Sorry for all the questions folks, but I am still working on my build
MINI wants $500 for the rear park distance control feature. From what I have read it is an audio only device which provides distance feedback through beeping and a solid tone when you are within a foot of an object. I've kind of gotten spoiled with my wife's toyota backup camera. I am curious if anyone here has installed an aftermarket backup camera and if so, what did you get and are you happy with it? I did a quick search and there are many video solutions that come in under $500 and seem to be a superior solution. Thoughts?

 

As a side note, Park Distance Control is integrated into the Nav screen if you have factory navigation.

 

Anyone? Anyone? Buehler? Buehler?

 

lacning74 has many posts about his backup camera.

 

Backup camera? On a Mini? WHY? I would think if you can't turn around and look behind you, You shouldn't be driving.

 

By that logic backup cameras are useless and no one should use them? I guess the rear park distance control feature is useless too then? Sorry, but that is not very helpful.

 

On a motor home perhaps or even a 70s american barge but on a car with a flat rear end that you can almost reach the tailgate from the drivers seat it seems a bit superflous.

 

I've never had a car with a backup camera until I installed one in my R52 (with the convertible there is some justification because of the very poor rear visibility). My experience now is that I love it so much I want one in all of my future cars. Sure, it may not be needed but I feel it's a valid enhancement/upgrade like xenon headlights. For me, it's something that gets some usage almost every time I get in the car.

 

Perhaps, but these devices do more than just show you large objects directly behind you .

 

Great to hear. Mind sharing what device you installed?

 

You won't be able to use the setup I have. My MINI is 1st generation (R52 convertible), and I have an MINI OEM rear camera which was produced only for 1st gen (not available for 2nd gen). It is only for factory Nav and displays on the Nav screen. It's nicely integrated but very specific to the configuration.



I don't have a picture handy of the camera itself, but it is integrated into the boot handle next to release button, and completely inconspicuous.

 

Ok, thanks. That is a great setup.

 

Here is my setup for the back up camera.

I have a Garmin Nuvi 5000 that has an input for a camera as well as an MP3 player output and Navigation. It sits on my dash with a KUDA mount. for the back up camera, I bougt an Audiovox for around 60 bucks off the web.

I mounted my camera on the rear valance just above the tailpipes which give a reference of how close somethin is on the car. I ran the wire through a rubber grommet under the toolbox and into the car and wired a rocker switch for power instead of splicing into the backup lights. I'll post some pictures when I can or if anyone wants more info PM me.

Is the camera frivolous? Yes. But it does have the "cool" gizmo effect. Actually I do use it frequently in my parking garage at work. The only thing I would do diffeent is buy a camera with night vision.

 

Thanks for that informative post. I like the larger screen on the 5000.

 

The larger screen is one of the main reasons I sold my Nuvi 780 and bought the 5000. The only negative is the 5000 does not have a battery. The added bonus is the ability to hook up a camera.