E60 Discussion Anything and everything to do with the E60 5 Series. All are welcome!

hiding wiring from rear center console

Old Nov 16, 2004 | 05:31 AM
  #1  
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My Ride: 04 545i HUD, comfort seats, PDC, moon roof, Logic 7, Nav, Steptronic, K7 and diffusers, Aux-in for iPod!
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hello everyone,

following the descriptions on the forum, I replaced the rear facing cigarette lighter plate on the center console. (as described, the replacement piece came with cig lighters installed, so you don't have to go crazy removing the old ones from the old plastic plate. you do have to remove the seat heater controls, though.)

also, since there was a little room behind the plate, I decided to install a GPS unit there. my question is this: given where the GPS antenna should be located for maximum exposure (AND invisibility and undetectability), can anyone suggest a way to route the antenna wire from the center console to wherever you think it is possible to fit and hide a 3/4" thick, 2.5" diameter round medallion antenna?

some possibilities:

1. sneak it into the center armrest right above the console. my problem is that I was not able to figure out how to disassemble the armrest, i.e. remove the leather top from the bottom metallic support. I see that it is mounted with two bolts to the console, which I can remove, but I still don't see how the top finish is secured to the backing plate.

2. sneak the antenna wire under the carpet, somehow, to the rear speaker and hide the antenna under the speaker grill or get it into a head rest somehow (my seats don't fold down.)


any ideas or suggestions, or even better, pdf's on disassembly instructions?

thanks to everyone in advance.
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Old Nov 16, 2004 | 05:40 AM
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I hope You know that reception is best when antenna have clear visibility to the sky? Under back window?

Skaffa
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Old Nov 16, 2004 | 06:14 AM
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I always got the best reception and picked up the most satellites from a stand alone GPS with the antenna sitting on the dash with a good view to the sky - wire exposed.
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Old Nov 16, 2004 | 06:38 AM
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thanks, yes, I did. I should be more specific: it's a GPS tracking unit that I bought instead of lojack, the Landairsea 7100. This way, I can track the car whenever I want. I have it setup to send me an email notice of its position every day (to make sure it's working.) If the car is ever lost, I can find it myself nationwide. Thus, it's an antenna and wiring I really want to hide!

thanks again for any suggestions.
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Old Nov 16, 2004 | 07:28 AM
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Sorry that I misunderstood. Also sorry that I can't help with that application. It's a good plan.
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Old Nov 16, 2004 | 07:39 AM
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Why don't you locate it in the trunk? There's power and plenty of hidden mounting positions. You can sneak the wire to the rear shelf.
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