Author Topic: Dash cam?  (Read 2422 times)

Offline Carlosfandango

  • Here all the time
  • ****
  • Posts: 433
Re: Dash cam?
« Reply #10 on: 03 March 2025, 10:17 »
I've never had a dash cam in any of my previous cars, but I'd like to fit one to my new Mk8.5.  Has anyone done this already?  Any brands/models of dash cam that anyone can recommend (or confirm to steer clear of?)  As a motor diy novice is this a job I'm better off getting a professional instal for?

I’ve just fitted one of these integrated ones from AliExpress, it comes with a small wiring loom that allows it to be plugged in behind the mirror, the camera is then controlled with an APP, it seems to work pretty well, it uses a micro SD card for storage and allows files to be downloaded and shared when connected to the APP, the only minor gripe is that you need to disconnect from the cars WIFI before connecting to the camera, but as you only need do this when viewing files it’s no real issue as it loop records, I chose the 1080p version, but it is also available in 2K and 4K from other sellers, these are a touch more expensive though, overall I’m happy with it.

https://a.aliexpress.com/_EHvPNzQ

Was this easy enough to fit yourself ? does it only work when car is driving or will it pick up motion when parked up also ?

Yes, pretty easy to fit, just need some trim tools to unclip the part behind the mirror and the part below the rain sensor, the hardest part was unclipping the plug to connect the loom. It works only when the car is on, although they do also supply the wiring for parking monitoring if you choose that option when ordering, I don’t think you can have both that and the OEM loom though?!
Current -
8.5 GTI, Dolphin, Pan roof, Area view, DCC, Queenstown wheels, HUD, HK, Spare wheel.

Gone -
2022 Mk8 GTI DSG, Kings Red.
2020 BMW M135i xDrive, Storm Bay Metallic.
2016 Mk7 GTI DSG, Carbon Grey.
2010 Mk6 GTI Manual, Carbon Grey.
2009 Mk6 GTI DSG, Black Pearl.
2008 Mk5 GT sport DSG, Glacier White.
2003 Mk4 R32, Reflex Silver.
2002 Mk4 GTI, Indigo blue pearl.
1991 AX GT.
1984 Mk1 XR2.
Plus many more.

Offline Carlosfandango

  • Here all the time
  • ****
  • Posts: 433
Re: Dash cam?
« Reply #11 on: 03 March 2025, 10:20 »
I've never had a dash cam in any of my previous cars, but I'd like to fit one to my new Mk8.5.  Has anyone done this already?  Any brands/models of dash cam that anyone can recommend (or confirm to steer clear of?)  As a motor diy novice is this a job I'm better off getting a professional instal for?

I’ve just fitted one of these integrated ones from AliExpress, it comes with a small wiring loom that allows it to be plugged in behind the mirror, the camera is then controlled with an APP, it seems to work pretty well, it uses a micro SD card for storage and allows files to be downloaded and shared when connected to the APP, the only minor gripe is that you need to disconnect from the cars WIFI before connecting to the camera, but as you only need do this when viewing files it’s no real issue as it loop records, I chose the 1080p version, but it is also available in 2K and 4K from other sellers, these are a touch more expensive though, overall I’m happy with it.

https://a.aliexpress.com/_EHvPNzQ









That’s a really neat OEM looking solution, I like that  :cool:
When you say you need to disconnect from the cars wifi, is that turning off CarPlay/android auto first before being able to connect to the camera? If so this is the same on the Garmin I have too and probably all wifi connected cameras.

What baffles me is why car manufacturers don’t build something like this into cars from factory nowadays.

Yes, disconnecting from CarPlay, you’d think they could offer the option of this type of camera fitted at factory wouldn’t you.
Current -
8.5 GTI, Dolphin, Pan roof, Area view, DCC, Queenstown wheels, HUD, HK, Spare wheel.

Gone -
2022 Mk8 GTI DSG, Kings Red.
2020 BMW M135i xDrive, Storm Bay Metallic.
2016 Mk7 GTI DSG, Carbon Grey.
2010 Mk6 GTI Manual, Carbon Grey.
2009 Mk6 GTI DSG, Black Pearl.
2008 Mk5 GT sport DSG, Glacier White.
2003 Mk4 R32, Reflex Silver.
2002 Mk4 GTI, Indigo blue pearl.
1991 AX GT.
1984 Mk1 XR2.
Plus many more.

Offline DanDuda48

  • Not said much yet
  • **
  • Posts: 78
Re: Dash cam?
« Reply #12 on: 03 March 2025, 12:07 »
I have Nextbase 622GW dashcam with Front and Rear Camera and I am very pleased with it.
And they offer the installation as well. They have done it 1000x, so it is much faster than fiddling with it yourself (unless you prefer it).
And it consistently scores as one of the best dashcams in various reviews.
2018 Golf GTI PP White Silver; DCC, Discover Pro; Lane Assist & DLA; Parking pack; Climate windscreen; rear tints.
2016 Golf GTD Oryx white; DCC; Tech pack [=Discover Pro + Dynaudio]; Sport & Sound; Lane Assist & DLA; Parking pack; Climate windscreen; rear tints

Offline GE90

  • GTI forum regular
  • ***
  • Posts: 113
Re: Dash cam?
« Reply #13 on: 03 March 2025, 19:53 »
I’ve had the Fitcamx in a few different cars now, and fitted to my 8.0 Clubsport. Cannot fault it, works seamlessly, and helped us out when a different car was reversed into! Sufficiently clear to identify reg etc.

Recommended!