[S6F]

and many BMWs. Even the 3-series. But is not available at all on the 540s. 70++ grand and no parking help. How does this even make sense?

[SonD]

Here the question would be 'what is a 540'!
Not unlike you do not have the 545 available to you (which does have 3d cameras)
Weird marketing choices / options.

[Qsilver7]

There’s too much information missing and the complaint is vague without any details or pics of what you’re complaining about. I’ve never owned an Audi, Subaru, or Hyundai…so I don’t know what 3de cameras look like on those brands.

Not having 3D cameras and them not being “available” are two different things. If you’re not the original owners…perhaps they didn’t spec the car to have what ever you think is missing.

By 3D cameras are you referring to surround view or top down view…are these all the same thing to you? How is your BMW optioned? Is 3D/surround view/top down view camera part of an option pkg you don’t have installed for your 2019 model year?

See info below from the 2019 G30 ordering guide…surround view cameras were included in the PREMIUM PKG:

[Qsilver7]

Also, depending on how your car is optioned…you may have videos (animated explanations) in the owners manual embedded in iDrive. My f15 X5 has multiple PDC & camera videos (see them listed in pics below)…and even though I have an older version of iDrive…iDrive 7 also has embedded videos and the iDrive version only refers to options that are installed on the car instead of being universal like the paperback versions.

[S6F]

Yes, the surround cameras were available on the 540s in 2019. The question I’m asking is what possible reason could there be for no longer offering this as an option in 2022/2023. Especially when it is available on the 3-series and the X5.

[Rocket455]

I think it's simply a matter of how manufacturers managed allocations and allotments while trying to juggle the supply chain crisis from COVID. E.g., I picked up a '22 VW Taos for my mom about 8 months ago, and VW decided to [literally] cross out a few options on the window sticker that the vehicle had clearly been intended for, but couldn't be finalized on the production run. It was meant to have kick-to-open trunk, but the sticker was modified last-minute to exclude that option and edited with a rebate. Same thing with cross-monitoring. Guess it made sense to offer a few discounts and push the car out, than sit on a nearly 99% complete vehicle gathering dust for a few select options.

[JTV]

I ordered my M550i with no options other than the alcantara headliner. I told the salesman that I'd pay a hefty premium to have zero electronics.

[claykin]

Originally Posted by S6F

Yes, the surround cameras were available on the 540s in 2019. The question I’m asking is what possible reason could there be for no longer offering this as an option in 2022/2023. Especially when it is available on the 3-series and the X5.

First it was a supply chain issue, then it became BMWNA deciding to limit the Parking Assist + package to the M550 and M5 only. My assumption is this limitation started to keep production flowing more smoothly, then as the G30 neared the end of life, they just kept it limited.

[MelbourneFinn]

Perhaps people buy 5-series (especially 540 ->) to drive, not to play with electronics…?

[NGT2]

The surround camera/park assist should be an available option on a car like the 540, or any 5 series. It’s not really a controversial opinion, I don’t think. OP’s point makes sense to me.

[COBodom]

Likely a ripple effect of COVID era and supply issues. As mentioned earlier, maybe they had to allocate gimmicks to whichever model sells best and that's not a G30 at the end of its lifecycle.

Doesn't really matter, the new one is around the corner and obviously that one will have all the fireworks money can buy.

[Ralph]

What do you mean specifically by 3D camera? It was an option on many.

[claykin]

Originally Posted by NGT2

The surround camera/park assist should be an available option on a car like the 540, or any 5 series. It’s not really a controversial opinion, I don’t think. OP’s point makes sense to me.

It was and the supply chain issue caused someone at BMW to reconsider this option in lower spec'd 5 series. I think we all agree with you, but unfortunately someone at BMW feels otherwise. However, the surround cameras continue to be available in some other markets. The US took the brunt of the hit.

[NGT2]

Originally Posted by claykin

It was and the supply chain issue caused someone at BMW to reconsider this option in lower spec'd 5 series. I think we all agree with you, but unfortunately someone at BMW feels otherwise. However, the surround cameras continue to be available in some other markets. The US took the brunt of the hit.

Yeah I know. I’m just jumping in because OP was starting to get beat up a little for the take that this car SHOULD have the option. I have an X7 without HUD or HK stereo. I know about Covid trade offs. All good with your reasoning. I wouldn’t blame anyone that passed because of it, though. That’s a very big deal to people that park in tight spaces, often. Like me!

[S6F]

Thank you. That’s the issue — parallel parking.

[claykin]

Originally Posted by NGT2

Yeah I know. I’m just jumping in because OP was starting to get beat up a little for the take that this car SHOULD have the option. I have an X7 without HUD or HK stereo. I know about Covid trade offs. All good with your reasoning. I wouldn’t blame anyone that passed because of it, though. That’s a very big deal to people that park in tight spaces, often. Like me!

I 100% agree with you. OP has every right to be unhappy about it. I think it's ridiculous as well that BMWNA chose to not bring this option back. This isn't the first time BMWNA has taken one for the team. In 2021 they discontinued soft close doors on the G30 while other markets continued to offer the option. There's other examples of similar questionable decisions.

[ezaircon4jc]

Originally Posted by S6F

Thank you. That’s the issue — parallel parking.

And low curbs.

[LogicalApex]

Yikes. They dropped the 360 camera and park assist from all except the top trims.

Hopefully this thinking doesn’t continue to the G60. I get the COVID supply issues, but they are doing a lot of trim gating. I was drawn to the G30 largely because the options were largely uniform across trims.

The 360 cameras are a must have to me.

[540iSUP]

I think the trend now is to fully option all cars, but charge you a monthly fee to active them.