[njc]

In my previous F11 there was a 12v plug in the passenger footwell that was a perfect location for the Dash cam power lead. My new G31 doesn't seem to have one there - just in the arm rest, ashtray area , rear centre console and in the boot. Any suggestions where is best to run the cable that is least intrusive?

[F32PROJEKT]

Yup noticed that as well, I'm trying to hardwire mine into the rearview mirror but I cant seem to get the cover off, scared to break it. Anyone have any idea how to remove the cover off the rearview mirror?

[TreyWaters]

Originally Posted by njc

In my previous F11 there was a 12v plug in the passenger footwell that was a perfect location for the Dash cam power lead. My new G31 doesn't seem to have one there - just in the arm rest, ashtray area , rear centre console and in the boot. Any suggestions where is best to run the cable that is least intrusive?

If I remember correctly, there is a fuse panel in the trunk. My hope is to find a switched fuse in the trunk (ie., power is off with ignition) and use a fuse tap to pull power. I already have a 20 foot USB cable, so it's just a matter of fishing the cable along the lower door trim and back to the trunk. Then connect the 12v->USB adapter to the fuse tap, plug in the USB cable, and I'm good to go.

If everything works as planned, look for a tutorial late Nov/early Dec, unless someone beats me to it.

[BananaCar]

In my old F10 I tapped to the trunk as well but drew power even when the car was off. I wanted the parking mode to function. Has anyone been able to find the fuse in the trunk to allow this in the G30?

[Carbunkle22]

You can fuse tap most of the fuses, although most on the right are always on IIRC (276-280 etc). I use F252 and F271. I suggest you find an accessory fuse (from the fuse map), open the trunk, then let the car sleep (takes about 6 minutes, hazard button will turn off), then check the voltage on that fuse. There are OBD adapters that you can use as power supply as an alternative (just so you can hide the wires). I suggest using an external battery module to power your dashcam though, the electronics for this car seem quite sensitive.

[Nivarox]

If I were you, I would buy a power bank and connect the 12V sockets into it via USB hub .Thus you would not worry about battery draining or messing up with electronics of the car

[vigalent]

Was also annoyed not to find the power outlet to in the passenger footwell, so I ended up routing the cable under the centre console trim to the outlet for the rear seats (I never have rear seat passengers). Worked a treat.

[mobilejo]

Where was the power outlet in the F10 footwell that isn't in the G30?

In my F10, I had 2 in the location shown in this pic. In my G30 I have exactly the same.

[Nivarox]

I have got two 12 V sockets in the area you posted above . You mentioned you didn't have may be it was a part of a package that automatically came with

[mobilejo]

Originally Posted by Nivarox

You mentioned you didn't have may be it was a part of a package that automatically came with

No, i'm saying I have got them - I'm asking the other guys where they had them in their F10's that they don't have in the G30.

[TreyWaters]

Originally Posted by TreyWaters

If I remember correctly, there is a fuse panel in the trunk. My hope is to find a switched fuse in the trunk (ie., power is off with ignition) and use a fuse tap to pull power. I already have a 20 foot USB cable, so it's just a matter of fishing the cable along the lower door trim and back to the trunk. Then connect the 12v->USB adapter to the fuse tap, plug in the USB cable, and I'm good to go.

If everything works as planned, look for a tutorial late Nov/early Dec, unless someone beats me to it.

So, to follow up, I got my dashcam installed over the weekend, and I almost did what I originally posted above. Dashcam is next to the mirror. The 20' USB cable then runs across the headliner to the passenger door, down the A-pillar to the floor, under the plastic moldings to the back seat, under the passenger side back seat and into the trunk to the 12V outlet. For the (probably) convoluted path I took, 20' was almost perfect. I think I have about 6 inches of slack left. I even tucked the cable behind the trunk liner so it's mostly out of the way, except where it pokes out to reach the socket.

I'm mostly happy. I'm good with the route through the cabin, as it's almost completely hidden. However, I think I'll probably end up still tapping into the fuse box at some point so that I can get the cable completely hidden in the trunk. But, with the dashcam finally installed and working, that's lower on the priority list now.

[mittu]

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

Slot f59 should be empty. its allocated for acc.

Tap into any fuse circled yellow if you need continous/ 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.