[Chapter2099]

Hey all,

I’m considering adding on the ACE 3.0 to my G80 at the port. There’s not a lot of feedback out there in terms of owners that have this particular add-on equipped in their vehicle. There’s a few posts here talking about it, but not in-depth, so I was hoping to generate more feedback here.

I was curious if any of you have it installed on your vehicle and have reviews to share.

I’ve looked into alternatives like Blackvue, but I like the idea of something installed at the port, “ready to go,” and covered under the vehicle warranty.

I really wanted something similar to Tesla’s Sentry mode, but I realize this is a far cry from that.

My concerns though are:

1.) Do I really need it if I have Driver Recorder with the Parking Assistant Package?

2.) Is the overall quality of unit there?

3.) Is the size of the front camera and screen too large and bulky in your opinion?

I have my reservations and wanted feedback, opinions, etc.

[BimmerFix]

I’d skip on the ACE 3.0 , camera/monitor placement is a complete eye sore .

Not worth the scratch .. you’re paying for BMW branding basically. I believe it’s made by Blackvue or the like. Nothing special about it & better alternatives out there.

Having drive recorder optioned as well, a separate dash cam is still a good idea.

I’m going with FitCamX front Dash only. Pairing it with a 256GB micro SD. Love the complete integration with the rain sensor and looks OEM+ . No one will have the faintest idea.

Passing on the rear cam & parking mode , I don’t want to deal with hiding the extra wires … battery pack and/or hardwiring.

[forcefed]

Also went with the fitcamx, don't want a camera sticking out like a sore thumb on the windshield, this one looks stock.

[Chapter2099]

Originally Posted by BimmerFix

I’d skip on the ACE 3.0 , camera/monitor placement is a complete eye sore .

Not worth the scratch .. you’re paying for BMW branding basically. I believe it’s made by Blackvue or the like. Nothing special about it & better alternatives out there.

Having drive recorder optioned as well, a separate dash cam is still a good idea.

I’m going with FitCamX front Dash only. Pairing it with a 256GB micro SD. Love the complete integration with the rain sensor and looks OEM+ . No one will have the faintest idea.

Passing on the rear cam & parking mode , I don’t want to deal with hiding the extra wires … battery pack and/or hardwiring.

Originally Posted by forcefed

Also went with the fitcamx, don't want a camera sticking out like a sore thumb on the windshield, this one looks stock.

This is the first time I’ve even seen this and this is EXACTLY what I wanted.

You two are awesome. I really appreciate this.

The install looks super easy too? Am I correct in that?

This definitely looks OEM and a fraction of the price of ACE.

[BimmerFix]

Originally Posted by Chapter2099

This is the first time I’ve even seen this and this is EXACTLY what I wanted.

You two are awesome. I really appreciate this.

The install looks super easy too? Am I correct in that?

This definitely looks OEM and a fraction of the price of ACE.

No first hand experience , but based off videos I’ve seen . Looks like childsplay

[Berzerker]

Originally Posted by forcefed

Also went with the fitcamx, don't want a camera sticking out like a sore thumb on the windshield, this one looks stock.

I think I'd honestly rather wire myself a stick-on dashcam and put it on the right side behind the mirror. Looks like the fitcamx has a *slightly* extruding bottom that you could see under the mirror, I'd rather have it be completely invisible behind the right-side of the mirror.

[hhkb]

Originally Posted by Berzerker

I think I'd honestly rather wire myself a stick-on dashcam and put it on the right side behind the mirror. Looks like the fitcamx has a *slightly* extruding bottom that you could see under the mirror, I'd rather have it be completely invisible behind the right-side of the mirror.

I mean, I think we’re talking a few millimeters at most. I’d consider that negligible.

[hhkb]

Originally Posted by Chapter2099

This is the first time I’ve even seen this and this is EXACTLY what I wanted.

You two are awesome. I really appreciate this.

The install looks super easy too? Am I correct in that?

This definitely looks OEM and a fraction of the price of ACE.

Same! I was about to spend hundreds on a Blackvue but this is sleek, I love it.

[kgelfen360]

What is bizzare is why Driver Recorder so bad? Why can’t it just record like Roger cameras. What is this last 10 seconds or whatever. I don’t get it.

[Chapter2099]

Originally Posted by hhkb

Same! I was about to spend hundreds on a Blackvue but this is sleek, I love it.

I’m thankful I made this thread. lol Felt bad because I didn’t want to clog the server, but yeah, totally worth the time now.

