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Has anyone installed the Garmin BC30 Backup Camera onto their MINI portable Navigation system? I’m thinking of doing it, but there are 2 options...not sure which one I need. I can’t imagine I’d need a traffic cable and I can just do this one: BC 30 Add On Camera
However it has a warning:
Please note: This camera will not work unless you use it with the BC 30 wireless rear-view system. This is an add-on camera, not for use by itself.
Thank you, but the MINI Portable is a NUVI 2497 which is compatible. There are 2 BC30 options...I believe our Nav comes with the traffic cable already...?
I got impatient. SO, yes it works. Not super clear, but it works. I am going to work on improving the placement of the transmitter. The MINI Portable Nav DOES require the use of the traffic cable that was included in the bundle. I am going to replace the MINI cable with the one from the camera. Right now it’s just plugged into the lighter socket up front and run under the dash. I’m hoping I can cut the end off and hard wire it.
I had to use a relay to power the camera & transmitter. I found the wiring diagram for it here on the forums. I also had to drill a hole in the bumper cover above the plate to get the camera wiring tucked away. This was a total pain, but needed.
Here are the photos:
The BC30 Camera:
Camera mounted above the plate:
Wiring concealed in the passenger side vent in the boot:
Nav Screen (the warning is I blew the lic plate bulbs accidentally. They have been replaced)
After a week, I have a couple follow up answers for those of you that messaged me.
Would I do this again? ABSOUTELY. This car really should have come with it, or at least had the option. When the back is loaded up, it’s invaluable.
How would you do the install differently? I’d have figured out how to mount the camera under the rear spoiler, or even inside it. With the camera so low, it gets dirty quickly from road depris, or if it’s raining, it’s VERY difficult to see.
Also, I’d run the transmitter a lot closer (which I am going to do anyway). at the back of the vehicle, behind that cover is a great and easy place to mount it, but there are a lot of obstructions possible, load in the boot, people...etc...and this affects the clarity of the camera. I’m going to figure out how to get the transmitter under the rear seat.
Also, I’d hard-wire the included power/traffic cable. I still may do this. Not sure if I’m going to just cut the end off and replace the power cord that came with the MINI Portable NAV or at the very minimum, wire a power port under the dash somewhere to plug it into, but I do not want it taking up my front power any longer.
Looks good and very functional... interested in doing this! I was looking at the GoPro but didn't know if it display on my screen, I noticed that they had an app for it. This looks better and smaller and maybe I could just do the GoPro on the front for runs.
