Originally Posted by X5Mod

Yes, I have hardwired a Passport 8500 in BOTH a 2005 X5 and in my (two week old) 2008 X5. It really can be done without a lot of effort. The hardwire is to a switched power supply, so if you somehow leave the unit on, it won't be able to drain the battery. I also had no interferance with this hardwire and any of the other electronics in the car. My vehicles are leased, and when I turned over the 2005 X5, I simply disconnected the unit and removed it to use it again in the 2008 X5. The 2005 X5 hardwire install was easier than that of the 2008.

Unlike other jobs I've done, I took no photographs, but can lead you through the install. I'll write up a complete description....details to follow.

To do this install you'll need the following (assuming an 8500, althogh any other detector is essentially the same):

1. Direct Wire SmartCord or Direct Wire Cord
(SEE: http://www.escortradar.com/shop.htm ). NOTE: If you decide to use the SmartCord, you will need more time to complete the project as you'll need to artfully cut a hole in the plastic that also houses the lights, switches for the sunroof, etc. If you want to do this right, be prepared to spend a 45 minutes to an hour progressively cutting/shaping the oval hole needed. The "Direct Wire" connection doesn't require this step.
2. Plastic Spatula (like for mixing paint, etc.) about 1" in width. Nice for atraumatically prying out lights, other plastic fittings. I use a set of " Standard Medium Strength Plastic " fromwww.bojoinc.com .
3. Drill or dremel moto tool
4. Assorted round files
5. 320 grit (or so) sandpaper
6. Torx screwdrivers

The key elements in this install are:
1. Removing the headliner plastic cover containing the lights, switches, etc. to gain access to the electric power for the detector.
2. Identifying the 12 volt SWITCHED wire to connect to the unit.
3. Cutting a small groove/trough in the front drivers side of the above plastic cover to allow you when the entire project is done, to pull out the cable that connects to the radar detector (whether you've mounted it by suction cup to the windshield or with a clip to the visor) AND THEN EASILY stuff it back inside so that all that is visible is the RJ connector projecting out of the plastic cover (it's barely visible from inside and outside the car).

Finally, if you did like I did and need to reset the sunroof (because you opened it up during the install, didn't close it, disconnected the sunroof switch and then reconnected the switch - DOH!), I can also tell you how to do that (it takes 4 minutes - can't imagine what dealer would charge !).

More details to follow. I'll try to take some pics.