There’s not a lot of people that go for the ACE and I’m understanding why now, especially when options like FitCamX exist.

I’m totally going with FitCamX now. Front cam only. Gets me exactly what I wanted.

[Chapter2099]

Originally Posted by kgelfen360

What is bizzare is why Driver Recorder so bad? Why can’t it just record like Roger cameras. What is this last 10 seconds or whatever. I don’t get it.

I’m curious why BMW doesn’t have a better system standard already, but I guess it doesn’t do me any good to rant at this point. lol

[forcefed]

Originally Posted by Berzerker

I think I'd honestly rather wire myself a stick-on dashcam and put it on the right side behind the mirror. Looks like the fitcamx has a *slightly* extruding bottom that you could see under the mirror, I'd rather have it be completely invisible behind the right-side of the mirror.

Yes it protrudes slightly below the mirror but you never notice it... also the dealer will never notice the camera when you go in for a visit. Your stick on dashcam they'll probably disable during the visit.

[Berzerker]

Originally Posted by forcefed

Yes it protrudes slightly below the mirror but you never notice it... also the dealer will never notice the camera when you go in for a visit. Your stick on dashcam they'll probably disable during the visit.

Originally Posted by hhkb

I mean, I think we’re talking a few millimeters at most. I’d consider that negligible.

I think I'd notice this, especially the fact you're also looking up from the left lower angle.

Do you have a picture of how it looks from the normal driver view?

[Chapter2099]

Originally Posted by forcefed

Yes it protrudes slightly below the mirror but you never notice it... also the dealer will never notice the camera when you go in for a visit. Your stick on dashcam they'll probably disable during the visit.

I would like to think it’ll be too “out of their way” to disable it too. To take it apart and disable would make it look to obvious of hiding something, IMO, unless there’s a privacy policy I’m not aware of that we consent to by bring the vehicle in to that allows them to be that invasive.

[Chapter2099]

BimmerFix Meant to ask in regards to Parking Mode, does BWM’s Parking Assistancd Package paired with the Drive Recorder option give you a built-in Parking Mode for security?

I get that the FitCamX doesn’t have it, but it dawned on me that I don’t know if BWM can do Parking Mode??

['Cane]

Originally Posted by Chapter2099

BimmerFix Meant to ask in regards to Parking Mode, does BWM’s Parking Assistancd Package paired with the Drive Recorder option give you a built-in Parking Mode for security?

No.

[Chapter2099]

Originally Posted by 'Cane

No.

Thanks for the post.

Well, that might force me to continue my hunt for a better camera system.

I’d like something that’s more seamless/less of an eyesore than the ACE 3.0 but still has Parking Mode.

Any thoughts?

['Cane]

Originally Posted by Chapter2099

Thanks for the post.

Well, that might force me to continue my hunt for a better camera system.

I’d like something that’s more seamless/less of an eyesore than the ACE 3.0 but still has Parking Mode.

Any thoughts?

I don’t think there’s a perfect solution, especially if you want parking/sentry mode. The Drive Recorder is worth $100, but it’s really only a backup, IMO. I’ve never had to rely on it, but I’ve heard stories of unreliability.

[BimmerFix]

Originally Posted by Chapter2099

BimmerFix Meant to ask in regards to Parking Mode, does BWM’s Parking Assistancd Package paired with the Drive Recorder option give you a built-in Parking Mode for security?

I get that the FitCamX doesn’t have it, but it dawned on me that I don’t know if BWM can do Parking Mode??

It does have parking mode. But not in stock form.If you go the specs it says you need to contact them to purchase a fuse box cable.

You will hardwire to the car's battery and/or an external battery pack should do the trick also. Just reach out to them via email , they respond fairly quickly.

[forcefed]

Originally Posted by Berzerker

I think I'd notice this, especially the fact you're also looking up from the left lower angle.

Do you have a picture of how it looks from the normal driver view?

Here you go.

[Berzerker]

Originally Posted by forcefed

Here you go.

mmmmmmmmmm alright that's not too bad I guess.

[Chapter2099]

I just keep coming with more questions, so I appreciate the patience here:

The port add-on list my dealer supplied me includes: “ACE 3.0 F&R w/Display.”

The shopbmwusa version only lists the ACE 3.0 (no display version, which is much less unsightly, IMO.)

Is there a reason why this isn’t listed as an add-on while the version with display is?