[sguida]

Has anyone installed a dashcam?
Hard wire or yse cigarette lighter?

If hardwired, which fuses did you piggyback off of?

[Joe-BMW33]

Check out the Fitcam options. OEM look and attaches to the rear view mirror housing and uses a powersource in there.

[petresilviu]

I have one from nextbase. Is good and it is got an app wich you can download and play live on phone. I think is nice.
Is from cigarette lighter.

[New5Series]

Originally Posted by Joe-BMW33

Check out the Fitcam options. OEM look and attaches to the rear view mirror housing and uses a powersource in there.

I just ordered one myself, $150 with a cyber Monday deal. I was planning on going with the BMW Advanced Car Eye Pro 3.0 (ACE 3.0) that’s manufactured for BMW by the Korean company Thinkware so as not to have any warranty issues in the future. I stopped into two dealerships, one quoted $2,100 for the camera and installation and another was $1,890.

Joe-BMW33 How is yours holding up, have you ever had any problems with it? I really like the OEM look and feel but I’ve read some users run into an issue where the Fitcam mysteriously loses minutes of footage. I also read that it has a tendency to get extremely hot to the touch and overheat to the point where it stops working.

[Joe-BMW33]

Originally Posted by New5Series

I just ordered one myself, $150 with a cyber Monday deal. I was planning on going with the BMW Advanced Car Eye Pro 3.0 (ACE 3.0) that’s manufactured for BMW by the Korean company Thinkware so as not to have any warranty issues in the future. I stopped into two dealerships, one quoted $2,100 for the camera and installation and another was $1,890.

Joe-BMW33 How is yours holding up, have you ever had any problems with it? I really like the OEM look and feel but I’ve read some users run into an issue where the Fitcam mysteriously loses minutes of footage. I also read that it has a tendency to get extremely hot to the touch and overheat to the point where it stops working.

I actually never pulled the trigger and bought it, but I did read a few threads on it, including one here where a bunch of people bought it. I have not heard of any heat issues. I watched the install video a bunch of times and I guess the hardest part is plugging in the power to the mirror as it’s small and takes small hands or patience, but other than that, it’s easy and looks OEM.

Now the negatives I’ve read is that the app is kind of buggy and slow. At the end of the day, I think it is what it is which is a really cheaply priced solution with an app that isn’t exactly state of the art and transfers can be slow.

I was definitely willing to try it for $150 as it would be just a cool gadget for me. I’m not overly paranoid about recording accidents.

Search this forum (and other G30 sub forums) on Fitcam. I know there is a thread here with a lot of input. You could ping the adopters to see how it’s fairing.

I think HerkHealer may have installed it?

[GSMCCASH]

Originally Posted by New5Series

I just ordered one myself, $150 with a cyber Monday deal. I was planning on going with the BMW Advanced Car Eye Pro 3.0 (ACE 3.0) that’s manufactured for BMW by the Korean company Thinkware so as not to have any warranty issues in the future. I stopped into two dealerships, one quoted $2,100 for the camera and installation and another was $1,890.

Joe-BMW33 How is yours holding up, have you ever had any problems with it? I really like the OEM look and feel but I’ve read some users run into an issue where the Fitcam mysteriously loses minutes of footage. I also read that it has a tendency to get extremely hot to the touch and overheat to the point where it stops working.

I have the BMW ACE 3.0 Pro dealer installed. Those quotes seem excessive for the labor. Here is the breakdown of my cost without BMW Card points used:
Camera with rear $639.99
Install/ Labor $839.00 (3 hours)

I used points from my BMW credit card. The point earnings on the card are great.
Camera with rear $0
Install/labor $381.00

I have a Nextbase in my Explorer. I would give the nighttime video on this camera the best band for the buck.

The ACE 3.0 Pro is more user friendly and is a very clean install with constant power integrated into the cars electric system. This is great for radar, g sensor and continuos video driving or while parked. Voice command for pics or video is great for this camera and the system rear camera fits the rear window with automatic sunshade.

