Location of Switched Power Source Wire

[sholmes]

Guys,

I've been trying to find an unused switched power source in my brother's '01 X5 to hard wire a Sirius receiver. I haven't received any responses on the Roadfly forum (although I'm going to post again). Yes, I've searched everywhere and the closest answers I have found are that 1) there are lots of switched power sources, and 2) they are generally in the cargo area.

With that said, will someone please direct me to the specific location of an unused switched power source wire in an '01 X5? If there is not an unused one, is anyone aware of one that can handle a Sirius receiver in addition to its other use? Please include a description of how to access it and what it looks like. I've read that brown wires in the '01 models are switched but it is now carried in green. I've also read that purple with white wires are switched. Can anyone clear this up?

Thank you!

[X5Dawg]

There is a fuse panel behind the glove box - look on this site for the directions for replacing the A/C final stage resistor and it will show you how to get to this fuse panel. I used a fuse tap and plugged it in where the phone fuse should be since I do not have a BMW phone. Turns on and off with the key in the ignition.

[sholmes]

Thank you for the quick reply. My brother also does not have the cell phone, so this sounds like the best option. I have a few questions.

1) Isn't the fuse box an easily accessible location? I have an '02 M3 and accessing the fuse box in the glove compartment doesn't require any unscrewing or trim removal. (I'm going off of this instruction page http://www.xoutpost.com/articles/x5/miscellaneous-x5/10139-final-stage-resistor-replacement.html)

2) Is this the type of fuse tap you're referring to?
http://www.highlandnet.com/ftap.htm

3) Do you know what fuse number it is and the amperage? (This is not my car so I don't have immediate access to it)

4) Where did you attach the ground?

Thank you again. It looks like I may finally be able to do this.

[X5Dawg]

1.) The fuse panel is located high up behind the glove box, so you have to remove the glove box to access it.

2.) Yes, that is the type of fuse tap I used - I purchased mine from www.partsexpress.com

3.) I think the amperage was 5-10 A - not sure on the number - there is a diagram of the fuse panel on top of the glove box (I believe) once you pull it out. Another reason why you have to pull out the glove box.

4.) I think I grounded it to a screw under the dash - can't really remember.

I installed a Roady 2 in ours, and the cigarette lighter adapter had some type of voltage regulator built in (think it dropped the voltage down to 5V), so what I did was bought an accessory plug - basically a cigarette plug (the female side) with wires on the end - from Radio Shack and tapped this into the fuse panel and grounded it. Then the adapter from the XM receiver plugged right into that.

[sholmes]

I already have that accessory plug from Radio Shack. Let me make sure I have this right: The accessory plug from Radio Shack is wired into the fuse tap which is replacing the fuse for the cell phone. Is this correct?

Thanks again for the quick response.

[X5Dawg]

You got it!!!

Good luck!!

[sholmes]

Excellent. Thank you!