Wiring a Dash Cam

[Russm]

Sorry if its been covered before.. The search function isn't behaving on my phone.

X5 2006 3.0i.

Where can I route the wires from a dash cam to hard wire it?
The wires from the rearview mirror lead into the overhead "console" so I'm thinking something in there? Are there instructions somewhere on how to open up that console?

Thanks.

[X5SND]

What kind of wires do you need to route and to where? Check out my Headliner removal thread as the removal of the overhead console is in there. Should be as easy as popping out the light bar then 4 small torx IIRC.

[Russm]

Oh.. Wires for power

[SlickGT1]

Subscribing to this.

I also just got a dash cam. And I want to perma mount it as well. The cam comes with a cig adapter for power, and has an internal battery for when the car is off. I am almost sure this will be one of those call your electrician buddy things for me.

[Brandon002]

Where are you planning on mounting the camera?

Maybe run the wires down behind the dash and use the 12v plug under the glove box to plug in the cig lighter adapter?

[SlickGT1]

Well it is sort of discrete camera, so I was hoping to power it off the sunroof controls, and mounted in front of the mirror.

[X5SND]

Run a dedicated circuit with a relay and switched source. Tuck the relay and wiring behind the glovebox, then send some 2in1 wire up the side A pillar, terminating in the overhead console.

I used the same path for my air suspension display...I hate the look of wires hanging in plain sight.

[SlickGT1]

Originally Posted by X5SND

dedicated circuit with a relay and switched source

And here we go, you lost me right there, exactly at dedicated through source. I am extremely noob at making dedicated circuits and whatnot voodoo thingamags.

[pezho405]

My dash cam is just plugged in at the footwell cig lighter, my valentine is plugged into a fuse, i think the very first one.

My dash cam isnt hardwired because its input is less than 12 volts so doing it directly to the car would be way too much power for it

[X5SND]

A relay will take the key operated on/off function and apply it to your "custom" circuit while keeping the loads separate....your dash cam will be powered by which ever fused 12v line you choose, but the switched "trigger" wire is only used to tell the relay when to open or close.

In terms of X5 application, you can use the purple/white stripe wire under the center console drivers side as the trigger wire, which will tell the relay when the key Is on or off. For the camera circuit, you can do it one of a couple ways (all will require fuses obviously). First is for the lazy people: tap into the 12v accessory line for te outlet in the passengers footwell. They have a heavier gauge wire, and shouldn't have a problem supplying the power needed (just remember this when you go to plug something else in though). It has the benefit of no much wire running, and what is required, is all kept behind the glove box. The second way would be to run your own power wire from one of the distribution mains coming from the battery...IMO this is the preferable route since it leaves the circuit for the 12v accessory socket alone.