One of the many model updates for summer production is what BMW is calling the BMW Drive Recorder. Basically an integrated dash cam, the Drive Recorder allows drivers to report 40 second video using various cameras. The option can be ordered in conjunction with Parking Assistant Plus and is available for the new BMW 3 Series Sedan, BMW 7 Series, BMW 8 Series, new BMW X5 and new BMW X7 from July onward.

What’s perhaps the most interesting aspect of the BMW Drive Recorder is that it uses the cameras of the various driver assistance systems to record video footage from different points around the vehicle. This gives the viewer various angles to view the footage from, ideal for track days. Once saved the videos either watched later on the iDrive display or exported via the USB port.

BMW Drive recorder

We can imagine this being an ideal option for track-days or particularly interesting drives. Another use is of course for insurance purposes. Luckily BMW has thought of that use-case as well. In the event of a collision, the 20 seconds before the accident and the 20 seconds following it are automatically recorded and saved, so they can be referred back to in any subsequent reconstruction of the incident.

Cost is unknown at this time but look for this option to show-up in ordering sheets soon.