, they do not quite meet the expectations. BMW, although integrated seamlessly, is pretty big, where I'm looking for a discrete solution. Blackvue on the other hand has the GPS built in, which I see as more of a down side, because it records your speed as well. This can easily backfire on you if you had an accident because some moron cut you off, but you were driving slightly above the limit. After all...who buys the BMW and does not speed? :-D
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-08-2016, 06:34 AM	#8
Gabreigns Major 494 Rep 1,076 Posts Drives: F3x Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	Another cheap and reliable option is the mobius action camera with a wide angle C2 lens and a super capacitor. Sometimes they come up as a set preconfigured. I am not sure if you have a high beam assist camera in your car but if you don't then you can install it with the mirror cover plate and drop the camera in it after minor modifications for a clean install. Someone on the e90 forums has done this successfully and I hope to do it and post a DIY soon for the F3x series. Will keep you updated.
	Appreciate 0 Quote