How to install a dashcam in BMW X1; Ensure airbags remain secure

It's highly advisable to get help from a professional if you are unsure. Anything going wrong can compromise the vehicle's safety.

BHPian YY0612 recently shared this with other enthusiasts:

From last 3 years I was using Dashcam in my Hyundai Creta and when I decided to upgraded to BMW X1, I knew I had to get a better dashcam.

I enquired about the BMW advanced car eye 3.0 dashcam but the quotation I got was nothing less than a bomb. It was 65000/- only . With this price it was a staright rejection. Finally I settled on 70mai A510 with STARVIS 2 sensor.

I had installed Dashcam couple of times before this but had never done this on car having airbags in A pillar. Also I was skeptical to do this on my new beamer as improper handling could lead to issues like damaging clips or scratching the surfaces but finally ai decided to do it myself.

Routing dashcam wires in a car having multiple airbags (A pillar, Curtain airbags etc) is far from just tucking the wire inside the panels. Some steps which needs to be followed.

1. Plan the Wiring Route
2. Decide if you need hard wiring or just plug and play using 12V socket. If for most of the time your car is parked in a secured place then hard wiring may not be required.
3. Route the wire along the edge of the windshield towards the A pillar.
4. Handle A pillar with caution if it's holding airbag.
Gently remove the airbag badge behind which there is a screw. You will need Ratchet wrench kit to open the screw and gently take the A pillar cover out.
5. Do not place the wire directly over the airbag.
Run the wire behind the trim, ensuring it stays below or away from the airbag path.
6. Use zip ties to secure the wire to the vehicle's frame, avoiding loose or hanging cables.
7. Finally connect to power source.

Check the wiring to confirm it doesn’t interfere with the airbag system. Reinstall the A pillar cover and other panels, ensuring everything is securely in place.

It's highly advisable to take help from professional if you are not sure about anything in this process. Anything going wrong can compromise the vehicle's safety.

Attaching some images of the process. Will update the thread once I install the rear view cam.

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