AlekShop Rear Cam, Video Module, and iPhone Dock Review

[tinpot]

After driving a 2011 Acura TL with a rear video camera I realized how useful a rear cam is and I started to look for options for my M3. Since there were several favorable reviews for the AlekShop rear cam, I decided to go with this kit along with the AlekShop video module and iPhone dock. My main criteria for choosing this rear cam kit were to retain the OEM look and to have a functional and good quality camera. Following installation of the kit, the camera fits seamlessly, is almost undetectable, and has great video quality. The picture-in-picture is a nice feature, too, since I can still use (view and hear) my rear park sensors.

I considered installing the kit myself but decided against it (too scared ) and had the kit installed at Driver Source. Driver Source mentioned the kit was very easy to install (complete plug-and-play and no programming required) and they were also impressed with the quality of the kit.

I’ve now been using the rear cam for 2 days and backing into spaces is embarrassingly easy. Between the rear cam, the cam guidelines (overlays on the screen), and the rear park sensors it’s just about impossible to screw up parking!

The iPhone dock was a very straightforward install and meets my need of not needing to use the armrest to connect my iPhone. I still have some tweaking to do (dock connection location and playing iPhone videos on the Nav screen), but the iPhone dock is great as-is: my iPhone 4 fits nicely into the dock (the smartphone integration became unusable after buying an iPhone 4) and also charges my phone while plugged in.

Other than the PnP features, I haven’t had chance to play around with the other features of the video module as I don’t have any DVDs to test and I’m unsure of the steps to play a video from my iPhone on the screen. However, there seem to be at least 2 AV connections that can be utilized. Switching between video sources is very easy; simply use the short cut buttons on the steering wheel. In addition, the PnP location can be adjusted by utilizing the shortcut buttons, too.

All in all, I’m very impressed with the AlekShop products I purchased: quality, integration, and functionality (jeez, I'm sounding like an advert ). Furthermore, Alek has been very prompt with answering questions I have asked.

Now for the pics:

Rear view cam kit and video module


Camera:


PnP: park sensor and rear cam


An alternate PnP of the park sensor and rear cam


iPhone Dock (note: the white docking station insert is not present)

[Glop]

Awesome! Seriously considering getting one myself but I'll have to find where to get it installed in the Seattle area.

[GOLFFRR]

i also am considering this. I have read nothing but positive write ups on this

[WCM3]

Congrats on the install. I really like how Alek integrated the camera into the rear light and didn't just add a random camera in the rear.

Question. Can you turn this camera on and off whenever you want. For instance, when I back out my driveway I will have the car in reverse. Once I build up the momentum, I will throw it into neutral and coast down the rest of the driveway. Once I put the stick in neutral, will the camera go away?

[Alekshop]

Originally Posted by WCM3

Congrats on the install. I really like how Alek integrated the camera into the rear light and didn't just add a random camera in the rear.

Question. Can you turn this camera on and off whenever you want. For instance, when I back out my driveway I will have the car in reverse. Once I build up the momentum, I will throw it into neutral and coast down the rest of the driveway. Once I put the stick in neutral, will the camera go away?

The camera will turn off once you put in neutral but it can be connected to one of the AV sources and you can use it while driving forward. All the you need to do is to activate it by pressing MENU button on iDrive.

Same goes for the front camera, you can turn it ON by pressing MENU on iDrive.

[Alekshop]

Originally Posted by tinpot

After driving a 2011 Acura TL with a rear video camera I realized how useful a rear cam is and I started to look for options for my M3. Since there were several favorable reviews for the AlekShop rear cam, I decided to go with this kit along with the AlekShop video module and iPhone dock. My main criteria for choosing this rear cam kit were to retain the OEM look and to have a functional and good quality camera. Following installation of the kit, the camera fits seamlessly, is almost undetectable, and has great video quality. The picture-in-picture is a nice feature, too, since I can still use (view and hear) my rear park sensors.

I considered installing the kit myself but decided against it (too scared ) and had the kit installed at Driver Source. Driver Source mentioned the kit was very easy to install (complete plug-and-play and no programming required) and they were also impressed with the quality of the kit.

I’ve now been using the rear cam for 2 days and backing into spaces is embarrassingly easy. Between the rear cam, the cam guidelines (overlays on the screen), and the rear park sensors it’s just about impossible to screw up parking!

