I've done a bunch of searching but haven't found what I need.

Has anyone take apart the rear view mirror? This is on an 08. Would the car freak out if it wasn't there at all?

 

Why?

 

The inside rear-view mirror has the rear light sensor installed which does the auto darken for all three mirrors. If you don't have auto-darken, that part won't matter. However, doesn't it also have a forward light sensor for auto headlights and such? That may be a problem.

 

Hmm.

Well, I'm working on a front / rear view camera solution. Some off the shelf stuff might work, but that's not really my style.

I'm going to build it so whenever you are in reverse it shows the back camera and whenever it's in 1st gear it shows the front (for parking). If neither of those are happening it will show some engine diagnostics, boost / voltage / etc. It will do all this automatically no button presses.

 

Interesting project. You can add rear view camera replicating stock newer models following this thread. It will get you what you want which is available in newer models no buttons to push:
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...08-xkr-198002/

For 1st gear to trigger a forward camera, this will be a bit tougher maybe. Since gear changes are handled through the CAN Bus and Most to the TCM, the only thing I can think of is the 1st gear display lamp in the gauge cluster. If that's accessible and the correct voltage....

Regarding display of other things while driving such as boost etc, can't help but watching with interest. GVIF via torque pro is the only way know of but that goes through NAV and you have to push a button.

Others have called out the issues with removing the rear view camera. I think it will throw codes as well.

Watching with interest

 

I plan on pulling everything from the OBD2 port. Instead of first gear maybe make it under 10mph, or a combo of both. Much like stereo integration I've given up on the stock HU.

I'm doing this in preparation of lowering the car 😀