BMW Drive Recorder Basics
Overview of BMW Drive Recorder
The BMW Drive Recorder is an optional feature that utilizes the onboard cameras in your BMW vehicle to save up to 10 short video recordings of your surroundings. This can be helpful for documenting traffic conditions, accidents, or memorable drives. This feature is available in vehicles with BMW Operating System 7, produced from July 2019 with the optional BMW Drive Recorder package.
Understanding Drive Recorder App
The Drive Recorder app can be accessed via the iDrive menu on your vehicle’s infotainment system. There are two types of recording available:
- Automatic recording: In case of an accident or other significant event, the Drive Recorder automatically saves a video of the incident. The video starts 20 seconds before the event and continues 20 seconds after.
- Manual recording: You can manually start and stop the recording to capture interesting or important events on the road.
Once recorded, videos can be easily viewed and managed within the Drive Recorder app. You can also export the videos to a USB device for further use or sharing. Remember to regularly clear your saved recordings, as the app can store only up to 10 videos at a time.
By using the BMW Drive Recorder, you can ensure that you have visual evidence of important events while on the road, providing added peace of mind during your drives.
Setting Up Your BMW Drive Recorder
Operating System 7 Compatibility
The BMW Drive Recorder is designed to work seamlessly with your vehicle’s Operating System 7. To utilize this feature, you must ensure that your vehicle is equipped with the necessary software. Updating your BMW’s software can be done either at your local BMW dealership or through BMW ConnectedDrive updates.
Connecting to BMW ConnectedDrive
To use the BMW Drive Recorder, you need to connect your vehicle to the BMW ConnectedDrive system. BMW ConnectedDrive offers a wide range of services and apps designed to improve your driving experience. With a compatible vehicle, simply follow the on-screen instructions on your BMW’s iDrive to connect your vehicle to the system. After connecting, you’ll be able to access various features and services offered by the BMW ConnectedDrive system.
Making Use of Installed Apps
Now that your BMW is connected, you can access and install apps needed for the Drive Recorder. To set up the system, navigate to “APPS” on your iDrive display, then select “Installed apps” and find the “Drive Recorder” app. When you activate the BMW Drive Recorder for the first time, you will need to accept the terms and conditions to proceed.
Once the Drive Recorder is set up, you can start recording videos of your vehicle’s surroundings. This can be useful for documenting road conditions, incidents, or just capturing the beauty of your journey. You can also customize various settings, such as camera perspectives and recording length, to suit your needs.
Remember to use the Drive Recorder responsibly, and always adhere to the legal regulations of your respective country regarding video recording and privacy. Happy driving!
Functioning and Usage of Drive Recorder
Automatic and Manual Recording
With the BMW Drive Recorder, you have the convenience of both automatic and manual recording. If your BMW is equipped with the Drive Recorder, you can enjoy hands-free recording using the integrated on-board cameras while driving through scenic routes. The videos can record the surrounding area of your vehicle, and in the event of an accident, images are captured automatically1.
For manual recording, as a driver, you have the option to save up to 10 short video recordings of the vehicle environment to document traffic conditions or other scenarios. This can be done using the car’s infotainment system, allowing you to control and select the camera perspectives as desired2.
Using Sensors in Drive Recorder
The BMW Drive Recorder utilizes various sensors to optimize recording quality and trigger automatic recording when necessary. These sensors detect events like sudden acceleration or deceleration, collisions, or sharp turns, helping the system identify potential accidents or risks. When an event is detected, the recorder activates and captures images or videos of the incident, ensuring proper documentation in case of any legal issues or claims3.
Understanding Recording Types
In the BMW Drive Recorder, you’ll find two distinct recording types: automatic recording and manual recording:
- Automatic Recording: Images and videos are captured automatically in the event of an accident or when sensors detect a potential risk or incident4.
- Manual Recording: You can manually start a recording or select camera perspectives from the car’s infotainment system to save up to 10 short video clips of the vehicle environment5.
These different recording types enable you to have a comprehensive record of your driving experience while retaining control over the recordings and camera perspectives.
Accessing and Managing Recordings
Saving and Exporting Recordings
To save your recordings, simply press and hold the “Panorama View” button found to the left of the selector lever or use the “Drive Recorder” app in your BMW’s infotainment system BMW How-To Video. Once you have saved recordings, you can easily export them for future reference. In the BMW Drive Recorder app, click on ‘Saved Recordings’ to access your videos with additional information such as date and time, along with a preview of the recorded situation BMW BLOG.
Viewing Footage on Central Information Display
To view the recorded footage, you can utilize the Central Information Display in your vehicle. By selecting the ‘Drive Recorder’ app on your onboard infotainment system, you will be able to access the saved recordings and play them on the Central Information Display. This makes it easy for you to review the videos without needing to export them first Complete Guide.
Deleting Unnecessary Recordings
BMW Drive Recorder stores up to 10 short video recordings. If you need to delete unnecessary recordings to make room for new ones, access ‘Saved Recordings’ within the BMW Drive Recorder app. From there, you can choose the videos you want to delete, freeing up storage space for future recordings. Remember to export any important recordings before deleting them, as doing so will remove them permanently from your vehicle’s storage BMW BLOG.
