2008 LCI Radar Hardwire

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12-29-2008, 06:45 AM

Spyglass

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Hello all,

I hope I'm not bending any forum rules here by multiposting, I recently posted this same topic in the DIY section, but wanting to also ask the question in a "higher traffic" section.

I recently 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 in advance for any assistance.

Kevin

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12-29-2008, 07:37 AM

calpalmer

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My Ride: 2008 Space Gray 550i, Light Poplar Wood, Anthracite Head Liner, Sport Package, Sport Automatic Transmission, Cold Weather Package, Front Ventilated Comfort Seats in Black Nasca Leather, NAV, HUD, Active Steering, Comfort Access, Night Vision, Lane Deviation Warning, Active Cruise Control, Heated Rear Seats, Folding Rear Seats, Power Shade w/ Rear Side-Shades, Rear Air Bags, Logic 7, HD Radio, Sirius Satellite Radio, iPod/USB Adapter. Car in BMW Body Shop, estimated completion 01/24/07.

Try a search on the subject "hardwire" or "radar detector" and you'll come up with several threads. There are some DIY's I think Stream did one for example, but on the 2008 be careful as the circuits are monitored by the ECU and you can cause lots of problems (I did)... I wanted my V1 wired into the overhead console... ended up taking it to the dealer, and they completed the job, but could not find a suitable SWITCHED power up there, so I have to manually turn the V1 on and off. No big deal. Others have pointed out that switched power is available in the passenger foot well (the 12V outlet). But I didn't like that wire routing.

Good luck,

Cal

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12-29-2008, 07:47 AM

Spyglass

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Cal,

Thanks for the quick reply, your experience echo's what I've been able to deduce from the Google based research! So it looks like my best option would be to pay my dealership to do the hardwire. If you don't mind, how much did they charge you?

Kevin

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12-29-2008, 08:02 AM

AKAlius

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My Ride: Original E60 Spec: 530i - Silver Grey Out, Black Dakota Leather In, Navigation Pro, Voice Command, HiFi Audio, Sports Package, Premium Package, Cold Weather Package w/ Heated Seats, Style# 123 Alloy Track Wheels, Auto AC, Power Front Seats, Active Turn Xennon Headlights, Mods: OEM M-Tech Front Bumper, OEM M Side Skirts, OEM M5 Rear Bumper, M5 Trunk Lid Finisher, M5 Style Mirrors, Custom Hamann Style Splitter, Custom Hartge Style Diffuser, RD Sport Boot Spoiler, LCI Taillights, Bruce Miranda's V4 LCI Retro Cables, 6000K Xenon light Bulbs, Xenon White LED License Plate Lights, 8000K HID 9006 Fog Lights, Akaliusï¿½ Front Headlight Euro Overlays, Matte Black Kidney Grilles, E60.Net Clings, Debadged, Llumar Tinting "Micro Edged, 15% Rear 35% Sides, Engine Mods: Custom Magnaflow Quad Exhaust w/ Eisenmann Stamped 3ï¿½ Tips, RPI Scoop (Red) Added Electronics: V1 Equipped (Hardwired), OEM Alpine CD Changer Retrofit, Shoes: SOLD-20" Staggered Vertini Hennesey Rims, Falcon 452's Tires-SOLD New Shoes: 19" VMR 710 Hyper Silver, General Exclaim UHP 245/35/19 Front-275/30/19 Rear, Gloss Silver Caliper Paint Job DIY ^_____________ Retired ______________ Took Delivery 10/26/2009: LOADED! E60 M5 Silverstone II/Black, Active Seats, Comfort Ventilated/Heated Seats, HUD, Brushed Aluminum Trim,

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Originally Posted by Spyglass' post='754967' date='Dec 29 2008, 09:45 AM

I dont think this is a LCI E60, but it should point you in the right direction. Scroll down to post #13

http://forums.e60.net/index.php?showtopic=708

GL!

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12-29-2008, 12:03 PM

Spyglass

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Thanks AKAlius, yes I saw that post and have scanned all 15 pages, the install described in post #13 was for pre-LCI cars and later posts indicate that the wiring harness in the sunroof/mirror area changed for LCI cars. Nobody seems to have located an appropriate switched power wire yet for the LCI cars, except the passenger footwell. I'll keep searching and report back.

I see your also located in Houston, enjoying this crazy weather over the Holidays?

Kevin

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12-29-2008, 01:06 PM

tex_phil

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My Ride: 04 525i, 04 Dinan M3

I need to hardwire mine up. I got a beltronics. I don't really wanna slice the cigarette adapter. It uses a phone line connection to go into power, is there a alternate way to provide power?