The iPhone dock was a very straightforward install and meets my need of not needing to use the armrest to connect my iPhone. I still have some tweaking to do (dock connection location and playing iPhone videos on the Nav screen), but the iPhone dock is great as-is: my iPhone 4 fits nicely into the dock (the smartphone integration became unusable after buying an iPhone 4) and also charges my phone while plugged in.

Other than the PnP features, I haven’t had chance to play around with the other features of the video module as I don’t have any DVDs to test and I’m unsure of the steps to play a video from my iPhone on the screen. However, there seem to be at least 2 AV connections that can be utilized. Switching between video sources is very easy; simply use the short cut buttons on the steering wheel. In addition, the PnP location can be adjusted by utilizing the shortcut buttons, too.

All in all, I’m very impressed with the AlekShop products I purchased: quality, integration, and functionality (jeez, I'm sounding like an advert ). Furthermore, Alek has been very prompt with answering questions I have asked.

Thank you for business, I am glad you are enjoying the product!

Let me know if you have any questions and I will be glad to assist you.

Aleks.

[J BONE]

Looks good! Def considering this. Can you PM me a price please? Thank you

[ddep]

i need to get myself a set!
what about the cam guidelines? do they bend based on steering angle?
not that it's that important, but it's nice to see how far you are steering.

[eddiek]

Can you give a rough estimate of how much the install should cost and how long? I don't know of anyone in the Portland area that would do this and I'd like to have a starting point in negotiations.

[m3_love]

How much did Driver Source charge for the installation if you don't mind sharing? I've done a few things over there and they do quality work.

[disapr]

Very cool! I might need to do that at some point.

[tinpot]

Originally Posted by eddiek

Can you give a rough estimate of how much the install should cost and how long? I don't know of anyone in the Portland area that would do this and I'd like to have a starting point in negotiations.

It cost me $225 for the install. I was planning on installing the rear view kit myself myself but when I reviewed the instructions and then read the section about removing (just about) the entire front interior of the car, I decided someone better qualified should it

[tinpot]

Originally Posted by ddep

i need to get myself a set!
what about the cam guidelines? do they bend based on steering angle?
not that it's that important, but it's nice to see how far you are steering.

Nope - the cam guidelines don't bend. However, the camera gives a nice wide angled view when backing up. When used with the rear park sensors, backing up is flawless.

[tinpot]

Originally Posted by scott1026

How much did Driver Source charge for the installation if you don't mind sharing? I've done a few things over there and they do quality work.

$225

[tinpot]

Originally Posted by disapr

Very cool! I might need to do that at some point.

Do it I can't wait until I get a y-cable for my rear cam kit so I can view you on my screen the next time we're at the strip

[disapr]

Originally Posted by tinpot

Do it I can't wait until I get a y-cable for my rear cam kit so I can view you on my screen the next time we're at the strip

:cough: VT2-600....

[Saturn]

I'd do this in a heartbeat if there were an installer in Toronto :P

[eddiek]

Anybody know of someone in the Portland OR area who might be able to do this? I'd love to do this. Aleks? Thx.

[tinpot]

Originally Posted by Saturn

I'd do this in a heartbeat if there were an installer in Toronto :P

Originally Posted by eddiek

Anybody know of someone in the Portland OR area who might be able to do this? I'd love to do this. Aleks? Thx.

Any local alarm/stereo installer shop should be able to install the kit for you. If you want to use a reputable company familiar with BMWs, then a local BMW specialist (e.g., a BMW repair/service shop) could install for you too.

[Superfly_M3]

looks like a clean install. Trying to get a hold of Alekshop right now, waiting for someone to return a call.

To OP can you snap a picture from behind the car at eye level to show us if the camera sticks out or blends in? Thanks.

[tinpot]

Originally Posted by Superfly_M3

looks like a clean install. Trying to get a hold of Alekshop right now, waiting for someone to return a call.

To OP can you snap a picture from behind the car at eye level to show us if the camera sticks out or blends in? Thanks.

Here's a pic from behind the car. From this distance the camera is not visible and blends in perfectly with license plate.

[zzade46m3]

is the iphone dock a custom part from Aleks shop? if so how much was it? and did you install your self or same peeps as the camera, thx!