Reverse Camera retrofitted to BMW116i

(Above) Reverse camera module and camera unit and audio, video wiring. For greater safety awareness when reversing and to watch for any obstruction that are at the blind corners of the 4 rear sensor fan shaped proximity range, we decided to install a reverse camera tha is retrofitted to display on the OEM i-drive display in the F20 BMW 116i. We went to Soundwerkz, a car audio workshop located at Sin Ming that is familiar with BMWs. This was very important as the rewiring works for the reverse camera requires a seasoned installer who is experienced with BMW electronics to ensure less possibility of electrical faults.

(Above) Not for the faint hearted. Diassembly of console to do rewiring and installation of the video module for the reverse camera. An experienced BMW installer is a must as it is important to take out everything carefully and install back everything to original condition.Kelvin, the boss of Soundwerkz, came down to explain to me personally the type of reverse cameras available and the featues. We decided to go with the latest model recommendedby Kelvin which displays both the camera image view and the oem park distance control optical display simultaneously on the i-drive display. This camera and video controller unit are made in Taiwan and feature high definition image, especially important for night parking or where the carpark is very dimmed. The new camera unit also features reverse guide lines and trajectory guide lines that move in relation with your steering inputs.

(Above) Reverse camera operational with parking guide lines in broken red, yellow and green lines and the trajectory steering lines in yellow and red lines moving in tandem with steering inputs. To the right of the camera image is the parking distance control icon with proximity imaging. The installation started at 9.30am and ended at about 2.30pm after completion of wiring, instalation and testing. As the reverse camera is a new product, there were some inherent hang issues with the camera and on a second trip to the workshop which Kelvin and his guys diagnosed as a faulty camera unit and replaced with another new camera and so far, the reverse camera has been working smoothly. Good service from the guys at Soundwerkz. The Soundwerkz team takes care during installation and recovery phase to protect your car from unneccessary blemishes or scratches by wrapping your car interior extensively as protection against accidental scratches and knocks.

(Above) Foil wrapped interior of our car prior to installation. Kelvin although he was busy also took time to activate source code at my request to enable the digital speedometer to be displayed on the multifunction driver's display. This is usually done at a price but it was compliementary, courtesy of Soundwerkz.

(Above) Digital Speedo display

(Above)Soundwerkz guys testing reverse camera after installation of camera unit and video module. The camera unit cost $1100 without GST which Kelvin said was a launch price since mine was supposedly the first local BMW 116i to be retrofitted with it. This is a fraction of the OEM BMW reverse camera which costs $4800.00 and pops out of the rear hatch handle whereas our Taiwan made cheaper alternative is mounted above the license plate but no less effective and much cheaper.

(Above)Camera lens unit mounted just above the rear license plate.

Upgrading to RNS510 Radio Navigation system for our VW Golf

This week, we sold off and upgraded our RCD510 touch screen radio CD player in our VW Golf(above) to the latest model - the Radio Navigation System 510 'C' which was recently launched by VW Singapore for their upper end cars. VW is apparently charging a very exorbitant price and we got ours through a reliable importer of OEM VW parts through the VW owners forum which is 4 times less than the amount which VW Singapore is charging.

With the RNS510C, our Golf is brought up to the latest features available in cars with a LED display touch screen which has a resolution that is so much sharper than the previous RCD510 LCD screen.


(Above) RCD 510 screen resolution is not as sharp as the RNS510 screen(below)













(Above)Lots of wiring works for the installation


(Above) Jimmy installing the RNS510C
(Below) Jimmy doing software upload for the RNS510C




In addition, there is a DVD player, a SD card player, a aux for ipod/mp 3 players, a 30GB hard disk to store music and movies, 6 CD changer. Main highlight would of course be the built in Teledata sourced GPS Navigation for easy location of destinations and trip routes. The user interface is quite easy for example by it being able to narrow down all the possible addresses for you to select so that you don't have to scroll a long list of number and addresses. We will be waiting for the map updates next year once Teledata releases it and hopefully can get it cheaper through our installer - Jimmy.


(Above)RNS510C in navigation mode.

There is also a reverse camera for reference during reverse parking while retaining the original optical parking sensor. Those VW Golf/Passat/Jetta owners who are interested can contact the ever friendly,helpful and experienced Jimmy at 91777305.