[Darex]

I took delivery of my very-loaded MINI today. Shortly thereafter, I was horrified to discover that I have no back-up camera!

I was (I thought) very careful TO order it, and thought I had.

I have (amongst other features):
Connected + Visual Boost XL
Park Assist Package (so, the full array of sensors, front and rear)
Navigation System XL

But where the back-up camera should be, I have only a blank placeholder.

I just never realized it was even possible to have the Park Assist Package without it!

I'm in the U.S.A., so our package nomenclature differs in some cases.

Does anybody know if it's possible to add the camera module and gain all the back-up camera functionality? I am hoping it's all prewired, and plug-and-play, I mean, I already have the more advanced and complex stuff! Does anybody know if I'm merely missing the camera module itself, or is this a hopeless cause at this point?

I intend to ask MINI this same question, but I'm hoping someone here might know the answer.

My last two cars had back-up cameras, so anyone else who's had them in the past knows how sorely missed it is, when absent.

Thanks.




Sent from AutoGuide.com Free App

 

[Darex]

But you do get more than just a camera view. It shows a track of where the car will go when you reverse, a guide to your tightest turning circle and it can highlight obstacles on the image.

Exactly. It's on a whole other level of "intelligence" with all the active guidance overlays. I was really looking forward to that! Having said that, the sonar array is pretty impressive, in that it constructs a 3D image of obstacles, and does graphically show you how dire the situation is getting, as well as where the worst culprit is; however, it's not the same as having an actual video image when backing-up! Yes, of course, the MINI is easy to see out of the old-fashion way, but back-up cameras inspire confidence and are very helpful, regardless of the car.


Sent from AutoGuide.com Free App

 

[Darex]

Don't you have to spend many more dollars to get to the point of fitting the camera.



I would have thought Mini would have thought of the safety of small children and made all of this a lot cheaper. I understand in the next couple of years rear view cameras are going to be compulsory.

I was thinking along those lines too. I would be rather surprised if all the pre-wiring and software isn't already there. Perhaps with the camera module in-hand, I could even install it myself!?


Sent from AutoGuide.com Free App

 

[Darex]

Another proof that Assumption is the Mother of all [email protected]*k ups!

When buying a car, you need to make sure that ALL of the things you like on your current car are available on your new one and if so, how do you spec them.

It's the only way to insure that you get everything you need/want.

I thought I had. I thought it was PART of the Parking Assist Package. The camera w/o Parking Assist is $500. According to our configurator, Parking Assist was listed (with camera) for $1000. I further thought the camera was part of the "Fully-Loaded Package." I definitely had confirmed all this during my final build(s), but somehow, it disappeared from the one I submitted. There are so many things to verify, and they got it 95% right. White indicators, MINIYours colour scheme, HUD, LED headlamps, etc., etc. They do not make it easy!

I had visual confirmation of all internal and external components via the BMW visualizer (i.e. where you type in your VIN), but that tiny camera under the handle is no possible to notice from a photo.

The sad part is that the back-up camera would have been in my top-5 must-haves list. :-(


Sent from AutoGuide.com Free App

 

[Darex]

Another proof that Assumption is the Mother of all [email protected]*k ups!

When buying a car, you need to make sure that ALL of the things you like on your current car are available on your new one and if so, how do you spec them.

It's the only way to insure that you get everything you need/want.

Yes, obviously, but despite entering my VIN into the BMW visualizer, going down the list of items, and even visually confirming that all my items were there (it spawns a preview pic of the interior/exterior, a camera hidden under the door handle is not visible.

The sad thing is that a back-up camera would have been in my top-5 must-haves. There are hundreds of items I did ensure were present during my configuration, and after. I selected packages very carefully to ensure it was there, and between those packages, and the Park Assist Package, which definitely implied that the camera was included too (price premium was an additional $500 over the back-up camera alone), I honestly believed I had that covered. Alas, not. Yes, it's my mistake. I admit it, but MINI makes such mistakes extremely easy to make!


Sent from AutoGuide.com Free App

 

[Darex]

It's not just hard though - I'm pretty sure you will need to configure the software for the additional hardware.
T.

It's not just hard though - I'm pretty sure you will need to configure the software for the additional hardware.
T.

Maybe not. Note how until you add a smartphone via the USB port, you will not see all the extra MINI CONNECTED options, such as Web Radio? It could be that once camera is connected and detected, camera settings appear in the menus. It seems far more likely that, as a popular companion to Connected + Visual Boost XL head units, the software is already there, dormant.


Sent from AutoGuide.com Free App

 

[Darex]

I think it's the rear PDC sensors you need and a screen as prerequisites. Not certain if it has to be the large media XL screen.

I think it is hopeful to think only the camera module is required... but I don't know.

I've also asked MINI directly, so I'll hopefully soon find out, and let you know. Thanks all.


Sent from AutoGuide.com Free App

 

[Darex]

I've also asked MINI directly, so I'll hopefully soon find out, and let you know. Thanks all.


Sent from AutoGuide.com Free App

MINI's playing useless and robotic with me. I'll ask the guys in the Service Dept. at my dealership next.



Sent from AutoGuide.com Free App

 

[Darex]

In the UK it's a separate item and I've just checked my invoice and it is on there. Is it not a single item in the US then? Hope you get it sorted.

They've changed the packaging for 2015, and I got mine just before that went into effect, but it's still confusing:

I have the Parking Assist Package (so sensors in the front, too), as well as the Visual Boost XL and given what's required to get the rearview camera, it seemed implied that it was included with the Parking Assist Package, as well as being available as a stand-alone option (although no longer for the 2015 MY). I just never imagined one could order the Park Assist Package WITHOUT the camera -- but one can! :-(


Sent from AutoGuide.com Free App

 

[Darex]

They've changed the packaging for 2015, and I got mine just before that went into effect, but it's still confusing:
View attachment 3690

I have the Parking Assist Package (so sensors in the front, too), as well as the Visual Boost XL and given what's required to get the rearview camera, it seemed implied that it was included with the Parking Assist Package, as well as being available as a stand-alone option (although no longer for the 2015 MY). I just never imagined one could order the Park Assist Package WITHOUT the camera -- but one can! :-(


Sent from AutoGuide.com Free App

There may be hope for me, however. I've written these guys to see what all is required for a retrofit, but here's a good start:

http://mini.sewellparts.com/oem-catalog/660369-DistanceCruiseControl-F56-2014.html



<< KaFAS cameraAsk A QuestionECU for camera-based driver support >>

Partlist For Section 660369 PNC Filter
PNC DetailsPPCStockIn-StoreOnlineQTY
1 66539339199
Reversing camera1Ships in 48 hrs$434.79$344.05

Sent from AutoGuide.com Free App