[BMW DIY Guy]

Dashcams have been on my mind a lot lately, with the rise of bad behavior on the roads. If you haven't seen some of the viral dashcam videos lately, you have missed out on scammers, road rage and stunningly bad driving on display.

The latest insurance fraud scam videos are what pushed me over the edge for a camera, so I thought I would do it right.

There are many great options, but looking for the features I wanted, I settled on Blackvue, and the DR970X box 2 channel camera, with the battery backup as well. This gives me more secure rolling video front and rear, plus footage while parked too. I also really like the remote control box feature, as someone can't just steal the camera with the installed SD card in it.

While this setup is into my BMW M2, you could easily use this as a guide for almost any car, and the installation is not hard at all.

[Orange fever]

Thank you - review and adding something else to the list.
While doing research when I had my i8, I went into a rabbit hole. So many dash cams out there...

[BMW DIY Guy]

Originally Posted by Orange fever

Thank you - review and adding something else to the list.
While doing research when I had my i8, I went into a rabbit hole. So many dash cams out there...

Very very true, and better to have something than nothing.

[kenkamm]

BMW DIY Guy Thanks for the timely video. I bought all the dash cam hardware for an install in my own M2, and I'm just waiting for it to warm up before I install it since I live in Maryland and my garage is not heated, and it's COLD!

I had a question about removing the rocker panel cover. You literally just yank on it? From where first, if it matters? I'm always afraid of breaking those little clips when yanking on panels like that.

[BMW DIY Guy]

Originally Posted by kenkamm

BMW DIY Guy Thanks for the timely video. I bought all the dash cam hardware for an install in my own M2, and I'm just waiting for it to warm up before I install it since I live in Maryland and my garage is not heated, and it's COLD!

I had a question about removing the rocker panel cover. You literally just yank on it? From where first, if it matters? I'm always afraid of breaking those little clips when yanking on panels like that.

Start at the lead edge where there is a small pin/clip then pull up on the trim piece. Most of the big pins will stay behind but the trim should be fine. There is a hook style piece on the back edge as you pull it up and off.

[mks]

Echoing the many thanks of others who are grateful for this installation breakdown. I have the same set up--just waiting on the updated batt pack from Blackvue before I attempt the install.

Quick (maybe stupid) question: @12:05 in the vid you point to the area where we can tuck in the rear cam wiring. Any trick to that? I looked and I'm not certain how I would tuck the wires behind(?) the pillar lining...

[BMW DIY Guy]

Originally Posted by mks

Echoing the many thanks of others who are grateful for this installation breakdown. I have the same set up--just waiting on the updated batt pack from Blackvue before I attempt the install.

Quick (maybe stupid) question: @12:05 in the vid you point to the area where we can tuck in the rear cam wiring. Any trick to that? I looked and I'm not certain how I would tuck the wires behind(?) the pillar lining...

Attachment 3666365

Great question and happy to help.. I tuck the wire behind the top edge of that cover and around the corner to the outside rubber seal. I make sure to avoid the airback area, and use a plastic trim tool to gently gap and then tuck the wire behind the plastic.

[mks]

Originally Posted by BMW DIY Guy

Great question and happy to help.. I tuck the wire behind the top edge of that cover and around the corner to the outside rubber seal. I make sure to avoid the airback area, and use a plastic trim tool to gently gap and then tuck the wire behind the plastic.

Copy all. I'll give it a shot--thanks a bunch.

[mks]

Curious, did you consider routing the front cam wire between the roof and headliner? I got a partial look with an endoscopic cam and it seems possible--IDK. If you can, any downside, e.g., rattle from the cable, maybe?

[BMW DIY Guy]

Originally Posted by mks

Curious, did you consider routing the front cam wire between the roof and headliner? I got a partial look with an endoscopic cam and it seems possible—IDK. If you can, any downside, e.g., rattle from the cable, maybe?

Absolutely possible and really whatever path works best. I prefer down the door sills because all the other wiring harnesses already run there.