The Best Dash Cams for BMW (3, 4, 5 Series, X3, X5): Our Picks

Any damage, however small, to your BMW can be expensive. What if we told you that a dash cam can help you collect evidence to get reimbursements?

You can install a dash cam on your BMW’s windscreen or dashboard to record real-time video of driving and on the road. In addition, it works during parking to collect evidence if someone slanders your car. So, if you have a BMW 3, 4, 5, or 6 Series/ BMW X3, X4, or X5 series, we share a list of the most compatible dash cams.

If you buy through our affiliate links, we’ll earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Read more.

What Is Advanced Car Eye 2.0 And Drive Recorder?

Before we hop on the list of dashcams, BMW has two native options, including Advanced Car Eye 2.0 and Drive Recorder. The Advanced Car Eye 2.0 is designed with radar motion detection, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, a 150-degree viewing angle, and automatic saving. It’s an exceptional eyewitness if you ever get in an accident. This camera keeps recording once it’s powered on.

On the other hand, Drive Recorder is software that uses BMW’s inbuilt cameras to capture videos for over forty seconds. As it connects your car’s cameras to iDrive screen, you can view the footage and change settings. It’s a reliable option for capturing difficult and harmful situations. Unlike Advanced Car Eye 2.0, can only record for forty seconds. It works automatically when it detects a crash. However, you can use the iDrive screen button to manually record the video.

However, Drive Recorder has to configure with ConnectedDrive Store for activation, but it isn’t available in most mentioned series. Overall, Advanced Car Eye 2.0 is a suitable option, which is why we have its detailed review in the article below.

What To Look For While Choosing A Dash Cam For BMW

Purchasing a dash cam can be time-consuming, and many people need clarification as hundreds of options are available. However, we have the buying guide to help you purchase the right one.

Consider the following factors while looking for a reliable and durable dash cam for your BMW.

1. Night Vision

Night vision is essential as it allows the camera to record clear footage in low-light conditions, such as when driving at night. Without night vision, the camera may not be able to capture important details, like license plate numbers or people involved in the accident. In addition, many accidents occur at night or in low-light conditions, so having a dash cam with good night vision capabilities can help determine fault or liability.

2. Battery

Most dash cams are connected to the vehicle’s battery as a direct connection. However, purchasing a dash cam with a built-in battery is recommended to make sure the dash cam keeps operating even when the BMW’s engine is off.

Usually, the battery ranges from 200mAh to 500mAh. However, the battery life depends on different factors, such as the camera’s settings, the temperature and climate, and the amount of use the camera sees. So, while the direct connection is great, having a built-in battery is a great backup.

3. Video Resolution & Viewing Angle

These two factors directly impact the quality and bandwidth of the video recording. The dash cam with a higher resolution, i.e., 1080p (1920×1080 pixels) or higher, is recommended. That’s because it will provide a clear and detailed recording. It will ensure you can see license plate numbers, street signs, and other important details.

Some dash cams may offer even higher resolutions, such as 4K, which offers even more detailed footage but may also be more expensive.

The second factor is the viewing angle – it determines the area of the road the camera will capture. A wider angle is recommended, but it can also lead to distortion. Ideally, the 120-degree to 170-degree viewing angle is sufficient for the roads.

4. Wi-Fi & GPS

The dash cams with Wi-Fi promise easier transfer of video footage from the camera to a smartphone. It’s convenient for quickly accessing and sharing footage. Some dashcams even allow for the live-streaming of footage to a smartphone. On the contrary, GPS location provides information about the speed and location of the car, which is great for adding context in case of an accident.

Also, GPS helps create a record of the speeds and routes of the driver. It helps determine if the driver was following the driving rules. Suppose you want quick access to video recording and additional information like the car’s location and speed. In that case, you should select a dash cam with these two features.

5. Parking Mode

The availability of the parking mode is great, as it ensures that the camera keeps recording even when the engine is powered off. It can be helpful in case of a hit-and-run, theft, or other issues while the car is unattended.

