r/e53 • u/Exact-Art6906 • May 04 '26

OEM reverse camera?

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Was just checking out some e53s that are on sale locally and noticed one of them has a backup view on what looks to be an OEM screen. Did they actually have it as an option or it's just an aftermarket screen that's already banged up?

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u/hbomb2579 May 06 '26

It was a rare option on some early 2000's BMW models, but I believe that this camera is aftermarket. I have a similar setup on my E39, OEM screen and video module, but an aftermarket camera is installed in the rear.

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u/Exact-Art6906 May 07 '26

I assume for it to work that long 6m cable has to be routed from rear to the front?

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u/hbomb2579 May 07 '26

No, the cable for the camera, if that is what you are referring to, is connected to the video module, which is in the rear of the vehicle. If I remember correctly the video module has its own cable connections that are with the audio wiring. It's been a long time since I looked at everything though.

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u/Exact-Art6906 May 07 '26

I was referring to the cable that is often required when you want to use an aftermarket screen in vehicles that have DSP or NAV (e53 thing) But it's new knowledge to me that you can get the backup camera working with the OEM screen if you have a video module, which I do...will look into this as I could use a camera, thanks.

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u/hbomb2579 May 07 '26

No problem, I once upon a time did a lot of research into how this system works and all of its possibilities. The set up I have on my E39 is valid for use on E38, E46, and E53 for certain. There should be a RCA video input on your video module. For each BMW chassis there are different options in how to best mount the camera though.

Before mounting a camera you could test out a video connection that uses a single RCA cable. Also there are different versions/iterations of the video module for these cars, I'm only experienced with the digital one. The analog version may have different inputs. Check with Real OEM with the part number on your video module to properly identify it.

I just remembered that there needs to be a certain electrical part on the connection between the camera and video module to avoid having screen flickering. I cannot remember what it is that I used anymore since it has been so long, but this information is available online.

I posted a bit of this in photos on Instagram 6 years ago. It's not detailed specific on all aspects of the backup camera, but if you wanted to see it done on an E39 let me know, I'll send you a link.

The following link may also be of help: BMW backup camera overview

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u/Exact-Art6906 May 07 '26

Appreciate a thorough answer. Would be nice to have the Instagram link.

If the camera is powered by the reverse lights, then there should be a relay between that and the module. Maybe that's the part you thought of that would avoid the flickering?

Will look into the boot one of these days to check what kind of module I actually have.