John,is a Conneaut Lake, PA resident and first time ENORMIS Mobile Specialties customer. John contacted us, in the hope that we could add a reverse backup camera to a 2014 BMW 428i Convertible. So, John spoke with Doug Reichert, our Integration Specialist. In fact Doug was surprised the BMW did not already have a backup camera. Nonetheless, John was looking to add the backup camera as a gift for wife’s birthday! The 428i is her summer cruising vehicle. And, whether the top was up or down it’s very hard to see what is behind the vehicle!
2014 BMW 428i Backup Camera will work with existing display
So, Doug asked John for some information about the vehicle. including the VIN #. This way, Doug could look up the specifics for adding a backup camera. The vehicle already had an existing navigation display screen. Because of that, John wanted to use that screen as the camera display. So, Doug did his homework and found that we could add the parts to the iDrive to make this work. Such as,a trunk handle camera and an interface. Not only could we add the camera, but the camera would be linked with the vehicle’s CAN network. That means active parking lines! As a result, the parking lines will move with the direction of the steering wheel! This will greatly improve backing into a parking spot or parallel parking.
Doug called John with the good news
The camera can be added just like factory! But, John was surprised! The reason was because, he previously called the dealer and several other shops in the area. They all told him it could not be done! It’s a good thing John was referred to ENORMIS by a friend of his. His friend said, “ENORMIS always does great work”. Regardless, John was all in! So, he gave Doug the go ahead to start rounding up the parts. Without delay, Doug ordered the parts! These included, the trunk handle camera assembly and the interface to display the camera on the factory Navigation screen. And of course, all the cables and wiring was ordered.
Camera gets MECP Installation
Doug and John set up a time for the installation over 2 days. The installation was assigned to veteran MECP certified technician Art Dougan. Art did an excellent job with the disassembly of the BMW dashboard, trunk, and cargo area. The most important part was to install the camera wires around the convertible top and its moving parts! Despite this, Art was able to complete the job in 1 day! But, that was not the end. It was only after an extensive test, that Doug returned the vehicle to John and his wife later that afternoon.
If you have been told, “it’s impossible” or “it can’t be done” contact the automotive electrical pros at ENORMIS Mobile Specialties.
This post was provided by Doug Reichert. Call him! Doug has been in the automotive service business since 2001. In his free time, Doug likes working outside in his yard and enjoys exercising. Doug is active in his community by volunteering at his church and for several nonprofits.
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