The parking mode is activated by motion detection, recording if a movement is seen around the car. However, you must remember that the dash cam can drain the vehicle’s battery if used for longer.

6. Types Of View

Some dash cams are designed with a front view angle, while some have a rearview camera. The front view angle only captures the front side of the road, while the rear angle captures what’s behind your vehicle. You should purchase a dual-channel dash cam to ensure proper and in-depth recording.

Best Dash Cam For BMW: The Top 10 Picks

At this point, you are ready to go shopping because you know all the factors that you’ve to look for.

1. BMW Advanced Car Eye 2.0

• Wi-Fi 802.11m
• Bluetooth
• 150-degree lens
• 1080p resolution
• Radar detection

The first is the dash cam designed by BMW. It is equipped with a full HD 1080p camera that can record clear video footage both during the day and at night. Also, it has a dual camera system that can record the front and rear views of the car, ensuring that every angle is covered.

The camera has an integrated G-sensor that detects sudden movements, such as a collision, and saves the footage immediately.

The Advanced Car Eye 2.0 has a parking mode that can be activated when parked, allowing the camera to record any movement or activity around the car. A GPS receiver can record the car’s location, speed, and direction of travel, which can be useful in an accident.

The Advanced Car Eye 2.0 can be integrated with the BMW Connected app, allowing users to remotely access footage and receive alerts. Being BMW’s own product, it offers better compatibility than any other dashcam on the list.

Pros

• Exceptional video capturing
• GPS receiver for location information
• Comes with a microSD card (32GB)
• Manual control
• Smartphone app for easier control
• Two-year warranty

Cons

• Color issues in videos

2. VAVA 2K Dual Dash Cam

• 2560 х 1600 pixels
• 155-degree angle
• IR LEDs

This dash cam is the perfect choice for people who prefer a simple setup process, as there is no need to connect different parts and wires. It is based on loop recording, so the videos are captured in small files of 1-3 minutes and the oldest ones are overwritten when the storage gets filled. The G-sensor of the dash cam detects the movements and starts recording automatically.

Since this is a dual cam, it can capture the front and rear views, but the rear footage tends to be a blur. It has a 2K resolution, promising in-depth and clear imaging. In addition, the lens has a 155-degree angle, which is great for recording the roads and the sides of the BMW. The parking mode is available, and the recording is done even when the vehicle isn’t moving.

The best thing about this camera is the ability to give a driver fatigue warning. This feature gives an alert depending on how much time you’ve been driving. It has its smartphone app, so downloading the video footage will be a breeze. Lastly, it has a 320mAh battery, which can record for over 24 hours.

Pros

• Solid build
• Dual-cam design
• The easy and user-friendly app interface
• Built-in battery
• Parking mode

Cons

• No microSD card in the box
• Blurred rear footage

3. REXING V1 4K Ultra HD Car Dash

• 2.4-inch screen
• 170-degree angle
• G-sensor
• 2160p resolution

The REXING V1 has a 4K Ultra HD camera that can record clear video footage in ultra-high definition. It has a wide-angle lens (170 degrees, to be precise) that can capture a wider field of view, ensuring that every angle is covered. It has loop recording capabilities that can overwrite old footage automatically, ensuring that the memory card never fills up.

The REXING V1 has G-sensor that can detect collisions to ensure the footage recording. A special parking monitor mode is automatically activated when there is movement around your BMW. It can be connected to the REXING Connect app, so you can change the settings and download the footage. It has WDR (Wide Dynamic Range) technology that can automatically adjust the exposure settings. As a result, it captures clear video footage in bright and low-light conditions.

This dash cam has a discreet design that can be mounted inside a vehicle’s windshield, minimizing distractions and maintaining your BMW’s aesthetics. Also, you can use it with over 256 GB microSD card to store the footage.