Very happy with this.

[adhrp]

Originally Posted by GSMCCASH

I have the BMW ACE 3.0 Pro dealer installed. Those quotes seem excessive for the labor. Here is the breakdown of my cost without BMW Card points used:
Camera with rear $639.99
Install/ Labor $839.00 (3 hours)

I used points from my BMW credit card. The point earnings on the card are great.
Camera with rear $0
Install/labor $381.00

I have a Nextbase in my Explorer. I would give the nighttime video on this camera the best band for the buck.

The ACE 3.0 Pro is more user friendly and is a very clean install with constant power integrated into the cars electric system. This is great for radar, g sensor and continuos video driving or while parked. Voice command for pics or video is great for this camera and the system rear camera fits the rear window with automatic sunshade.

Very happy with this.

I got a 1500 installation quote from my dealer. Ridiculous.

[GSMCCASH]

Originally Posted by adhrp

I got a 1500 installation quote from my dealer. Ridiculous.

That is way too high…$500 per hour in labor. I would ask them what their hourly rate is and let them know the job is 3 hours. There are YouTube videos by BMW techs at dealerships that backup the install time.

The hourly rate I was charged equates to around $278.00 per.

[New5Series]

Originally Posted by GSMCCASH

That is way too high…$500 per hour in labor. I would ask them what their hourly rate is and let them know the job is 3 hours. There are YouTube videos by BMW techs at dealerships that backup the install time.

The hourly rate I was charged equates to around $278.00 per.

The prices I mentioned above were from memory, and after looking through my records it looks like the quotes were higher than I recalled.

Dealer #1 Freeport
I was quoted 6 hours of work “…we have to tear the whole car apart.” With an hourly rate of $275, it came to $1,650 just for labor plus $767.26 for the ACE Pro 3.0, other necessary parts, and taxes for a total of $2,417.26.

Labor rate $275 per hour


Quote for ACE Pro 3.0 and parts


Dealer #2 Rallye
I called to get a quote and was told by a service advisor that they needed to speak to the shop foreman and they would call me back with a quote. About two hours later I received a text with a quote, $1,205 for installation plus price of the parts. So using the price for the dashcam and parts from above that gets us a total of $1,972.26.

Text from dealership with quote for labor only $1,205



Dealer #3 Smithtown
I called and was quickly transferred over to a shop technician who stated they couldn’t give me a quote because they don’t install them. He recommended I go to a car stereo installer who has more experience installing dashcams. I asked if that would void the warranty (both new car warranty and CPO) because it would be messing with the electrical system and fuses. He said absolutely not and that he would recommend getting a Blackvue as it would be cheaper and higher quality.


All dealers are in New York and have a high labor rate, that makes sense but there is no way the installation takes 6 hours, that’s ridiculous.

[New5Series]

Originally Posted by GSMCCASH

I have the BMW ACE 3.0 Pro dealer installed. Those quotes seem excessive for the labor. Here is the breakdown of my cost without BMW Card points used:
Camera with rear $639.99
Install/ Labor $839.00 (3 hours)

I used points from my BMW credit card. The point earnings on the card are great.
Camera with rear $0
Install/labor $381.00

I have a Nextbase in my Explorer. I would give the nighttime video on this camera the best band for the buck.

The ACE 3.0 Pro is more user friendly and is a very clean install with constant power integrated into the cars electric system. This is great for radar, g sensor and continuos video driving or while parked. Voice command for pics or video is great for this camera and the system rear camera fits the rear window with automatic sunshade.

Very happy with this.

That’s a good deal with those points, I need to sign up for that card.

Do you have any concerns or issues with the ACE 3.0 Pro? My friendly service advisor at the local dealer strongly recommended that I avoid buying it, he claimed he has had nothing but trouble with it, problems with recoding and problems with the app from other clients.

Also, I read somewhere that the ACE 3.0 Pro will always audibly announce it is recording whenever you start the car, is this something you have encountered?

