Removing Your Reverse Camera: A Step-By-Step Guide

Reverse cameras are a great safety feature for your car, helping you to see what's behind your vehicle without having to look backwards. They can be purchased as part of a new car model or added to your existing vehicle. Removing a reverse camera will likely involve reversing the installation process, which can be done at home with the right tools and safety precautions, or by a professional.

Removing a reverse camera from a BMW E39

Step 1: Locate the Reverse Camera

The reverse camera on a BMW E39 is typically located in the middle of the BMW emblem on the trunk, the key hole for the trunk, or between the licence plate lights. Once you have located the camera, you can proceed to the next step.

Step 2: Disconnect the Camera

Before removing the camera, you will need to disconnect any wires connected to it. Carefully disconnect the camera's power and AV cables. You may need to refer to your car's manual to identify the correct wires. Make sure to label or mark the wires to ensure proper reconnection during reinstallation.

Step 3: Remove the Camera Housing

The camera is usually housed in a mounting plate or housing that needs to be removed. Gently remove the mounting plate by unscrewing or detaching it from the trunk area. Be careful not to damage the surrounding trim or body work.

Step 4: Unthread the Wires

If your BMW E39 has a wire threaded through a long rubber gaiter, you will need to carefully unthread it. This process can be time-consuming and challenging, so it is recommended to use a lubricant to ease the process. Ensure that you do not damage the wires or the gaiter during this step.

Step 5: Disconnect the Switching Module

If your vehicle has a reverse camera switching module, you will need to disconnect it. Carefully disconnect the BLUE wire from Pin 17 on the BLUE plug of your TV video module. You may need to slide the black locking lever to release the plug. Be sure to refer to your specific vehicle's wiring diagram for accurate information.

Step 6: Remove the Camera

Once all the connections are disconnected, you can now remove the reverse camera from your BMW E39. Gently pull the camera out of its housing or mounting location. Be careful not to damage any surrounding components or wires.

Step 7: Reinstall the Trunk Components

After removing the camera, you can now reinstall the trunk components that were removed or adjusted during the process. This includes the trunk release mechanism, the mounting plate, and any other parts that were displaced. Ensure that everything is securely fastened and functioning properly.

It is important to note that this process may vary slightly depending on your specific BMW E39 model and the type of reverse camera installed. Always refer to your vehicle's manual or seek professional assistance if you are unsure about any steps or procedures.

Taking out a camera from a license plate

To take out a camera from a license plate, you will first need to remove the license plate itself. Using a Phillips-head screwdriver, unscrew the plate and set it aside, keeping the screws in a safe place.

Next, you will need to access the wiring behind the license plate. This may involve removing interior panels in your trunk or rear door to expose the wiring. Once you have located the wiring, you can disconnect the camera by unplugging any connectors and/or cutting the wires. Be sure to properly insulate any cut wires to prevent short circuits.

If the camera is mounted directly to the license plate, you may need to remove any screws or other fasteners holding it in place. If it is mounted through the license plate mounting holes, you can simply slide the camera out through the holes.

Finally, you will need to fill any holes and repair any damage caused by the camera installation. This may involve using body filler or spackle to fill holes and repainting the area to match the surrounding surface.

Drilling a hole to remove a camera

Drilling a hole is an important step in removing a rear-view camera. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Firstly, you need to take off the rear license plate of your car using a Phillips-head screwdriver. This will expose the license plate mounting area. Make sure you place the screws removed from the license plate in a safe place so you don't lose them.

Next, you will need to remove the interior panel of your car's trunk to access the rear wiring chambers. Insert a trim removal tool or a thin object behind the panel and gently pry it off.

Now, you are ready to drill the hole. Use a power drill with a high-speed twist drill bit to create a small hole in the license plate mounting area. Ensure that there are no obstructions between the license plate mount and the rear wiring chamber. The hole should be large enough to fit the power and video cables of your camera.

Before running the camera cable into the car, place a rubber grommet around it to keep the wire in place and prevent leaks. Choose a grommet that fits snugly inside the drilled hole.

Pull the camera cable through the drilled hole and into the trunk of your car. Ensure that the cable is tight so that the rubber grommet stays lodged in the hole.

At this point, you will need to locate and strip your car's reverse light wires, which connect the tail lights to the dashboard. Use a wire stripper or pliers to remove the rubber covering, and then separate the wire strands by poking through the middle of each exposed wire with a screwdriver or thin tool. Ensure that your car is turned off during this step for safety.

Finally, fuse your camera wires with the reverse light wires. Attach one of your bare wire cables to the camera's power connector, and then twist the bare wires together with the exposed reverse light wires. Wrap the combined wires with electrical tape to ensure a secure connection.

By following these steps, you will have successfully drilled a hole and connected the wiring necessary to remove your rear-view camera.

Disconnecting a camera's power and video cable

Firstly, you will need to remove your rear license plate and interior trunk panel. This will expose the rear wiring chambers of your car. Next, using a power drill, create a small hole in the license plate mounting area, ensuring there are no obstructions. The hole should be large enough to fit the camera's power and video cable. Before running the camera cable into the car, slip a rubber grommet onto it to keep the wire in place and prevent leaks. Pull the camera cable through the drilled hole and into the trunk.

Now, locate your car's reverse light wires, which connect the tail lights to the dashboard. Using a wire stripper or pliers, remove the rubber covering the wires and separate the individual wire strands. Attach one of your bare wire cables to the camera cord's power connector, and then fuse these wires with the reverse light wires by poking them through the centre and twisting them together. Ensure you wrap the combined wires with electrical tape for safety.

At this stage, you will need to connect your camera's video cable to the front of the car. You may need to remove panels to expose the chamber and run the cable through. If your camera uses wireless transmitters instead of standard video cables, this step may not be necessary.

Finally, locate your car's fuse box and attach your remaining bare wire cable to the camera's power cord. Push the positive end of the bare wire into a fuse tap and crimp the cables together. Plug the fuse tap into an open fuse cell in the fuse box.

By following these steps, you will have successfully disconnected your camera's power and video cable. It is important to be cautious and methodical throughout the process to avoid any damage to your vehicle's electrical system.

Reversing a camera's capture

Methods for Reversing a Camera's Capture

• Using Third-Party Software: One way to reverse a camera's capture is by using third-party software such as VCAM, iVCam, or FineCam. These programs can be used to tweak the camera output and even allow you to use your phone as a computer camera.
• OBS Studio: OBS Studio is a lightweight and easy-to-use software that can act as a virtual camera and reverse the camera's capture. It involves setting up a Video Capture Device and then dragging the anchor of the capture to the opposite direction to achieve the desired mirror effect.
• Python Code: While the user did not think it could be applied at the OS level, they did mention finding a Python code that can flip a live capture image.
• System Settings: In some cases, the mirroring option may be available within the software or application settings. For example, video conferencing applications like Zoom often have a feature to reverse the image.
• Hardware Modification: For physical cameras, such as those in vehicles, reversing the capture may involve modifying the wiring and connections. This can include locating the reverse light pickup, soldering wires, and connecting the camera power to a fuse tap or cigarette lighter adaptor.

Tips and Considerations:

• It is important to consult the manual or seek expert advice before attempting any hardware modifications to your camera or vehicle.
• When working with electrical wiring, ensure that the car is turned off for safety reasons.
• Keep in mind that reversing a camera's capture may not always be necessary, as others see you the right way round, and minor asymmetries are usually unnoticeable.
• If using third-party software, ensure that it is compatible with your operating system and camera hardware.
• When using OBS Studio, ensure that you have granted the necessary permissions for it to function as a virtual camera.

Frequently asked questions