[dpyang]

Michael at Method Sound:

http://www.methodsound.com
949-842-0792<!-- google_ad_section_end -->

has installed the following items on my 08 M5.

ACM
USB interface
Front/Back Camera
Battery Tender charger connector

He did an excellent job, everything is hidden away, so all of them look like a factory install. Now I can use a USB flash drive or portable hard drive (like WD Passport) to watch video (MPEG 1/2/4, AVI, DIVX 3/4/5, DVD, VOD) and control everything via iDrive. He also installed the Battery Tender connector under the hood, so I don't need to open my hood to charge the car. The charger connector is normally tuck in, so you won't even see it from outside. I plug it out, so you can see it in the photo.

For video, you can change the size of the view (4:3, 16:9, wide).

For the front/back camera. When you turn PDC on, the front camera automatically shows up. When you put in reverse, the back camera automatically shows up. You still get the PDC beeps on both.<!-- google_ad_section_end -->

Here are some pictures of the install.


(Gustavs edit below)

BMW ACM: 65500441372 - $750
BMW Back Camera: 66210412010 - $650
BMW USB interface: 65500433281 - $450
Switchbox: 66210406999 - $450
Front camera Wiring set: 66210411384 - $60
Front camera Bracket: 84210305664 - $15
Front Camera (not BMW) - $230
Battery Tender - $40

 

[carlsturm]

dpyang - that is really nice setup. do you mind sharing how much this setup costs?

 

[Gustav]

Looks great. What technoklogy did you use? Was it Nav TV?

 

[dpyang]

I used all (except the front camera) BMW Euro parts and ordered them from Rover Active (eBay). Here are the parts that I got:

BMW ACM: 65500441372 - $750
BMW Back Camera: 66210412010 - $650
BMW USB interface: 65500433281 - $450
Switchbox: 66210406999 - $450
Front camera Wiring set: 66210411384 - $60
Front camera Bracket: 84210305664 - $15
Front Camera (not BMW) - $230
Battery Tender - $40

The part prices changes due to exchange rate.

You don't need to go to dealer for any code change or software update, as long as you have AUX in already. If not, it will require a code update. If you have a 04 E60, then you will need a different CAN bus.

I checked out NavTV before, but decided to go with BMW ACM since it is all integrated with iDrive.

We tried BMW Round Vision ($2350 - a whole kit includes ACM, front/back camera, switchbox and all cables, but no USB interface) on Michael's 545i, but we didn't like BMW's front camera. It is point to the 2 sides, like Eclipse's FEC106 camera:

ECLIPSE Side View Camera FEC106 | Fujitsu Ten

I want to see what is in the front, not the 2 sides at the front.

 

[Clyde]

Looks great. What technoklogy did you use? Was it Nav TV?

The OP has installed the BMW ACM (Accessory Menu), which is a BMW OEM item. It can be purchased from BMW dealers in Europe, but not in the US.

The ACM supports front and rear cameras and analog audio/video input. The USB option for the ACM decodes video files stored on a flash drive.

 

[Gustav]

That is great! So what videofromats can you have?

That is a great accessory!

The OP has installed the BMW ACM (Accessory Menu), which is a BMW OEM item. It can be purchased from BMW dealers in Europe, but not in the US.

The ACM supports front and rear cameras and analog audio/video input. The USB option for the ACM decodes video files stored on a flash drive.

 

[Clyde]

I want to see what is in the front, not the 2 sides at the front.

BMW must think customers want that "2 side view", the new 7-series has side view cameras near the side markers on the front fenders :confused3

 

[nlpamg]

awesome, thanks for the info!

what if you already have USB (the iPod input), do you still need the USB interface? is it the same thing?

also, what is the switchbox used for?

I take it your installer is in LA, I definitely need to give him a call to see if he can install a laser jammer.

 

[Gustav]

So how does the menu look when choosing files (such as movies)?

