BMW 6GT Surround View Camera Installation Review

Is a Car Without Surround View Camera Truly Inconvenient?

Many drivers today expect Surround View Camera systems to be a standard feature, especially in premium vehicles like BMW. However, a significant number of BMW owners find themselves driving cars without the factory-installed Surround View. Depending on the production year and options, many vehicles are only equipped with front and rear cameras. This often leads to issues with blind spots, making it difficult to accurately assess the vehicle's surroundings, particularly in tight alleyways or parking lots. This review details a solution for those exact concerns, focusing on a Surround View Camera installation in Busan.

Genuine vs. Compatible Cameras: The Core Difference in Surround View Installation

When considering a Surround View Camera installation, there are typically two main options: using genuine BMW parts or opting for compatible or aftermarket cameras.

The advantages of using genuine parts are clear. Firstly, they offer perfect compatibility with the vehicle's CAN-BUS (Controller Area Network) communication system, meaning the BMW monitor recognizes them instantly without complex coding. Secondly, the image quality is superior. Genuine cameras are optimized with BMW's unique image processing algorithms, delivering a clear and crisp display. Lastly, there's the reliability factor; original parts ensure consistent quality and systematic after-sales service.

Compatible products, on the other hand, offer a more affordable price point, typically ranging from 400,000 to 600,000 Korean Won. However, the image quality may not match that of genuine parts, and compatibility issues with the monitor can arise. This is especially crucial for highly integrated systems like those found in BMW vehicles.

BMW 6 Series GT Surround View Camera Installation Process

The installation performed at 'Today's Car Busan Branch' utilized genuine parts to complete the Surround View system on a BMW 6GT 630i.

The process begins with the front grille, where the front camera will be mounted. This often involves replacing the grille with an M-style gloss black version to accommodate the camera mount. This upgrade not only provides the necessary space but also enhances the vehicle's aesthetic.

Next, the side mirror covers are replaced to integrate the side cameras. Where there were previously empty spaces, the left and right cameras are installed, completing the visual integration and eliminating the previously incomplete look.

With all four cameras (front, rear, left, and right) installed, the Surround View system is ready to be activated.

The final step involves configuring the monitor display. The system requires the addition of a wide-angle view button on the dashboard, which is then integrated with the BMW coding system. This allows the driver to switch between front, rear, and side views.

After installation, the rear wide-angle view provides a significantly broader perspective than the standard rear camera, displaying the entire area behind the vehicle, including the sides, making parking much easier.

Similarly, the front wide-angle view offers a clear picture of the area in front of the vehicle, including the bonnet and the front wheels, which are difficult to see from the driver's seat. This is invaluable for navigating narrow streets and underground parking garages.

The system also offers a 3D bird's-eye view mode, providing an overhead perspective of the car and its immediate surroundings.