Cameras and Recording Quality
Camera Selection for Drive Recorder
The BMW Drive Recorder uses on-board cameras already in your vehicle to create video recordings while you’re on the road. These include the front and rear cameras, as well as the two side mirror cameras. With these surround view cameras, the system generates a 360-degree video around your car, giving you a comprehensive view of your surroundings.
You have the option to select which cameras you want to use for recording. For example, you can choose to use only the front camera, both front and rear cameras, or all cameras simultaneously. This flexibility allows you to customize your recordings to capture the information you need most.
Quality of Videos and Images
The BMW Drive Recorder aims to provide optimal video quality when recording with one camera. However, you can still achieve good quality of videos and images when using multiple cameras at the same time. With high-quality recordings, you can effectively analyze and review footage from various points around your vehicle.
It’s essential to maintain your cameras in good condition and keep the lenses clean to ensure the best possible recording quality. By doing so, you’ll have access to clear and reliable video footage when you need it.
Remember that the Drive Recorder is designed to record events happening during your driving sessions, as it can record up to 20 seconds before and up to 20 seconds after a manual trigger or what the car system considers to be an accident. Therefore, it works best for capturing critical moments on the road while offering you a versatile and customizable recording experience.
Useful Features and Services
Remote Software Upgrade
BMW’s Drive Recorder offers a variety of useful features and services, one of which is the Remote Software Upgrade. This feature allows you to easily update your vehicle’s software directly through the My BMW App. The app will notify you when an upgrade is available, and you can simply initiate the upgrade process through your phone. This ensures your BMW is always equipped with the latest technology and features.
My BMW App
The My BMW App is an essential tool for owners of vehicles equipped with the Drive Recorder. This app offers various remote services, such as checking on your parked vehicle, using the Remote 3D View feature, and even recording videos hands-free with the BMW Drive Recorder. Additionally, it provides access to important vehicle information, assistance with service appointments, and integration with the Traffic Update feature.
Traffic Update Integration
In addition to remote services and Drive Recorder functionality, the My BMW App also provides real-time traffic updates. As a result, you can stay informed about potential delays and road conditions while driving, enabling you to make timely adjustments to your route. This feature helps to improve driving efficiency and ensure a smooth journey.
Overall, the BMW Drive Recorder, along with the My BMW App and its integrated features, offers a convenient and comprehensive driving experience for BMW owners.
Safety Measures and Legal Considerations
Handling Critical Traffic Situations
BMW Drive Recorder is designed to assist you in critical traffic situations. By automatically or manually recording your surroundings for up to 40 seconds, this feature provides valuable information in case of an accident or any other unforeseen road event 1. However, keep in mind that while using the Drive Recorder, it’s equally important to follow traffic regulations and maintain focus on driving.
Legal Disclaimer for Users
The legal admissibility of the recordings made by your BMW Drive Recorder may vary depending on the country and jurisdiction where they are used 2. Before using the Drive Recorder, familiarize yourself with the legal regulations of your respective country. As a user, you are responsible for adhering to these regulations and ensuring that the recorded videos are not used inappropriately or unlawfully. Stay conscious of privacy concerns and potential legal restrictions when using the Drive Recorder to avoid any undesirable consequences.
Technical Details and Performance
Role of GPS in Drive Recorder
In a BMW Drive Recorder, GPS plays a crucial role in enhancing its functionality. The GPS system not only records your vehicle’s location during an incident, but it also aids in providing essential data like speed, time, and direction of travel. By having access to this information, you can have a clear understanding of the circumstances leading up to an event, making it easier to analyze and assess the situation.
Onboard Mobile Network
BMW Drive Recorder relies on an onboard mobile network for data communication and storage. This mobile network allows your vehicle to transmit recorded data to a secure server, granting you easy access to your recordings whenever necessary. With this feature, you can quickly retrieve and share your Drive Recorder data, simplifying the process of providing evidence, reporting incidents, or analyzing your driving patterns.
Sim Card Usage
Within the onboard mobile network of your BMW Drive Recorder, a built-in SIM card enables seamless data transmission and connectivity. The SIM card is responsible for maintaining a stable network connection, ensuring that all your recorded data is correctly transmitted and stored. Using a SIM card within the system guarantees a more reliable and efficient solution for your Drive Recorder experience compared to devices relying solely on external Wi-Fi networks or physical storage systems.
Additional Features
Panorama View Button
The Panorama View Button is a feature in the BMW Drive Recorder that enhances your driving experience. With the push of a button, you can access a wide-angle view of the surroundings in your vehicle’s display. This provides an improved sense of spatial awareness, allowing you to navigate tight spaces and avoid potential obstacles with ease. The Panorama View Button makes parking and maneuvering in confined areas more convenient and stress-free.
Parking Assistant Plus
Another noteworthy feature of the BMW Drive Recorder is the Parking Assistant Plus. This advanced system aids in parking your BMW safely and efficiently. The suite of functionalities includes a surround view camera system, which displays a 3D, 360-degree view of your vehicle’s surroundings. Combined with Active Park Distance Control sensors, it helps you park your car with precision and prevents collisions.
Additionally, the Parking Assistant Plus package offers an automated parking feature, where the system takes over steering, acceleration, and braking while guiding you through the parking procedure. With the BMW Drive Recorder and the Parking Assistant Plus, driving and parking your vehicle becomes a seamless and enjoyable experience.