Pros

• Easy to use
• Intuitive user interface
• High-quality videos
• Wide viewing angle
• Accelerometer for determining the accident’s impact

Cons

• Chunky design

4. Thinkware U1000

• 150-degree angle
• Wi-Fi connectivity
• Super night vision
• Live view is available
• Impact notifications and alerts

It is a 4K Ultra front-view dash cam with a 2K rear camera resolution. The lens is stalled on the narrow side, which makes it a discreet option. The front camera captures the 4K UHD video, and the wide angle eliminates the blind spots.

On the other hand, the rear camera captures 2K videos. The availability of advanced video enhancement feature promises clear and crisp videos.

In addition, it minimizes the blurring, even if the video is captured in low-light conditions. It is a cloud-enabled camera, so you can track the vehicle with the cloud smartphone app. The app has premium features like geofencing, vehicle location, and impact-related alerts. The live view lets you see what’s around your vehicle (it works in real-time).

The dash cam has an advanced parking mode, which captures videos even when the vehicle is turned off. In addition, the availability of a G-sensor ensures the detection of impact to the car – it starts the recording too.

Also, the time-lapse feature helps cover more footage while reducing the file size and power consumption. However, this camera needs at least a 256 GB SD card as it captures 4K and 2K videos.

Pros

• Cloud connection
• Modern and sleek design
• Top-notch video quality
• Road safety alerts
• Wide view

Cons

• Works with bigger SD cards only

5. Nextbase 622GW

• 4K resolution
• Three-inch display
• Night vision
• Wi-Fi and GPS
• 140-degree view angle

The Nextbase 622GW has a 4K and 1080p resolution at 30fps and 120fps, respectively. It provides clear and detailed footage of the road ahead and behind. It has an advanced image stabilization system that helps to reduce the effects of camera shake and vibrations, ensuring smooth and clear footage even on bumpy roads. The front camera has a wide 140-degree viewing angle, providing a broad view of the road ahead.

The dash cam can be connected to a smartphone or tablet via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, allowing drivers to easily transfer footage to their desired devices. Also, the built-in GPS helps get the location and speed information of the BMW. In fact, it provides real-time alerts for speed camera locations. It can automatically alert emergency services and provide them with the location and details of the incident, given the SOS service.

It has Alexa integration, allowing drivers to access various voice-activated features, such as playing music and making calls. The dash cam has a 3-inch HD display, making it easy to access and control the settings. As far as storage is concerned, it can be expanded to up to 128 GB to store the footage. Not to forget, the polarizing filter eliminates glares in the videos, promising clear footage.

Pros

• Great video quality
• Security features
• Beginner-friendly setup
• Easy and quick file transfer
• Extendable storage

Cons

• It doesn’t include a microSD card
• The wiring kit isn’t included

6. Garmin Dash Cam 66W

• 180-degree view
• GPS
• Two-inch display

It is one of the most compact dash cams and has a two-inch screen, which is suitable for viewing live videos. Four buttons on the right side make it easier to configure the settings. The left side has a USB port suitable for connecting the power cord. There are vents on the bottom side for releasing the hot air, but it still runs hot.

The best thing is the 180-degree angle, which is great for capturing both sides of the road. It can capture 1440p videos at 30fps, an upgrade from 1080p videos. The dash cam has an octagonal plate connected to the windshield – it takes up less space and stays on (no falling). The camera also has Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, making it convenient to transfer the videos to the smartphone.

A smartphone app is also available for aligning the camera and configuring other settings, such as data overlay, time, travel-lapse, and more. Also, there is a voice control feature to adjust the settings with voice commands. As far as the power connection is concerned, the dash cam has a built-in battery backup available. However, remember that the nighttime recording tends to have glare, which impacts the clarity.

You can also consider Garmin 57 or 67W, both of which are highly-rated dashcams.

Pros

• Can connect to the smartphone
• Suitable for capturing the sides
• Sleek and advanced design
• Voice control

Cons

• Prone to overheating
• Night-time recording isn’t accurate

7. Viofo A129

• Parking mode
• 1080p resolution
• Motion detection
• Over 256GB of storage supported
• Built-in mic and speaker

This dash cam is a good choice for people who need an affordable dashcam for their BMW without compromising on video quality. It is a dual-channel cam with Wi-Fi connectivity, making it easier to transfer video files. It has a video resolution of 1080p at 30fps, which promises HD-quality videos. Also, the camera has image sensors and video processors that help with night-time recording.

