Hello,
I'm looking for a 12V source somwhere in the left front (steering) part of my E61. What I need is a 12 V "always hot" and a 12 V ignition dependent hot (no big amps at all).

I know that the cigarette lighter provides an ignition dependent hot, but how on earth do you get behind consoles & panels?

With plastic trim panel removal tools. For example:

http://www.gbxdirect.com/store/special_tools.php

Plus you'll need an electric screwdriver and Torx bits.

It's not as hard as you think. The #1 rule is NOT TO FORCE ANYTHING. If a particular piece isn't coming off easily, you're either not yanking it at the right angle or it's still connected with a clip or screw you missed. Also bring lots of towels to cover up things with so you don't scratch trim.

Before you do anything to the electrical system please put aside an evening and read through this website:

http://www.bcae1.com/

You may save yourself from burning down your car.

Hello

Did you ever find out where to get an ignition dependant hot and an 'always hot' source? I need to get the same to install my SmartNav and am not sure where to get the 'always hot' source.

Thanks

Colin

I can't recall if anyone ever found a way to tap into an always hot power source -- something tells me it's going to be difficult since the car has a sleep mode where just about everything shuts down.

If someone has accomplished this, I'm sure we'll get some replies. If not, I'm thinking that you'll need to either tap into the parking lights or hazard lights circuit or run a wire directly from the battery instead.

My dealer installed an "alleways hot" power outlet for me.
He connected it somewhere behind the glove box, but had to install an insulating diode (I hope this is the correct word... :unsure: ) too, because w/o it the high battery drain warning would allways come up.

<_< Can someone advise where I can get 12v to add a power socket in the trunk / boot of car? BMW UK do not provide as standard power sockets in the rear or trunk / boot on SE spec cars which is astounding for a vehicle costing ? 38K

thanks

My car came with a 12V socket in the trunk. If your car doesn't have one, I imagine you could get this retrofitted or do it yourself...

Look at part number 3 & 4 of the following:
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?mo...331&hg=61&fg=35

On my car, the outlet comes through part number 25 in the following diagram:
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?mo...126&hg=51&fg=65

It should be easy since the battery is in the trunk. So all you need is the parts, the new cover with the outlet, the power socket and wires. You should then be able to install it. :unsure:

I just mounted a non-BMW factory socket in the boot (at the space where BMW mounts it too) that was easy enough.

I found a wire going from the plus to the minus pole of the battery. Any idea what that does??

Now I need to get a cable from the boot to the shelf under the rear window...... that's a challenge too!!

took it behind the covering along the side to the speaker and popped it through there, so I can remove it and refitting the speaker cover without any traces of damages.

no battery drain messages or anything like that.