thanks for those who suggested I install the GPS 7100 unit in the trunk instead of the rear console. I was trying to put the unit somewhere unexpected and hard to discover, but the trunk solution is, I think, sufficiently hard to find. I've also disassembled the unit and reassembled it into a package that's hard to recognize.

in any case, just wanted to share with you how cool it is to have an email telling you where your car is every time you start up the engine. the unit I installed is the Landairsea 7100, set for daily position only updates, with option to query vehicle location via website. since it costs something like 6 cents per update, i changed it so that i get an email every time the car is started - automatically. so, no matter who is driving your car, you get a time stamped email with longitude and latitude. on the numerex.com website you can get the actual street address plus status of unit. you can also have the unit send speed and heading information.

all in all, pretty amazing addition to my 545i. you can also have the gps unit send updates to your phone so if someone drives off in your car, you get a message shortly after engine startup.

 

That does sound neat. Could it be programmed to let you know where it is when it shuts down. That would be easier to find.

 

please see:

http://www.rmtracking.com/7100.html

should answer all your questions. the only reason i don't have it always on is because I simply tapped into the cigarette lighters. maybe i'll do that when i get around to it, but for now, it was just the easiest thing. i don't think it takes much power, but it is a transmitter, so i did not want empty batteries. makes perfect sense to have constant power, of course.