Anyone direct wire a Radar Detector in E70

[edco]

Originally Posted by Bimmerx53

Sorry if this is a repeat question, but how did you remove the trim in front of the reading lights that covers the clips holding the entire housing?

I tried pulling mine from the front but I feel like i'm going to snap it in two.
Did you simply pull yours off? and how much force did you have to use to do it?

Thanks

I realize this is an OLD thread, but in my 2011 E70, I find that same resistance to pulling down the overhead console trim to route the power for my Escort. And like the previous poster, I am reluctant to break some flimsy plastic.

So realizing this is likely a DUMB question, do you pull down from the side closer to the windshield or closer to the sunroof ?

Thank you as always,

ed

[Bimmerx53]

Originally Posted by edco

I realize this is an OLD thread, but in my 2011 E70, I find that same resistance to pulling down the overhead console trim to route the power for my Escort. And like the previous poster, I am reluctant to break some flimsy plastic.

So realizing this is likely a DUMB question, do you pull down from the side closer to the windshield or closer to the sunroof ?

Thank you as always,

ed

No, not a dumb question at all! After removing my cover a few times, I did accidentally break one clip for that flimsy plastic thing but it's not noticeable at all. So instead, now what I do is I target the two big clips which hold the entire console on themselves, instead of first removing that plastic thing.

Everything comes down from the windshield side, and there are two decent sized clips (again on the windshield side) which hold the entire console on. One on each side. So what I do is I get a paint scraper and gently insert it into the edge of the console going in from the windshield side towards the sunroof, until it reaches the clips. The scraper should go in about half an inch or so before hitting the clip. Once you hit the clip, push until you feel the clip become undone. Once you have undone one clip, move onto the next and the entire console will come off with that flimsy piece of plastic attached to it.

P.S.
1) Be sure to use a Plastic paint scraper to avoid ripping the roof lining.
2) When you insert the scraper to undo the clips, keep the scraper pushed up agains the roof or else you will risk popping the flimsy plastic cover off. You have a 50/50 chance of breaking the clips holding the plastic cover on if it is removed in this way.

Hope this helps and feel free to let me know if you have any more questions!

[Darkz]

nice post man! appreciated!

[Mabuhay]

Fedmax,

In reading your Valentine 1 install, how did you remove the center interior trim? I am afraid that I will break some plastic trims. I removed one screw towards the front of the car, but the piece still will not come out.

Any suggestions?

Thanks,
Armand

[Denalio]

After you remove the torx screw at the front you will have to gently pull the panel to unlock the plastic expansion clips ( I think there are three). Then pull the panel towards the front of the vehicle to disengage the slide locking clips.

[foozed]

The green/white wire worked like a champ! Used the torx for the ground - now my V1 is happy as can be!!
Thanks for those awesome instructions X5Mod!!!
Took me 5 minutes to pull back the overhead light module, used my fingers to pry it from the front (it hinges at the rear).
Just slipped a thin black rj11 wire through the front against the windshield to the v1.
Plenty of room up there for all of the components.

[robert47]

I picked up my new X5 35d on 12/18 and have been enjoying it very much. I have a Valentine hard-wired in my M5 and wanted to do the same with this car. Following the excellent description and pictures I was able to verify the switched green and white wire and easily installed the Valentine. The only issue I had was getting a good connection with the blue, clip-on connector. The wire was too small a gauge to allow the metal portion to make a good connection apparently. I took the blue connector off and crimped the metal portion that slips onto the green / white wire, re-attached the clip on connector and everything worked fine after that.
Thank you again X5Mod
Robert

[Mabuhay]

Ok, it was two green ones. I just finished my V1 with Stealth install. I'll create a new thread

[HUK]

Just hardwired a Belltronic X65 to the cigarette lighter. Just pulled the two panels as described in a different thread (do your search) and I was done in 45 min or so. Got the hard wiring kit with the smart switch for 24.99.

[finagle69]

I know old thread is old, but I wanted to say thanks for the DIY on page 5. I installed my passport 9500 using the method described with no issues.