[Hook3549]

Looking to purchase a front and rear dash cam around $200~$300. Does anybody have recommendation for good brands?

[Ravenseal]

If you want front AND rear integration, then BlackVue is your best bet. I use Garmin for my front.

[Hook3549]

Originally Posted by M2siast

Have thinkware here, but much less than $200-300. What are the features you want it to have to pay the premium?

I am just willing to pay for a dash cam that’s reliable and easy to set up. Also, I have been looking at several dash cams on amazon, but they have bad reviews under 4 stars rating

[dagoban]

An acquaintance has installed BMW cameras on his M2 G87 and he is very happy. They are used both when driving and when the car is parked. When it is parked, they begin recording when the car's radars detect that a person is approaching the car. You can control everything and watch the videos from your mobile phone (it is surprising to see in the videos the number of people who approach the car when you park it on public roads). Installation takes about 2 hours (they have to put a cable between both cameras).





Front camera resolution = 2560 x 1440
Rear camera resolution = 1920 x 1080

You can configure the cameras to also record audio.

I will order the cameras for Christmas.

[JustinHEMI]

Viofo A139 Pro.

[J-RO]

Blackvue

[fullsmoke]

Originally Posted by JustinHEMI

Viofo A139 Pro.

I've had great luck with my Viofo's in my other vehicles. I'll probably wait till Black Friday and order another for the G87. Just make sure to get a high endurance SD card.

FS

[c1pher]

Originally Posted by dagoban

An acquaintance has installed BMW cameras on his M2 G87 and he is very happy. They are used both when driving and when the car is parked. When it is parked, they begin recording when the car's radars detect that a person is approaching the car. You can control everything and watch the videos from your mobile phone (it is surprising to see in the videos the number of people who approach the car when you park it on public roads). Installation takes about 2 hours (they have to put a cable between both cameras).




Front camera resolution = 2560 x 1440
Rear camera resolution = 1920 x 1080

You can configure the cameras to also record audio.

I will order the cameras for Christmas.

According to the shop BMW site, there are no compatible cameras for the M2.

[Ravenseal]

Originally Posted by dagoban

An acquaintance has installed BMW cameras on his M2 G87 and he is very happy. They are used both when driving and when the car is parked. When it is parked, they begin recording when the car's radars detect that a person is approaching the car. You can control everything and watch the videos from your mobile phone (it is surprising to see in the videos the number of people who approach the car when you park it on public roads). Installation takes about 2 hours (they have to put a cable between both cameras).


Front camera resolution = 2560 x 1440
Rear camera resolution = 1920 x 1080

You can configure the cameras to also record audio.

I will order the cameras for Christmas.

That's $1000+ if you're having the dealership install it. The cameras alone are $560. You can get an equivalent BlackVue installed for under $600.

[rippernash]

I just installed the Viofo A139Pro (front + rear) on my G87 and it was a simple process to hardwire. It has the latest Starvis sensor which makes for a great 4K picture. It's also a tad bit slim and low profile so hides nicely behind the top of the windshield.

[fullsmoke]

Not to hijack, but are there any posts here with how-to hardwire a generic dash cam?

FS

[yuzu]

Originally Posted by rippernash

I just installed the Viofo A139Pro (front + rear) on my G87 and it was a simple process to hardwire. It has the latest Starvis sensor which makes for a great 4K picture. It's also a tad bit slim and low profile so hides nicely behind the top of the windshield.

Good to hear. This is my plan if I can snag one on BF

[mynameisnick4]

Originally Posted by fullsmoke

Not to hijack, but are there any posts here with how-to hardwire a generic dash cam?

FS

This is what most of us have followed.

https://g80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1889381

I hardwired mine last week and it was pretty simple. I did get out the multi meter to ensure the fuse taps were going the right direction in the pictures, which they were. It's also worth mentioning that if you use these same fuses the dash cam will stay on for 10-20 minutes after you turn the car off, but it does eventually turn off.

