Radar detector install

[m5maniac2001]

I did a search on the forums on how to wire my radar detector into the sunroof power. The search came back with some results, but they didn't really tell me how to do it and the topics just ended. There was a install into a e39 but I don't know if the wires are the same.

Any help would be great. I hate the cigraette lighter because the ashtray has to be open to use it.

Thanks
Andrew

[632 Regal]

You can tap into the wires for the overhead lights (above the mirror). It will help if you have an ohmmeter. I ran the wire from there right out above the mirror and down to the V1 which is just below the rearview mirror.

[m5maniac2001]

Which wires would i use?

[632 Regal]

the ones with power...lol

Thats where the volt meter is going to come into play, remember you will have 12 volts with the key off until you open the doors on some wires, some arent 12 volts cause they must send a signal to a relay or something. I went to the wrong wire and have to manually shut mine off until I re-tap.

[Jon K]

the ones with power...lol

Thats where the volt meter is going to come into play, remember you will have 12 volts with the key off until you open the doors on some wires, some arent 12 volts cause they must send a signal to a relay or something. I went to the wrong wire and have to manually shut mine off until I re-tap.



Don't make me go out to my car and take a picture...

[632 Regal]

do it! do it! just do it Jon

[Kalevera]

There's a writeup on radar detector installation on Lenny's site: http://www.bmw4life.com/radarDiy.htm

I would actually hard wire the thing...running leads into the harness is dangerous/asking for trouble. Also, don't use an escort :)

Also: depending on whether or not you have an auto-dimming mirror, you could splice into that harness (3 pin white connector hiding up there by the vanity mirror), which, on your car, should have a ground, switched/ignition (either on with the car or with the headlights), and a reverse lead. The question then is how much juice does your detector need -- my autodimmer had a TINY tiny fuse in line...a 1 or something...so there potentially isn't much juice running through there.

Personally, I'd do what I read about in Keith's car (the one that's for sale) and run a wire down the A pillar to the cig lighter. That's a great setup for my V1 and a concealed display.

best, whit

[Javier]

permanent ground.

For 1992 model, couldn't find a wire with hot only in Accy, Run and Start, so you will have to turn off the radar detector. May be Jeff can tell us the trick.

Javier