05-20-2020, 12:54 PM | #1 |
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Dashcam Installation Cost
Bought a front and rear dashcam with battery for a hardwire install on my 2018 540Xi. I called a shop with a good reputation and they quoted me $300 for 3 hours of work, which seems a bit high, but I wanted to see what others' experiences have been.
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05-20-2020, 10:00 PM | #2 | |
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Which camera did you get?
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theeclectic10.00 |
05-21-2020, 10:55 AM | #3 | |
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Bought the new Viofo A129 Pro Duo. Did it based mostly on reviews against the Blackvue and Thinkware and how it compared, not to mention the price difference! |
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claykin1587.50 |
05-22-2020, 07:50 AM | #4 | |
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Save the $300 and buy an external battery |
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High Flier102.50 |
05-22-2020, 08:25 AM | #5 |
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I agree with Kitster. I found a good deal on a BlackVue 750, and went with the Blendmount for the front mirror and attached the rear to the trim for the third brake light. I used the hard wire kit with an add-a-fuse, and it was really simple. Running the rear camera wire was what took the longest to make sure it was run right along the trim, but total time was maybe 2 and a half hours and that was going at a relaxed pace. I however didn’t go with an additional battery.
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05-22-2020, 12:45 PM | #6 |
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My installation cost $0.00. This post was very helpful: https://g30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1457675
I know that my wires will not interfere with the air bags. The wires to the rear camera are under the floor trim. I'm using an external battery for my Blackvue DR750S-2ch which is located in the glove box. Out of sight, but well-ventilated and easy to access. |
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theeclectic10.00 |
05-22-2020, 03:47 PM | #7 | |
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12-03-2021, 09:27 AM | #8 |
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Cabin fuse box (z44) is located under the dashboard in the right side footwell.
see attahced image. BMW have convenietly grouped fuses for us Slot f59 should be empty. its allocated for acc. Tap into any fuse circled yellow if you need continous/ permanent power to run dashcam whist car is off/ parked, but you car will display an annoying battery drain notification!. Last edited by mittu; 12-03-2021 at 09:28 AM.. Reason: added image |
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12-03-2021, 09:38 AM | #9 |
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Ive hardwired my thinkware dashcam straight to the battery. Did it myself. Bits only cost me £5.
It's been 6 months and ran flawlessly so far. Will be the same for any dash cam that requires continuous power. Tapping into a fuse for continuous power (enable parking mode features) causes an annoying battery drain notification. dashcam manufactures/ retailers will tell you to buy an external dashcam battery module, which only last about 8-10hrs per charge and costs £200 ($250) + installation. It cost me £5 and I did it myself! It's pretty straightforward. wiring is simple. Im not a "car guy", so if I can do it, then others can too. It'll take 2hrs. Well worth it, and can be used for future dash cams/ other devices you'd like to power when the car is off. for an additional £5 I installed a 12v socket in the boot + descrete usb out for powering GPS tracker and mobile hotspot. Decent cameras have a built in voltage cut-off so you can safely leave it in parking more for 2-3 weeks without fear of draining your battery. Last edited by mittu; 12-03-2021 at 09:43 AM.. |
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dash cam, dash cam installation, dashcam |
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