Product Overview and Installation Details
Retrofit Kit Numbers
BMW Advanced Car Eye 3.0 pro (Pro version with display and radar)
- 66 21 5 A44 493
- 66 21 5 A44 495
- 66 21 5 A44 497
BMW Advanced Car Eye 3.0
- 66 21 5 A44 494
- 66 21 5 A44 496
- 66 21 5 A44 498
Installation Time
The estimated installation time for the BMW Advanced Car Eye front and rear window camera retrofit is approximately 2.0 hours. If only the front camera retrofit with display is installed, the time is reduced to approximately 1.0 hour. For vehicles with the rear window integrated into the tailgate, add approximately 0.5 hours. These times may vary based on the vehicle's condition and equipment.
Important Information
These instructions are intended for use by qualified specialist staff within the BMW dealership organization and authorized BMW service companies. Work should be performed using the latest BMW repair manuals, wiring diagrams, servicing manuals, and work instructions, following a logical order with prescribed tools and observing health and safety regulations.
For installation or functional problems, limit troubleshooting to approximately 0.5 hours for mechanical work and 1.0 hour for electrical work. For assistance, contact the technical parts support team, providing the VIN, retrofit kit part number, a detailed problem description, and any work already performed. Printouts of these instructions should not be archived; refer to the Electronic Parts Catalogue (EPC) for the current version.
Pictograms and Safety Precautions
Pictograms
- ⚠ Denotes instructions that draw attention to dangers.
- ℹ Denotes instructions that draw attention to special features.
- ✔ Denotes the end of an instruction or warning text.
Safety Instructions for Electric/Hybrid Cars
Refer to safety instructions for working on electric/hybrid cars (see ISTA/AIR 61 00). The high voltage system must be disconnected from the supply before starting work. Do not proceed if the KOMBI does not indicate power disconnection, as this poses a danger of death. A certified electrician qualified for 1000 V DC systems must verify power disconnection using suitable measuring instruments. In such cases, contact Technical Support. The vehicle must be locked and cordoned off with tapes.
General Installation Information
Ensure cables and lines are not kinked or damaged during installation; costs incurred will not be reimbursed by BMW AG. Additional cables must be secured with cable ties. If specified PIN chambers are occupied, use bridges, double crimps, or twin-lead terminals. Illustrations are for Left-Hand Drive (LHD) cars; follow the same procedure for Right-Hand Drive (RHD) cars.
The front camera (C or D) must not obstruct the driver's view. Its lens must be within the windscreen wiper's sweep area and outside the sun protection strip. Ensure the sun visor and interior rear-view mirror adjustment ranges are not restricted. All buttons and the SD card slot must remain accessible after installation.
The rear window camera (E) must not obstruct the driver's view. Ideally, position it in the area obscured by headrests or the 3rd row of seats, or within the area cleaned by the rear windscreen wiper. Avoid excessive tension or pressure on the camera from the connection cable. Bubble foil (I) and adhesive strips are single-use; if positioning is incorrect, they must be replaced.
The installation steps shown for the front camera with display (C) apply similarly to the front camera (D). If the rear window camera (E) is not installed, branch B5 must be secured to prevent rattling.
Ordering Information and Special Tools
Ordering Instructions
The 2-way miniature connector (F), MINI 5A fuse (G), and socket contact MCP 2.8 x 0.8 (H) are not included in the retrofit kit and must be ordered separately. Refer to the EPC for part numbers and details.
Customer Information
Provide the customer with the operating instructions (1 page) and the attachment to the declaration of conformity, if applicable.
Special Tools Required
Refer to the relevant ISTA/AIR repair manual for details on required special tools.
Parts List
| Identifier | Description |
|---|---|
| A | Base |
| B | Retrofit wiring harness |
| C | Front camera with display |
| D | Front camera |
| E | Rear window camera |
| F | 2-way miniature connector |
| G | MINI 5A fuse (not included) |
| H | Socket contact MCP 2.8 x 0.8 (not supplied) |
| I | Bubble foil |
| J | Cable ties (20x) |
| K | Cleaning cloth (2x) |
| L | Micro SD card |
Preparatory Work
General Steps
- Disconnect the high voltage system from the supply.
- Disconnect all negative battery cables.
- Release and disconnect various plug connections.
- Cut, strip, and crimp cables as needed.
- Open plug housings and remove contacts from connection systems.
- Follow instructions for handling wiring harnesses and cables.
- Follow instructions for handling documents: Repair manual, technical data, tightening torques.
