[holiday1001]

As title says- my rear camera is so dark it’s near unusable in the dark. Side by side with the x3 it’s not even close how much better the x3 is. And I’m in Dravit Grey so can’t blame the paint…

Anyone else?

[Tobster3]

Got a pic to compare. Can’t say I’ve noticed that.

[holiday1001]

[Sonic RR]

Originally Posted by holiday1001

As title says- my rear camera is so dark it’s near unusable in the dark. Side by side with the x3 it’s not even close how much better the x3 is. And I’m in Dravit Grey so can’t blame the paint…

Anyone else?

I has to do with the amount of light the reverse lights throw. I noticed it get worse when I masked my tail lights.


Sonic

[holiday1001]

Ah. I guess the brake lights are also super dim. I'm worried I'm going to run someone over at night! Very annoying that there is no brightness adjust on this.

[Needsdecaf]

Hmm, I feel like my car looks more like the top picture. Will need to compare next time I drive at night. That doesn't look right.

[SwankPeRFection]

If it’s a brand new car, make sure there’s no protector film still over the camera lens from shipping. Some manufacturers have those on there to protect from scratches. Look carefully and up close.

[mrrm3]

Originally Posted by holiday1001

As title says- my rear camera is so dark it’s near unusable in the dark. Side by side with the x3 it’s not even close how much better the x3 is. And I’m in Dravit Grey so can’t blame the paint…

Anyone else?

My has been dark since new. Dealer said they'd try to reprogram the computer but needed my car for a few days. No thanks.

[bwoodahl]

I have the same complaint. Honestly, it’s dangerous.

[holiday1001]

thanks guys- I guess no point in bothering with a dealer visit then.
I checked- no film.
I would blame just weak brake lights, but you see the house in the corner is much brighter on the x3.
Daytime its' perfect.

[SwankPeRFection]

Hey, dumb question, but those with this problem, do you have the black line overlay as an option on your lights. That might be limiting your reverse lights just enough not to be bright enough and BMW didn't think to brighten the contrast on the cameras for those people.

[holiday1001]

do you mean shadowline? I thought that's standard on the competition now

[SwankPeRFection]

Yeah. Sorry, I was posting in a hurry. If the reverse are tinted, it’s possible they’re not putting out enough light.

[thecakeisalie]

It's not the reverse lights or the camera itself... the software that is supposed to adjust the gain in the dark is pretty terrible IMO (or maybe the dynamic range of these cameras is bad and they don't even try to make it consistently usable at night). There are times it works just fine in darker conditions regardless of the throw of the reverse lights and other times on reasonably well-lit streets it will dim the image beyond what is reasonable.

[holiday1001]

i doubt enough owners will complain enough for them to issue a software patch.
have you brought it into the dealer to see if there is an adjustment available?

[FaceBiter]

I seem to have this same issue. I used to be able to back into my driveway easily at night with my 10 year old 435. Now in my ‘24 M4 I can barely see the curb. Not sure if anyone ever managed to find a resolution for this. I plan to mention it to the dealer but I’m still quite a ways from my first service.

[Indo Rider]

Originally Posted by thecakeisalie

It's not the reverse lights or the camera itself... the software that is supposed to adjust the gain in the dark is pretty terrible IMO (or maybe the dynamic range of these cameras is bad and they don't even try to make it consistently usable at night). There are times it works just fine in darker conditions regardless of the throw of the reverse lights and other times on reasonably well-lit streets it will dim the image beyond what is reasonable.

This is my experience too. Sometimes its damn near worthless at night. And sometimes if I backup a little or stop and hold the brake lights, the brightness will adjust and get better. But usually Im not interested to wait around and do better to lower the window and look over my shoulder. It's annoying for sure. Backup camera in my wife's VW is better in every way possible.