How to turn off the reversing camera on the BMW X3?
4 Answers
The reversing camera on the BMW X3 cannot be turned off; it automatically activates when the gear is shifted into R. The BMW X3 is a mid-size SUV produced by BMW, with dimensions of 4648mm in length, 1881mm in width, and 1661mm in height, and a wheelbase of 2810mm. In terms of power, the BMW X3 is equipped with three versions of a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, differing only in power tuning. The low-power version of the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine delivers a maximum power of 135 kW and a maximum torque of 290 Nm; the mid-power version produces a maximum power of 165 kW and a maximum torque of 310 Nm; the high-power version offers a maximum power of 185 kW and a maximum torque of 350 Nm.
The sunlight was too glaring while driving that day, and the reversing camera's reflection affected visibility. It took me a while to figure out how to turn it off. When you shift into reverse, the screen automatically pops up the camera image. At this point, don't rush to shift gears—just reach out and tap the small 'camera' icon in the lower right corner of the screen, and the image will disappear immediately. If you want to completely disable this feature for long-distance driving, park and shift into P, then navigate in the central console to 'My Vehicle' > 'Vehicle Settings' > 'Camera,' and uncheck the 'Automatic Reversing Camera Activation' option. Usually, paying attention to the rearview mirror and radar while reversing is quite safe, and over time, you might find it more convenient with the camera turned off.
I've been commuting with my BMW X3 for over two years, and the sudden pop-up of the reversing camera initially gave me a start. Actually, turning it off is quite simple: after engaging reverse gear to activate the camera, just lightly tap any blank area on the central display screen, and the entire reversing interface will exit. If manually closing it each time feels too bothersome, there's a permanent solution: start the vehicle in P gear, press the iDrive knob to enter the main menu, select 'Settings' - 'Parking and Maneuvering Assistance', find the 'Reversing Camera' option and turn off the automatic activation. After disabling it, the rear bumper radar will continue to function normally, completely without affecting reversing safety.
Last week my neighbor just asked me how to turn off the BMW reversing camera. Actually, it depends on whether you want to temporarily or permanently disable it. For temporary deactivation, simply tap the small cross icon in the upper right corner of the screen while reversing. To permanently disable it, you need to access the vehicle settings: engage P gear, press the large central control knob, select 'My Vehicle' - 'Vehicle Settings' - 'Parking Assistance', and then turn off the automatic activation function for the rearview camera. Here's an additional fun fact: even when the camera display is turned off, the wide-angle lens at the rear still operates. The side camera view will still activate when turning signals are used at speeds below 15 km/h. Turning off the camera during highway driving can save some battery power—personally tested to extend range by 2-3 kilometers.