[GSMCCASH]

Originally Posted by New5Series

The prices I mentioned above were from memory, and after looking through my records it looks like the quotes were higher than I recalled.

Dealer #1 Freeport
I was quoted 6 hours of work “…we have to tear the whole car apart.” With an hourly rate of $275, it came to $1,650 just for labor plus $767.26 for the ACE Pro 3.0, other necessary parts, and taxes for a total of $2,417.26.

Labor rate $275 per hourAttachment 3614359


Quote for ACE Pro 3.0 and partsAttachment 3614378


Dealer #2 Rallye
I called to get a quote and was told by a service advisor that they needed to speak to the shop foreman and they would call me back with a quote. About two hours later I received a text with a quote, $1,205 for installation plus price of the parts. So using the price for the dashcam and parts from above that gets us a total of $1,972.26.

Text from dealership with quote for labor only $1,205
Attachment 3614367


Dealer #3 Smithtown
I called and was quickly transferred over to a shop technician who stated they couldn’t give me a quote because they don’t install them. He recommended I go to a car stereo installer who has more experience installing dashcams. I asked if that would void the warranty (both new car warranty and CPO) because it would be messing with the electrical system and fuses. He said absolutely not and that he would recommend getting a Blackvue as it would be cheaper and higher quality.


All dealers are in New York and have a high labor rate, that makes sense but there is no way [...]

I agree that 6 hours is way too long. It is a 3 hour job. I received 10% off on the camera, so your camera cost is in line. I’m in Ohio.

[GSMCCASH]

Originally Posted by New5Series

That’s a good deal with those points, I need to sign up for that card.

Do you have any concerns or issues with the ACE 3.0 Pro? My friendly service advisor at the local dealer strongly recommended that I avoid buying it, he claimed he has had nothing but trouble with it, problems with recoding and problems with the app from other clients.

Also, I read somewhere that the ACE 3.0 Pro will always audibly announce it is recording whenever you start the car, is this something you have encountered?

Definitely get the BMW card. Their rewards are actual very good when compared to otheer credit cards and it gives real time redemptions.
As of right now, no concerns and everything works perfect. Thinkware makes the unit which is very reputable. My service advisor did say the car needs to coded after the install but indicated the coding is very minor and requires bmw connectors (not included) for the wiring. Been trouble free.

As for recording, it’s imperative the correct SD Card is utilized and formatted properly or it will not record. The unit comes with a 64g card, but the unit can handle up to 128g. If you upgrade, just buy the SS card from Thinkware since I know they are one and the same.

The app works flawlessly and I prefer using the app for the setting…it’s easier than on the camera.

When the unit comes to life with an audible disclosure about driving and playing with the camera at the same time. I’ve not tried to turn it off, however I can turn the volume off or lower. I’ll check to see if the voice disclosure can be turned off at start up….but it does not bother me. When the camera is recording, there is an indicator light someone can see that is visible through the glass on the front and rear camera…I like this because people see it and straighten up as they know they are being filmed.

[Joe-BMW33]

Originally Posted by GSMCCASH

I have the BMW ACE 3.0 Pro dealer installed. Those quotes seem excessive for the labor. Here is the breakdown of my cost without BMW Card points used:
Camera with rear $639.99
Install/ Labor $839.00 (3 hours)

I used points from my BMW credit card. The point earnings on the card are great.
Camera with rear $0
Install/labor $381.00

I have a Nextbase in my Explorer. I would give the nighttime video on this camera the best band for the buck.

The ACE 3.0 Pro is more user friendly and is a very clean install with constant power integrated into the cars electric system. This is great for radar, g sensor and continuos video driving or while parked. Voice command for pics or video is great for this camera and the system rear camera fits the rear window with automatic sunshade.

Very happy with this.

You’ve got me interested again in adding one of these after reading the capabilities of it on the BMW store.

