radar det
#213
I just bought a 2008 550i and would like to hardwire my radar detector. Has anyone figured out a suitable swtiched power wire in the mirror/sunroof area for the 2008 LCI models.
Thanks
Kevin
Thanks
Kevin
#215
Originally Posted by Don Juan' post='5361' date='Mar 22 2004, 02:32 PM
Read some online review. The common results is that they are not as effective as they claim to be plus they are illegal and may/will get you in big trouble. I opted for the top of the line on Radar detectors, the V1. I was able to nicell conceal it next to the mirrow and hardwired to the mirror power. The radar only goes on when I start the car and it is kind of hidden. For someone from the outside to notice it will have to kneel down in a funny angle or stick their heads inside the car which no cop will do.
So far so good, no pulled overs but a lot of butt saves...
So far so good, no pulled overs but a lot of butt saves...
#216
Originally Posted by Don Juan' post='5524' date='Mar 25 2004, 01:23 AM
Well here are the pictures of the V1 looks from the outside (the camera flash makes the tint look lighter than really is)
#217
Originally Posted by Spyglass' post='748858' date='Dec 19 2008, 01:09 PM
I just bought a 2008 550i and would like to hardwire my radar detector. Has anyone figured out a suitable swtiched power wire in the mirror/sunroof area for the 2008 LCI models.
Thanks
Kevin
Thanks
Kevin
Guys, just a quick update for those with the LCI models. I can confirm that the green/yellow wire in the bundle that goes to the mirror is 12V switched power and works fine for radar hardwire. Thanks to all for the information shared on this thread.
Kevin
#218
Thanks Don Juan, I just followed your setup with my V1 on my 2006 M5 and it worked like a charm. It only took about 20 minutes. The green/yellow wire to the mirror worked as advertised and I used the screw on the sunroof motor with an Allen wrench to ground, rather than the other very tough screw to get to.
I should have done this a year ago.
I should have done this a year ago.
#220
Super Moderator
i must say the hardest part was finding the dang right wire. there are a bunch of different green/yellow wires in all those dang wiring harnesses. the one to look for is up top dead center behind the sunroof motor. you have to reach up in there and pull it down a bit. unravel that silly ribbon tape they have wrapped around the bundle for easier access. like an idiot i cut the ribbon tape loose with wire cutters and accidentally cut a wire in two. i fixed it using a wire tap but was still a stupid move on my part. live and learn. ok, at first i connected hot to the wrong green yellow wire. there was a green and non-solid yellow wire. that wasn't it. while i connected to that and immediately when i plugged the radar detector in, the clown nose on the rear view mirror lit up and my clock reset. ok, so then i find another green wire with a solid yellow line and that was it. i connected hot to it and for some weird reason my clock reset again. i already had GND connected to the center screw mount of the sunroof motor. the screw takes the familiar t-20 torx bit. i hardwired a cigarette lighter receptacle to mine so that i would not have to cut any wires and can also mount practically any detector without modifying the cable or buying a hard wire kit. well here's my success photos. that's a Bel i940. thanks to this thread for all the help!
Originally Posted by Tye' post='58486' date='Nov 20 2004, 01:26 PM
Well, I just finished the install following the pics and comments on the thread. Very helpful. Thanks all!!
I used the green/yellow wire going to the mirror/rain sensor
Grounded to the hex bolt holding the sunroof drive mechanism
Wire out through the opening betw the windshield and the insert
No real problems, other than forgetting how to put the snap-on/off covers back on. Put the light cover on almost all of the way, clipped in leaving it a little open so that you can clip the bigger piece with the mics and the sunroof control underneath the lip of the light cover piece, then the finish pusing it all up snug.
I used the green/yellow wire going to the mirror/rain sensor
Grounded to the hex bolt holding the sunroof drive mechanism
Wire out through the opening betw the windshield and the insert
No real problems, other than forgetting how to put the snap-on/off covers back on. Put the light cover on almost all of the way, clipped in leaving it a little open so that you can clip the bigger piece with the mics and the sunroof control underneath the lip of the light cover piece, then the finish pusing it all up snug.