[rippernash]

Originally Posted by mynameisnick4

This is what most of us have followed.

https://g80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1889381

I hardwired mine last week and it was pretty simple. I did get out the multi meter to ensure the fuse taps were going the right direction in the pictures, which they were. It's also worth mentioning that if you use these same fuses the dash cam will stay on for 10-20 minutes after you turn the car off, but it does eventually turn off.

Does this delayed cutoff also apply to the switched fuses that only come on when ignition is turned on?

[fullsmoke]

Originally Posted by mynameisnick4

This is what most of us have followed.

https://g80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1889381

I hardwired mine last week and it was pretty simple. I did get out the multi meter to ensure the fuse taps were going the right direction in the pictures, which they were. It's also worth mentioning that if you use these same fuses the dash cam will stay on for 10-20 minutes after you turn the car off, but it does eventually turn off.

Thank you!

[mynameisnick4]

Originally Posted by rippernash

Does this delayed cutoff also apply to the switched fuses that only come on when ignition is turned on?

I used the switched/accessory fuse from that guide so I can't speak to any other fuses. It comes on as soon as you open the doors, like how the infotainment system does. It however stays on longer than the infotainment system does when you turn off and exit the car, like 15-25 minutes.

At first this annoyed me but when I thought about it more it's actually kind of a plus. Because of the longer delay means it stays on while making short runs into stores and what not.

I use a Vico-Power PLUS that I have had for years to hardwire my dashcam. I like it more than other methods because it has a switch on it that allows me to use the always on/parking mode when I want to instead of all the time. When it's in bypass mode the dashcam only works when the switched/accessory fuse is on, so basically as if it were plugged into a USB port or 12v outlet. If I want to have the cam on in parking mode, like if I were in a parking garage, all I have to do is flip the switch back.

[nittany]

I have the Thinkware Q1000 dashcam with their OBD-II power cable so it’s nice to not mess with the fuse box and when I park in my home garage, it’s easy to unplug the OBD cable to save some battery life.

[M Division]

Cops on my police state country seize dashcams and use them as evidence.. in a high performance car, it's a no from me.. don't use them for this reason.

[turnsignalslol]

I use the Viofo A129 Pro Duo, got it on sale for around $169 and comes with all the hardware you need (unless you want it hardwired, then there's a separate kit for that)

Only issue that I've had with it is that the cable that goes to the rear camera has sporadically failed since about 6 months ago (got it almost 2 years ago now) but that might have to do with me moving it between 2 cars.

Just had to buy a new cable, some adhesive for the dashcam, and some no-stick static stickers from their website for like 30 bucks and honestly for $200 I've been very satisfied with it.

[mynameisnick4]

Originally Posted by M Division

Cops on my police state country seize dashcams and use them as evidence.. in a high performance car, it's a no from me.. don't use them for this reason.

Pretty sure they would need a warrant, no? Unless you did something heinous like run someone down or cause a bad accident while DUI, in which case your probably screwed regardless. I don't think a cop is going to pull you over for speeding and try to take your dashcam off you.

[RootsTootsMagoots]

Originally Posted by mynameisnick4

Pretty sure they would need a warrant, no? Unless you did something heinous like run someone down or cause a bad accident while DUI, in which case your probably screwed regardless. I don't think a cop is going to pull you over for speeding and try to take your dashcam off you.

If it had evidence of a crime, they could take it under the premise of exigent circumstances-- particularly if the video is related to an accident.

If you drive like a hooligan on public roads, I probably wouldn't use one or at least would turn it off. No point in recording yourself breaking the law. And if you leave it on, definitely turn the internal microphone off.

As with most things, it's state specific. I get the feeling he might not be from the US, though.

[BimmerFix]

FitCam X , can’t even tell you have a dash cam installed. Legit looks OEM

Pair it w/ a 256 GB microSD . I run it at the max resolution 4k + sound . It’s pretty good video quality , but not amazing.

Seamlessly integrated & gets power from the rain fall sensor.

Running front only, no rear. And no parking mode. Don’t want to deal with the fusebox or battery pack.

Definitely better systems out there. But I just love the form factor & still retaining a clear unobstructed view out your windshield