Where is the BMW ETC installed?
2 Answers
The BMW ETC is generally installed in the upper middle part of the front windshield. The appropriate installation position is at a height of no less than 1.2 meters and no more than 2.5 meters, with an installation angle between 30 and 90 degrees. For vehicles with anti-explosion film or those that have it installed later, it may affect the signal transmission of the microwave communication link, so it should be installed in the microwave sunroof strip. ETC is the abbreviation for Electronic-Toll-Collection, meaning electronic toll collection system. To apply for it, you need to provide the original and photocopy of the vehicle owner's valid ID card and vehicle registration certificate. If the application is not made by the owner, the agent's valid ID card is also required. The photocopy of the vehicle registration certificate should include the page with the most recent annual inspection stamp. A bank card for deducting highway tolls is also needed, and the vehicle must be registered under an individual aged between 18 and 60. Here are some precautions for installing ETC: Do not obstruct the view; it is best to install it behind the rearview mirror: Many car models have a large inclination angle of the windshield, which reduces the driver's field of vision. If this is not considered during ETC installation, it can increase the driver's blind spot. Installing it behind the rearview mirror on the right side can avoid obstructing the view. Do not affect charging: The ETC electronic tag consumes power, but generally does not require charging or battery replacement because it has a solar panel on the back that can charge itself. Therefore, during installation, avoid the black areas on the windshield and do not place it where the solar panel can be easily blocked. Once installed, do not remove it casually: The button in the middle of the adhesive is an anti-removal lever, connected to a switch below. After the electronic tag is installed, the windshield will press the anti-removal lever in. If it is removed casually, the lever will pop out and trigger the switch, locking the electronic tag and making it unusable. You will then need to go to an ETC service point to unlock it. This is designed to prevent multiple vehicles from sharing one device. When using ETC, note the following: The ETC transaction sensing area is 8 meters. To prevent the ETC device of the vehicle in front from malfunctioning, maintain a distance of more than 10 meters from the vehicle in front to avoid automatic sensing and paying for the vehicle in front. The ETC lane recognition speed is 20 kilometers per hour. If the speed is too fast, the vehicle device information cannot be read, leading to failed toll deduction. When using a debit card to bind ETC, insufficient balance can also cause toll deduction to fail.
When installing the ETC on my BMW, I tried several times and eventually found the most convenient spot to be at the very top of the windshield, close to the rearview mirror. This area is in the central upper part of the windshield, about 1-2 centimeters below the rearview mirror. Since ETC operates via radio frequency signals and the toll station scanner is positioned above the front of the car, placing it here ensures the most stable signal. Just use the included double-sided tape for installation, but avoid positioning it too far to the side or too low, as it might obstruct your view or weaken the signal. BMW models like the 3 Series or X5 usually have recommended marking points at the top of the windshield. If you’ve applied a tinted film to your windshield, remember to avoid the film area, as the metal coating can interfere with signal transmission. Once firmly attached, test it on the highway—passing through the toll station in seconds saves a lot of time, eliminating the hassle of manually taking a ticket.