Components to Remove First
The following components must be removed before proceeding:
- Trim for front right A pillar
- Bottom right dashboard trim
- Side footwell trim on right A pillar
- Trim on bottom right B pillar (if installing rear window camera)
- Rear seat (if installing rear window camera)
- Rear right backrest side section (if installing rear window camera)
- Trim on rear right roof pillar (if installing rear window camera)
- Front right-hand power distributor
- Tailgate trim (if installing rear window camera)
Base and Retrofit Wiring Harness Connection Diagram
This section details the connections between the base unit, retrofit wiring harness, and vehicle power/ground points. Key components and their connections are:
- Base (A): Connects via locking plug (A1).
- Retrofit wiring harness (B): Connects via locking socket (B1).
- Open cable B2 (RED, 0.5 mm²): Connects to socket contact H at power distributor Z44, PIN 21.
- Open cable B3 (YELLOW, 0.5 mm²): Connects via 2-way miniature connector F to BDC A258, PIN 1 (GREEN cable from A258*3B).
- Eyelet B4 (BLACK, 0.5 mm²): Connects to ground support point Z10, PIN 1.
- Connection cable B5: Connects to the rear window camera E.
Note cable colours for correct routing.
Installation and Cabling Diagram
This diagram illustrates the general routing of the components within the vehicle. The diagram shows:
- Base (A) typically mounted near the front windscreen.
- Retrofit wiring harness (B) routed from the base towards the vehicle's electrical system.
- Front camera with display (C) mounted on the front windscreen.
- Rear window camera (E) mounted on the rear windscreen.
- Connections to vehicle points:
- Front right power distributor (Z44)
- Ground support point, front right (Z10*14B)
- BDC, front right (A258)
Installation Position of Front Camera with Display
The front camera with display (C) must be installed on the windscreen without obstructing the driver's view. It must be positioned within the area swept by the windscreen wipers and outside the coloured sun protection strip (screen-printed strip). Ensure all buttons, plugs, and the SD card slot remain accessible after installation.
The bonding surfaces must be clean and free of grease. Clean them using the cleaning cloth (K). Application should be at room temperature (minimum 20 °C).
The bubble foil (I) and adhesive strip on the base (A) are single-use. If positioning is incorrect, they must be replaced. Affix the bubble foil (I) and base (A) to the windscreen at the specified positions: Y = 20 mm, X = 200 mm.
Retrofit Wiring Harness Connection Steps
Follow these steps to connect the retrofit wiring harness:
- Route branch A1 to the right-hand A pillar.
- Secure branch A1 to the standard wiring harness (2) using cable ties (J) to avoid affecting the airbag (1).
- Route branch A1 along the right-hand A pillar to the footwell.
- Insert branch A1 into branch B1 until it engages.
- If installing the rear window camera: Route branch B5 to the location of the rear window camera.
- Connect branch B2 (RED cable) to power distributor Z44. Connect branch B2 with crimped socket contact H to PIN 21.
- Insert fuse G into slot F33 in power distributor Z44.
- Route branch B3 (YELLOW cable) to the location of BDC A258.
- Connect branch B3 to the GREEN cable from PIN 1 of plug A258*3B using the 2-way miniature connector F.
- Route branch B4 (BLACK cable) to the location of ground support point Z10*14B.
- Secure branch B4 to ground support point Z10*14B.
- Fit the front camera with display (C) as shown in the base (A).
Connection and Installation of Rear Window Camera
For cars with a glued rear window in the tailgate:
Ensure bonding surfaces are clean and free of grease. Apply at room temperature only (minimum 20 °C).
The rear window camera (E) must not restrict the driver's view. Bond the rear window camera (E) to the rear window.
Route branch B5 along the standard wiring harness to the rear window and connect it to the rear window camera (E).
Secure the cable from branch B5 at multiple points behind the trim using cable tie (J) only when the rear window is fully open.
Customer Information: Switching on the Ignition
To activate the system after installation, follow these steps:
| Model | Built In or After | Number of Presses of the Start-Stop Button (in quick succession) |
|---|---|---|
| X3 | 2017 | Press three times |
| X4 | 2018 | Press three times |
Concluding Work and Coding
The retrofit system does not require programming or coding.
Final Steps
- Adjust the front and rear window cameras according to customer information.
- Remove the protective film from the camera lenses.
- Conduct a function test.
- Re-assemble the vehicle.
Customer Handover
Provide the customer with the following:
- Operating instructions (1 page).
- Attachment to the declaration of conformity (if applicable).
Firmware Update
The firmware update must be carried out using the ACE app on the customer's mobile phone.