It has a capacitor power supply, so you don’t have to worry about temperature issues (overheating). Also, the availability of parking mode means that G-sensor will detect the motion and automatically initiate recording. The camera also has a GPS feature, which helps access the speed stamps and location coordinates. It has a two-inch screen, making viewing real-time videos and adjusting the angle easier.

The screen isn’t touch-based, but there are buttons for controlling the feature. Lastly, there is no suction mount, so you have to use adhesive pads to install it, which isn’t a reliable option.

Pros

• No overheating
• GPS feature and Wi-Fi connectivity
• Dual-channel
• Crisp video quality
• Time-lapse is available
• Video processors and image sensors

Cons

• No suction mount

8. BlackVue DR900X-2CH

• 162-degree angle and 139-degree angle
• 4K and 1080p resolution
• Proximity sensor
• Over 256GB extendable storage

This dash cam is a good choice for BMW owners who need cloud integration and a user-friendly setup. There are two models available, including one-channel and two-channel. However, it would help if you used a two-channel dash cam to ensure you get front and rear footage. The dash cam has all the wires necessary to install and connect the camera.

The front camera captures the videos at a 162-degree angle and 4K resolution. On the contrary, the rear camera captures 1080p videos while the viewing angle is 139 degrees. You can extend the storage to over 256 GB, and a microSD port is available on the side. The saved videos can be automatically uploaded to the cloud for remote access.

BlackVue DR900X is similar to Thinkware U1000, so you can consider it too.

Pros

• Dual-channel and single-channel options
• Exceptional video resolution
• Cloud integration
• All the installation wires are available
• Wi-Fi support is available

Cons

• Too expensive

9. Rove R2-4K

• 4K resolution
• 2.4-inch display
• GPS and Wi-Fi
• G-sensor

This dash cam is a good choice for people who need something affordable. The front camera has a 150-degree viewing angle, promising sufficient coverage of the front of the vehicle. It captures footage in 2160p resolution, promising no blurring. Also, the advanced infrared night vision promises zero chances of blurriness in low-light footage.

It has a large aperture of F/1.8, which helps capture the smallest details. The dash cam has a 2.4-inch LCD screen that allows drivers to check out the footage and adjust settings on the camera. It has a loop recording feature that promises constant recording even if the memory card is full.

As far as the GPS is concerned, it helps access information about the driving route, speed, and location.

Pros

• User-friendly installation and usage
• Accurate GPS
• Affordable
• Clear videos and images
• Lightweight and compact

Cons

• Small buttons

10. Miofive 4K Dash Cam

• Front view
• 4K UHD videos
• 140-degree angle

This dashcam promises voice notification, clear and concise videos, and reliable smartphone connectivity. It can be easily mounted on the windshield and set up with the smartphone app to start recording. It is integrated with a forward collision warning that alerts the drivers, so they can keep a sufficient distance from the other vehicles.

As far as resolution is concerned, the 140-degree lens and 4K UHD footage not only capture full details but in top-notch resolution too. It has an internal memory of 64 GB, which makes it suitable for storing videos for a long time.

Pros

• Affordable
• Voice notifications
• Suitable for day and night-time recording
• Integrated yet compact design
• The built-in storage of 64GB

Cons

• The internal storage is not replaceable.

The Bottom Line

A dash cam installed in your BMW can provide various benefits, such as recording accidents, fighting theft, and documenting memorable road trips. After researching and reviewing some of the best dash cams for BMW, we have compiled a list of top picks based on features, functionality, and customer reviews.

Whether you’re looking for a high-end model or a budget-friendly option, this list will help you select one dash cam that meets your needs.

However, if you’re still not sure, we’d recommend getting Garmin 66W or Advanced Car Eye.