Car Stereo & Camera - Replacing OEM Rear Camera with Aftermarket ?

Although I am only 24 hours in since I picked up the car, I have been researching and buying up parts the past 2 weeks preparing for her arrival.


I outlined what I plan below after reading other threads on the subject. I have been unable to find out if I can replace the existing OEM Rear Camera. The resolution/angle looks very bad. I am guessing this is more of an issue on earlier years and also the instrument cluster screen not being high-quality

I know I could install a new aftermarket rear camera with the head unit but is there any way to replace the OEM rear camera to better quality so I can retain the camera view on the instrument cluster? Or will that be lost with the aftermarket head unit anyway? I've seen others who retrofitted aftermarket cameras but the square design of it may not make it easier to replace/swap out the OEM unit. Ideally, I would use the OEM wiring but I assume I would need to run a new line to the rear.

As far as my stereo/electronics plan:

• Headunit: Sony XAV-9000ES - non-reflective screen, flagship unit and adds 50% more screen surface vs OEM.
  
  
• Cameras: Aftermarket Front Camera - potentially replace OEM rear camera with aftermarket
  
  
• Installation Accessories: Paser/Canbus Unit / Metra Kit etc to retain look, steering wheel function, and easier installation
  
  
• Radar/Laser System - Front & Rear Escort Radar/Laser CI system - I am looking into installing the screen in the rearview mirror if I don't find another suitable location. I've done this on my M3 and M2 in the past
  
  
• Speakers - I have Hi-Fi and want to see how the system sounds with just the head unit swap. Otherwise, I will swap with Focals as many others have done. Spoke with Scuderia Audio and they said the amp is good in the Hi-Fi system and recommended swapping the speakers, and they sell a harness to add a Sub amp into the system.

 

Sorry I should have specified this is for a 2012 FF

 

As an update, my installer does not believe they could swap the camera and improve the resolution due to dash screen and unknown compatibility.

we are running a new camera to the Sony headunit and will mount near license plate. I originally wanted to swap out the oem camera but do to shape/size it may not come out clean. This will retain the oem reverse camera on dash but I do find it almost useless given the resolution, especially in dim conditions.

 

• • Headunit: Sony XAV-9000ES - this looks great and greatly improved overall sound with the OEM hifi system. Although I liked the look of no bezel/all screen pioneer, Ive heard mixed things on their build quality as I was told a different chinese company took over their mobile audio/car stereo production/sales. The flagship Sony units have great reviews and next best thing to having a dedicated EQ from what I read
    
    
  • Cameras:
  • • OEM Rear is retained in the instrument cluster - still useless based on quality of the camera and screen IMO
      
      
    • New Aftermarket rear camera was mounted near license plate as installer thought would be difficult to try and match/install in same location as OEM in bumper
      
      
    • New Aftermarket Front Camera is mounted at the front bumper - this is connected to the new Sony double din screen but the car is back at the shop so he can wrap up this function. The headunit actually allows up to 4 cameras I believe if you wanted to have the mirror/side cameras for changing lanes. It would be much cooler if it had a virtual surround/birds eye option given the inputs but oh well. I just did the front and rear for clearer picture and parking purposes.
      
      
    • Rear cameras are both triggered when going into reverse and the installer is messing with the settings for the front camera as it should auto pop up for a few seconds when going into gear or out of reverse. I had to pull out of his shop before it was 100% complete as I had appointment at my mechanic I did not want to miss.
    
    
    
  • Installation Accessories: Paser/Canbus Steering wheel controls is not complete yet but being wrapped up now at the shop. Not a huge fan of the finish on the dash kits (non-smooth plastic but appears a few kits I looked at are all the same) but looking at getting that wrapped in vinyl or alcantara.
    
    
  • Radar/Laser System - Front & Rear Escort Radar/Laser CI system - Installed and working well. I'm still debating if I want to modify the rearview mirror with installing the escrot screen inside which I've done on my last 2 installs or just leave it double sided taped somewhere discretely viewable so its more easily reversed.
    
    
  • Speakers - Sound is MUCH better with the aftermarket screen (noted it many other write ups with aftermarket stereos in these cars) I will live with these speakers and see if I decide to upgrade to focals down the road. Since theyre composite factory speakers, less of issue where the old paper cones give out overtime and require replacement. It's sufficient for now but I'm spoiled with the Burmeister system in my X7M (I know the audiophiles will all poo poo the factory upgrade options but its just easier and less chance for creaks/unreplaced broken clips etc on a new car)

Sorry for the poor formatting, after copying some text over it was difficult to edit. I hope to have the car back this week. After purchasing it, its spent a good deal of time at the Stereo Shop and the Mechanics shop getting fully sorted.

 

Control not sitting flush but stereo installer will be working on harness behind before clipping I

Stickyrx refinished my climate control unit and I purchased the PS R and Auto buttons which showed signed of wear

Also item to note - I was not aware but apparently the climate control is programmed to the car, so if you buy a replacement (I considered refinishing another unit and swapping so no down time) you would need to have dealer program it. Also if you buy a new unit, it could be old stock and sticky or will eventually get sticky again. I’m happy with the work from Stickyrx and may see if I’ll do any of the other components down the road


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The screen on the Sony has a matte finish and the stock trim surrounding the dash kit has a sheen so I was going to see if there was a black vinyl that might match well. Not full gloss nor matte if there’s something in between.