Has anyone successfully installed dashcam(s) in their 2nd generation S-max? Any tips if so?

Hardwired it in today, quite an easy job - except dropped the fuse down the footwell bay so had to go out and get another one!

 

Just used a cheap camera and hardwire set off Amazon which seems fine TBH. 

I have a Nextbase one fitted that uses the 12V socket for power. The wire provided is long enough to tuck around the windscreen, over the bottom of the A pillar, around the dash and into the 12V socket by the gear lever. 

I did plan on hardwiring it in one day, but I've been saying that for 5 years now and still haven't done it, or got the matching rear facing camera! It works fine and the wires are tucked neatly out of the way for it not to bother us. 

I mounted the camera behind and to the left of the rear view mirror (as the driver, I cannot see it) almost in line with the bottom of the big plastic expanse that comes standard on a car with lane assist. That way, I have full windscreen coverage including the bottom edges of both A pillars, but no blocked view. 

Touch wood I haven't needed it, but I was witness in a small bump in a shopping centre car park. They argued about who's fault it was, I walked up, played the video and the person who was clearly to blame finally took responsibility! I did not need to submit the video, so it proved it's worth for the small cost. 

I will always fit a dash cam in any car I own. I am flabbergasted only Tesla and I think now Citroen have cameras that operate like dash cams if specced. Bonkers if you ask me why they don't all offer this as a factory fitted option! 

9 minutes ago, blahde2 said:

I have a Nextbase one fitted that uses the 12V socket for power. The wire provided is long enough to tuck around the windscreen, over the bottom of the A pillar, around the dash and into the 12V socket by the gear lever.

Yep, plenty of wire for a neat 12v socket installation...

On 9/17/2024 at 4:35 PM, dave189h said:

Hardwired it in today, quite an easy job - except dropped the fuse down the footwell bay so had to go out and get another one!

 

Just used a cheap camera and hardwire set off Amazon which seems fine TBH. 

Did you have to take out much of the console? I find the smax console is a pain to disassemble. 

3 minutes ago, SenorDingDong said:

Did you have to take out much of the console?

I never dismantled any part of the car. Used a 'trim tool' to squeeze the lead under the headlining, down the A pillar and neatly across the steering cowl...

7 hours ago, StephenFord said:

I never dismantled any part of the car. Used a 'trim tool' to squeeze the lead under the headlining, down the A pillar and neatly across the steering cowl...

I never even thought of doing it like that! Brilliant idea. 

I took it part once before to upgrade the sync and the smax is a particularly awkward console to dismantle.