Question- can you fire up the cameras remotely while the car is parked and check out what’s going on around it? I am guessing the answer is no as this would require the camera to be connected to the internet but maybe it uses the cars built in mobile capabilities? The write up does mention it records while parked. Sensor driven for viewing later?

For what it’s worth, looks like a good deal here on this right now:

https://www.bmwpartsexchange.com/oem...ay-66215a44493


I need to use my BMW Mastercard more. I’ve had it for 15 years or so for the cool factor and never use it. Need to look into the point system. I basically live on three cards and auto pay in full - Amazon Prime (5% on Amazon purchases), TD Bank Visa (high rewards for dining out which I do a lot of) and Apple Card for everything else (3% instant cash back using Apple Pay).

Always thought the benefits of the BMW Card were for merch bought from the dealer which I don’t do a lot of. Any benefits for using it for service over other cards?

[adhrp]

Originally Posted by GSMCCASH

That is way too high…$500 per hour in labor. I would ask them what their hourly rate is and let them know the job is 3 hours. There are YouTube videos by BMW techs at dealerships that backup the install time.

The hourly rate I was charged equates to around $278.00 per.

Yeah based on your previous post I said isn't it about 3 h of work and he said they have to remove a lot of parts, add a fuse, etc., and it takes longer than that. I haven't spoken to my SA yet who can def give me a better quote, but unless it comes to about 1200-1300 installed (600 camera + 3 h labor), I'm not buying.

[GSMCCASH]

Originally Posted by adhrp

Yeah based on your previous post I said isn't it about 3 h of work and he said they have to remove a lot of parts, add a fuse, etc., and it takes longer than that. I haven't spoken to my SA yet who can def give me a better quote, but unless it comes to about 1200-1300 installed (600 camera + 3 h labor), I'm not buying.

Definitely 3 hours unless they have never done one. Watch a YouTube on install which will confirm for you. If you can get the camera at $600….seems like good price.

[GSMCCASH]

Originally Posted by Joe-BMW33

You’ve got me interested again in adding one of these after reading the capabilities of it on the BMW store.

Question- can you fire up the cameras remotely while the car is parked and check out what’s going on around it? I am guessing the answer is no as this would require the camera to be connected to the internet but maybe it uses the cars built in mobile capabilities? The write up does mention it records while parked. Sensor driven for viewing later?

For what it’s worth, looks like a good deal here on this right now:

https://www.bmwpartsexchange.com/oem...ay-66215a44493


I need to use my BMW Mastercard more. I’ve had it for 15 years or so for the cool factor and never use it. Need to look into the point system. I basically live on three cards and auto pay in full - Amazon Prime (5% on Amazon purchases), TD Bank Visa (high rewards for dining out which I do a lot of) and Apple Card for everything else (3% instant cash back using Apple Pay).

Always thought the benefits of the BMW Card were for merch bought from the dealer which I don’t do a lot of. Any benefits for using it for service over other cards?

Thats a good question to connect your phone remotely while parked. The phone connects to the camera via Bluetooth, so I would say no unless your close by and press remote start to start the car. The camera will record movement (radar) and bumps (gsensor) 10 seconds before and after the incident if you have that feature on…..you don’t need to be nearby. The unit will tell you there was an incident while away.
I’m a big rewards/ cash back person. My go to cards are the BMW card and Amex card (Membership rewards and Delta Mileage for business). I travel/fly for my business. The BMW card does reward more points for BMW services/ purchases and certain segments ranging from 1.5% to 4%. The point conversion is what’s interesting. The camera only used 510 points for a $639 purchase and was applied immediately on my account via my confirmation of text by me to use at the POS. The credit is applied to your card balance as a payment which ultimately lowers down your statement balance if you pay the balance off monthly.

