12V Power for Radar or LI

[bmwman3241]

I am trying to install a radar unit into my X5. I want to know if there is a place to get power which is on only when ignition is on. My dealer said get it from the cigarette lighter, but I want to know if there is a place in the fuse box or somewhere in the car where I could get power without cutting wires or damaging the car (voiding warranty).


I don't really know this stuff, so if it doesn't make sense

[Denalio]

Originally Posted by bmwman3241

I am trying to install a radar unit into my X5. I want to know if there is a place to get power which is on only when ignition is on. My dealer said get it from the cigarette lighter, but I want to know if there is a place in the fuse box or somewhere in the car where I could get power without cutting wires or damaging the car (voiding warranty).


I don't really know this stuff, so if it doesn't make sense

You can use T-Taps and just tap into the power wire. No need to cut anything.

[Shinchan]

Up inside the center console, there is a wire u can tap to. search the DIY area. I did not slice or t-tap any wire.

[bmwman3241]

Originally Posted by Shinchan

Up inside the center console, there is a wire u can tap to. search the DIY area. I did not slice or t-tap any wire.

Where is the DIY area? Do you have any pictures?

[bmwman3241]

I will get the 3M T-tap or wire tap. Which color do I use. The red, yellow, or blue. There is a different number for each one like 16-20, 20-22 and so on.
I don't know what that means.

[Denalio]

Originally Posted by bmwman3241

I will get the 3M T-tap or wire tap. Which color do I use. The red, yellow, or blue. There is a different number for each one like 16-20, 20-22 and so on.
I don't know what that means.

The number refers to the thickness of the wire you are tapping into. 16-20 means 16 to 20 gauge thickness. The higher the gauge the thinner the wire.

[bmwman3241]

Originally Posted by Denalio

The number refers to the thickness of the wire you are tapping into. 16-20 means 16 to 20 gauge thickness. The higher the gauge the thinner the wire.

Hey, I read in the Radar Detector thread that you were planning on putting in a Laser Interceptor. I just got my LI, the quad sensor SE.
Did you end up getting it and installing it? If so do you have pictures by any chance.
The LI people recommended this spot for mounting the sensors. What do you think?

[Denalio]

No I have not purchased the LI yet. However, these are the same locations that was recommended. Did you get the slim heads for the rear?

[bmwman3241]

I am pretty sure I have the slim sensors. They are very thin (half an inch or less) and look a lot smaller than the pictures of the regular sensor. I Purchased the set below.
For the front sensors, would you say mount them in front or behind the mesh grille? I am pretty sure the guy meant in front because they need a clear line of sight to the road.

Laser Interceptor HP LE QUAD
HIGH POWER LIMITED EDITION QUAD
***SPECIAL ORDER***
Allow 2 Weeks for Delivery
THE ULTIMATE JAMMING CAPABILITY

-Each Sensor Contains 2 Laser Diodes for Higher Power Jamming Capability
-One Horizontally plus One Vertically Polarized Laser Diode
-Special "Optimized" 7.06 HP CPU with "TruSpeed" Voice Alert
$ 2450.00 - FREE Shipping in The USA
$ 35.00 - Express Shipping to Canada

[Denalio]

Originally Posted by bmwman3241

I am pretty sure I have the slim sensors. They are very thin (half an inch or less) and look a lot smaller than the pictures of the regular sensor. I Purchased the set below.
For the front sensors, would you say mount them in front or behind the mesh grille? I am pretty sure the guy meant in front because they need a clear line of sight to the road.

Laser Interceptor HP LE QUAD
HIGH POWER LIMITED EDITION QUAD
***SPECIAL ORDER***
Allow 2 Weeks for Delivery
THE ULTIMATE JAMMING CAPABILITY

-Each Sensor Contains 2 Laser Diodes for Higher Power Jamming Capability
-One Horizontally plus One Vertically Polarized Laser Diode
-Special "Optimized" 7.06 HP CPU with "TruSpeed" Voice Alert
$ 2450.00 - FREE Shipping in The USA
$ 35.00 - Express Shipping to Canada

You will need to mount them with no obstructions. You could dremel out part of the mesh and recess them for a more custom look.