View Full Version : Accessory Control Menu: Anybody tried it?
LordCash
09-14-2007, 09:28 AM
I recently came across an interesting piece of kit...an official BMW part called the "Accessory Control Menu". Maybe you guys have heard of it before, but I had not. What it is is a retrofit kit you can add to your BMW (several models including our beloved E63/E64) that allows multiple auxiliary video input to add things like backup camera, front camera, side-view cameras, DVD player, video iPod, etc.
But what is especially cool about it is that it is a factory part (i.e. you can install it/have dealer install it w/o worrying about warranty issues as with similar 3rd party products) AND, instead of the klunky remote controls that come with 3rd party video boxes that are used to make adjustments to volume or change sources, etc, this BMW ACM allows full control through the iDrive. So instead of simply being a video input device, it also adds new menu options to iDrive so the user can select between, say, a DVD player or a backup camera.
The kit goes from about $650 USD to $700 USD depending on your source, it seems.
Anybody used this before? I think it would be cool to get just to hook up a rear-view camera to help supplement the PDC.
Lord Cash
BHR4CE1
09-14-2007, 10:53 AM
I think it would be cool to get just to hook up a rear-view camera to help supplement the PDC.
Lord Cash
Sounds interesting. Can you offer up a part number?
bugawako
09-14-2007, 01:47 PM
Do you have new info on this "Accessory Control Menu?" I would love to watch my podcasts on the screen!
Enigma
09-14-2007, 01:54 PM
Do you have new info on this "Accessory Control Menu?" I would love to watch my podcasts on the screen!
:scared: I hope not while driving your :bmw: .....
VR>
Lord Cash - I would like to get it, but why don't you buy and install it first and give us a review.
My recollection is that it can't be used on North American cars without a lot more parts. Maybe Cobradav will chime in. But if you can "plug and play" (rather than "plug and pray"), then I would say "go for it." I'll be right behind you in line.
cobradav
09-14-2007, 03:29 PM
Yep, a pretty old accessory available for Europe and maybe ROW, but not US. Probably not here, but someplace I listed this as an option for a UK individual looking for DVD (video) options besides nav2go and other 3rd party. You could probably find out alot more on e60.net. I am travelling so have limited access and time to find and link.
Slightly off topic: I remember BMW could install a rear view camera onto my 650i, as an accessory, inserted locally at the dealership. It involves drilling a whole at the rear somewhere. I didn't go ahead with it, as the PDC is excellent.
BHR4CE1
09-14-2007, 04:22 PM
Slightly off topic: I remember BMW could install a rear view camera onto my 650i, as an accessory, inserted locally at the dealership. It involves drilling a whole at the rear somewhere. I didn't go ahead with it, as the PDC is excellent.
I have front, rear, and side cameras in my beetles, and while the PDC is good...the cameras are GREAT!
Slightly off topic: I remember BMW could install a rear view camera onto my 650i, as an accessory, inserted locally at the dealership. It involves drilling a whole at the rear somewhere. I didn't go ahead with it, as the PDC is excellent.
I have front, rear, and side cameras in my beetles, and while the PDC is good...the cameras are GREAT!
They ain't drilling any holes left, right and back in my 6er! :scared:
BHR4CE1
09-14-2007, 07:19 PM
They ain't drilling any holes left, right and back in my 6er! :scared:
Trust me...Mine are well done.
LordCash
09-15-2007, 12:00 AM
It's part # 65 50 0 418 002 I believe. Though I have seen other part numbers as well, so perhaps there are different revisions of this part.
My (limited) research seems to indicate that at least some US dealers will now allow you to order this for US cars. Whether this is "sanctioned" by BMW AG or not, I don't know, but like I said, it seems others have ordered this successfully from US dealers. And you can sometimes find them on eBay as well.
I may very well end up getting this and installing at least a rear-view camera. And like Bear said, you CAN install these cameras tastefully. I'm sure Bear's mega-Beetles have sweet camera installations that are oh-so-slick! Think about it - OEM's install cameras on factory vehicles. THEY have to "drill holes" too. But do you notice them? Do they look crappy? Nope, they are tasteful -- and you can have aftermarket cameras look tasteful, too.
I'll let you guys know if I find out more, and please do the same. If you have additional information, please post it here.
I've attached a PDF that explains how to install this kit - enjoy.
Lord Cash
BHR4CE1
09-15-2007, 06:48 AM
I'm sure Bear's mega-Beetles have sweet camera installations that are oh-so-slick!
My hard top has them in the license plates between "BEAR" and "JAM".
http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p192/swflbear/DSC00302.jpg
Front
http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p192/swflbear/PIC00006-1.jpg
Rear (I guess Mal's right...I DO have a screw loose!)
My Convertible has them in the front and rear speed grill. The stick out a bit more because they move.
http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p192/swflbear/DSC_3934.jpg
Front (CAM is flanked by the laser jammers.)
http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p192/swflbear/DSC_3708.jpg
Rear
NoM6D
09-15-2007, 09:12 AM
Bear - those cams looks pretty sweet. Nice install.
~R
BHR4CE1
09-15-2007, 09:43 AM
Bear - those cams looks pretty sweet. Nice install.
~R
Thanks!
LordCash
09-15-2007, 11:41 AM
Yes, excellent job, Bear. I particularly like the one in the front plate! I didn't know until now where you had mounted them exactly but I knew they would be slick - and they, of course, are!
So, yes, if one gets the ACM module they would then have the ability to hook up video sources like cameras. And with well-planned locations and experts doing the installation, we could have slick front and rear cameras in our E63/E64s.
To be honest, I want cameras to just help ensure I don't back into anything that is so low I can't see it. My PDC is good, but sometimes it has "false positives" and beeps annoyingly when there is not anything around me. So sometimes I have to actually get out of the car (noooooo!) and actually look behind me. If I had a camera, that would help me determine if I should continue backing up despite the PDC "beeeeeeeepp" -- or not.
-Lord Cash