Also, shouldnt the cameras fill out the screen better?

http://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/at...got-my-acm-usb-interface-installed-front7.jpg

OEM camera below:

http://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/e6...erse-front-camera-bmw-optional-accessory.html

http://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/e6.../79120-rearview-camera-option.html#post833158

 

[Glock 32]

Does the USB play the audio through the factory sound system as well?

Will it play videos with audio directly from an ipod or even .mpg file on usb flash with audio?

 

[dpyang]

Gustav - The USB interface supports MPEG 1/2/4, AVI, DIVX 3/4/5. I think VOD (DVD files) works, will try it later today. I will take some photos on the ACM menu, so you can see how it looks. The camera is not full screen; it has full heights, but not all the way to the side:

http://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/at...-got-my-acm-usb-interface-installed-back6.jpg

The front camera pictures that you posted on the M5 Touring are the exact same camera in the Round Vision kit.


nlpamg - The standard USB is for audio only. The USB interface (require ACM), can play audio, video and photo. I have no idea what the switchbox is for, but I was told that it is required part for the cameras to work... Michael is in Orange County, I will PM his contact info to you.

 

[Gustav]

Got you, thanks for the fast replies.

 

[dpyang]

Glock 32 - All sounds are play via the factory sound system, so it is like a factory build option. As for iPod video, Michael has his car setup to play back via the ACM (not USB). I use USB flash drive or the WD Passport (500GB) drive.

For the front/back camera. When you turn PDC on, the front camera automatically shows up. When you put in reverse, the back camera automatically shows up. You still get the PDC beeps on both.

 

[dpyang]

Gustav,

I can play VOB files. Video is fine, but audio is kinda skipping. I think either the USB interface can't process the file that fast (since it is DVD quality) or my flash drive is not high speed.

I have attached additional photos of the ACM menu on the original post.

 

[htf316]

can you tell me how much was the labor and how long did it take to install? I'm not too far away from them so I'm really interested of doing this. and what kind of camera did you use for the front? it works with the bmw camera wiring set?

 

[CHRISBURNS]

That is a great mod, well done best install ive seen yet

 

[tranman329]

Will this work on an 06 m5? Does the unit come with instructions and what how long did the install take?

 

[DOUL]

Congrats dpyang on these great mods! Thanks for taking time posting the pics. Great thread:thumbsup:

 

[dpyang]

htf316, You can call Michael @ Method Sound for the labor cost. 949-842-0792 http://www.methodsound.com. I left the car with Michael for a week since I was traveling; I think it can be done on a weekend. I don’t know the brand of the front camera; Michael got it from his supplier. The BMW camera wiring works, so no need to slicing any cables.


Tranman329, 06 M5 will work too. Michael has installed similar setup on his car 04 545i, but need a different CAN bus. The 08 has a click type iDrive wheel and 04 has an electromagnetic type wheel. I don’t know what the 06 has, but you just need to get the right CAN bus in the ACM kit. I have attached the install guide and manual on ACM and USB on the original post. BMW installation instructions stated 1.75 hours for ACM install, which is not possible if you want to do a clean hidden install.

 

[cshorter]

htf316, You can call Michael @ Method Sound for the labor cost. 949-842-0792 http://www.methodsound.com. I left the car with Michael for a week since I was traveling; I think it can be done on a weekend. I don’t know the brand of the front camera; Michael got it from his supplier. The BMW camera wiring works, so no need to slicing any cables.


Tranman329, 06 M5 will work too. Michael has installed similar setup on his car 04 545i, but need a different CAN bus. The 08 has a click type iDrive wheel and 04 has an electromagnetic type wheel. I don’t know what the 06 has, but you just need to get the right CAN bus in the ACM kit. I have attached the install guide and manual on ACM and USB on the original post. BMW installation instructions stated 1.75 hours for ACM install, which is not possible if you want to do a clean hidden install.

dpyang,

If I get this done, I'd do it like you did and leave it to the professionals -- I find the same rings true in most lines of work.

Having said that, what was your cost, "out the door," just for reference.

Thanks,

CES