[jedpause]

I am looking for ideas to power my dash cam.

I want to hardwire power, Garmin power plug is quite large... I could route a normal USB cable to the power socket in centre console, but that's messy.

So I've seen the cable that plugs into a fuse socket, where is the best place? And I've seen hardwire kit that plugs into dc 12v, where's best place for that?

[SDRX]

Originally Posted by jedpause

I am looking for ideas to power my dash cam.

I want to hardwire power, Garmin power plug is quite large... I could route a normal USB cable to the power socket in centre console, but that's messy.

So I've seen the cable that plugs into a fuse socket, where is the best place? And I've seen hardwire kit that plugs into dc 12v, where's best place for that?

I've no idea about where to connect and with t being a very new model I suspect few will have done this?

What I would be careful is any action that may render void your warranty

[jedpause]

So I have ordered the official Garmin Hardwire kit now... it can either plug into fuse socket, or onto DC Live and ACC + Negative

I would be confident doing it on my old cars, but where I find ACC and lice and negative near the dash or in the bonnet?

[Almaretto]

You can use ISTA+ or one of the many pictorial guides to learn how to access rearview mirror wires.

Then, you use multimeter to know which to tap.

EDIT: Here is one for the G30.

[jedpause]

Originally Posted by Almaretto

You can use ISTA+ or one of the many pictorial guides to learn how to access rearview mirror wires.

Then, you use multimeter to know which to tap.

EDIT: Here is one for the G30.

Thanks very much, very good links.... it is a lease car, so I have to find something less 'invasive'

I was hoping for a fuse box placement or something cleaner under the bonnet... but it looks like I need to get a pro to do it....

Thanks all the same

[Almaretto]

Originally Posted by jedpause

Thanks very much, very good links.... it is a lease car, so I have to find something less 'invasive'

I was hoping for a fuse box placement or something cleaner under the bonnet... but it looks like I need to get a pro to do it....

Thanks all the same

If you have the correct tools, then it can easily be added and removed.

But, I understand wanting to play it cautious on a leased vehicle.

Good luck finding your ideal solution.

[Shadders]

I'll be connecting my dash cam tomorrow. I'll probably be running the power lead around the top of the windscreen, down the passenger B pillar, under the glove box and passenger footwell. Under the footwell there's a void (underneath the glovebox itself), where I can hopefully plug in a 12v extender, and run the remaining under the centre console to the 12v outlet at the back of the centre console facing the rear seats.

The only thing you should be able to see is the actual plug in part in the 12v socket.

[jedpause]

Originally Posted by Shadders

I'll be connecting my dash cam tomorrow. I'll probably be running the power lead around the top of the windscreen, down the passenger B pillar, under the glove box and passenger footwell. Under the footwell there's a void (underneath the glovebox itself), where I can hopefully plug in a 12v extender, and run the remaining under the centre console to the 12v outlet at the back of the centre console facing the rear seats.

The only thing you should be able to see is the actual plug in part in the 12v socket.

Good idea, I thought of that too... I have the proper fixed wire now, just need to get it fitted by Halfords or someone... I see they have done a good job for someone else in the identical setup

[Notechy]

Halfords fitted my Nextbase 312 camera last weekend, in theory using the Nextbase fitting kit. End result, wire invisible except for about 2" where connects with camera clamp. They did struggle to get round mirror area, but succeeded, ran wire across top of windscreen and down right hand side behind the trim which says airbag.

I was there a long time, about 105 minutes, with 2 working on it latterly. But apart from time spent investigating the mirror area, it was apparently due to a batch of faulty cables in the Nextbase fitting kits.

I paid £45 for fitting, fitting kit and 16gb memory card.

[jedpause]

Originally Posted by Notechy

Halfords fitted my Nextbase 312 camera last weekend, in theory using the Nextbase fitting kit. End result, wire invisible except for about 2" where connects with camera clamp. They did struggle to get round mirror area, but succeeded, ran wire across top of windscreen and down right hand side behind the trim which says airbag.

I was there a long time, about 105 minutes, with 2 working on it latterly. But apart from time spent investigating the mirror area, it was apparently due to a batch of faulty cables in the Nextbase fitting kits.

I paid £45 for fitting, fitting kit and 16gb memory card.

Thanks very much for feedback

[mittu]

Cabin fuse box (z44) is located under the dashboard in the right side footwell.
see attached image. BMW have conveniently grouped fuses for us

Slot f59 should be empty. its allocated for acc.

Tap into any fuse circled yellow if you need continuous/ permanent power to run dashcam whist car is off/ parked, but you car will display an annoying battery drain notification!.

[mittu]

Ive hardwired my thinkware dashcam straight to the battery. Did it myself. Bits only cost me £5.
It's been 6 months and ran flawlessly so far.

Will be the same for any dash cam that requires continuous power.

Tapping into a fuse for continuous power (enable parking mode features) causes an annoying battery drain notification.

dashcam manufactures/ retailers will tell you to buy an external dashcam battery module, which only last about 8-10hrs per charge and costs £200 ($250) + installation.

It cost me £5 and I did it myself!
It's pretty straightforward. wiring is simple.
Im not a "car guy", so if I can do it, then others can too.

It'll take 2hrs. Well worth it, and can be used for future dash cams/ other devices you'd like to power when the car is off.


for an additional £5 I installed a 12v socket in the boot + discrete usb out for powering GPS tracker and mobile hotspot.

Decent cameras have a built in voltage cut-off so you can safely leave it in parking mode for 2-3 weeks without fear of draining your battery.