[adhrp]

Originally Posted by GSMCCASH

Thats a good question to connect your phone remotely while parked. The phone connects to the camera via Bluetooth, so I would say no unless your close by and press remote start to start the car. The camera will record movement (radar) and bumps (gsensor) 10 seconds before and after the incident if you have that feature on…..you don’t need to be nearby. The unit will tell you there was an incident while away.
I’m a big rewards/ cash back person. My go to cards are the BMW card and Amex card (Membership rewards and Delta Mileage for business). I travel/fly for my business. The BMW card does reward more points for BMW services/ purchases and certain segments ranging from 1.5% to 4%. The point conversion is what’s interesting. The camera only used 510 points for a $639 purchase and was applied immediately on my account via my confirmation of text by me to use at the POS. The credit is applied to your card balance as a payment which ultimately lowers down your statement balance if you pay the balance off monthly.

I have the Delta Reserve and Platinum as well (gives you instant Silver status) and the Capital One Venture X for 2% on everything, no categories, which I really like. All these cards have no foreign transaction fees which is important since I travel abroad frequently. I will be flying less 2025 onwards so I'm thinking of ditching my Delta and United cards and just sticking with Venture X for 2% on everything without bothering about remembering cashback categories.

[Joe-BMW33]

Originally Posted by GSMCCASH

Thats a good question to connect your phone remotely while parked. The phone connects to the camera via Bluetooth, so I would say no unless your close by and press remote start to start the car. The camera will record movement (radar) and bumps (gsensor) 10 seconds before and after the incident if you have that feature on…..you don’t need to be nearby. The unit will tell you there was an incident while away.
I’m a big rewards/ cash back person. My go to cards are the BMW card and Amex card (Membership rewards and Delta Mileage for business). I travel/fly for my business. The BMW card does reward more points for BMW services/ purchases and certain segments ranging from 1.5% to 4%. The point conversion is what’s interesting. The camera only used 510 points for a $639 purchase and was applied immediately on my account via my confirmation of text by me to use at the POS. The credit is applied to your card balance as a payment which ultimately lowers down your statement balance if you pay the balance off monthly.

Originally Posted by adhrp

I have the Delta Reserve and Platinum as well (gives you instant Silver status) and the Capital One Venture X for 2% on everything, no categories, which I really like. All these cards have no foreign transaction fees which is important since I travel abroad frequently. I will be flying less 2025 onwards so I'm thinking of ditching my Delta and United cards and just sticking with Venture X for 2% on everything without bothering about remembering cashback categories.

Good info here on credit cards and how to leverage them. We could start an entire thread on it for sure as I am sure we all have our strategies. I do like the Goldman Sachs Apple Card and the daily cash back placed right into a 4.15% savings accounts. I usually get 3% on my Apple Card Purchases.

The only thing I use the BMW card for is balance transfers. They always offer 0% for at least a year with a one time 3% transaction fee, so when I make a big purchase, I will leverage that. For example, went to Greece a few months ago. Airfare and accomodations totalled $20,000. I'd rather keep it in the market. I can make more than $600 bucks on $20k in a year.

[lnxguy]

2k for a dashcam install when you can get the fitcam off Aliexpress for peanuts.. Gotta love it.

[Joe-BMW33]

Originally Posted by lnxguy

2k for a dashcam install when you can get the fitcam off Aliexpress for peanuts.. Gotta love it.

Do you have the fitcam? Any constructive comments about it?

[Sanka Coffie]

Originally Posted by sguida

Has anyone installed a dashcam?
Hard wire or yse cigarette lighter?

If hardwired, which fuses did you piggyback off of?

https://g30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...php?p=22660135

[GSMCCASH]

Originally Posted by adhrp

I have the Delta Reserve and Platinum as well (gives you instant Silver status) and the Capital One Venture X for 2% on everything, no categories, which I really like. All these cards have no foreign transaction fees which is important since I travel abroad frequently. I will be flying less 2025 onwards so I'm thinking of ditching my Delta and United cards and just sticking with Venture X for 2% on everything without bothering about remembering cashback categories.

Delta Reserve is my go to travel card. Allows me to travel comfort, comfort + or First Class when using miles +cash for a very reasonable cost. Automatic Silver is another plus.