Need Power In The Trunk/Back: Options?

[Kryptonite]

Ok folks, i've read some info and I need some info:

i am adding a Carnetix P1900 in the rear of the X5, driver side cuby hole that's currently empty, besides stock amp in the butt-bottom. For those wondering, the P1900 is used to convert your 12v from the car battery to 12v - 20v, used for the .... intel mac mini ... (yeah, he said intel mac mini).

My original thoughts were to run a power cable from the battery all the way back to the area in the rear, but after reading some post I've changed my mind (maybe). According to the sub amp DIY on the front page, there are power spots you can tap into right there in the cargo area of the X5. Can someone post pics of this or verify if I read this correctly and haven't lost my mind... And if there is a place somewhere to tap power, is this feed sufficent for the included diagram below or even a 300/1 aftermarket amp install? (usually I'd use a 12 guage wire for power, straight from the battery)


On a side note, lets say i get brave enough to do most of the work myself (removing the business CD, adding the ice>link, adding the P1900, adding the infamous mac mini, adding the Xenarc 700IDT touchscreen monitor, adding a sub amp); does anyone have any good stealthy suggestions on running cables from the MID area to the driver-side cargo area?


as usual, all comments and help is greatly appreciated


Kryptonite

[ekaz]

The battery is located in the back of the X5 so there isn't that far to run the battery. It's located under the floor by the spare tire. Not sure on earlier years, on my '05 there are 2-12v power outlets on the passenger side.

[Xtreme53]

You can grab the 12V from the Battery Junction in the trunk under the floor. A 12v switched wire is located in the wire harness in the rear which you can splice into. I believe the wire is Purple with a White strip. One of the articles has a description and maybe even a picture. You can ground to the inside of the cubby hole. There are several bolts which are grounded to the chassis that will serve the purpose. I've installed a CarPC in mine so your project shouldn't be too difficult.

[Kryptonite]

Originally Posted by Xtreme53

You can grab the 12V from the Battery Junction in the trunk under the floor. A 12v switched wire is located in the wire harness in the rear which you can splice into. I believe the wire is Purple with a White strip. One of the articles has a description and maybe even a picture. You can ground to the inside of the cubby hole. There are several bolts which are grounded to the chassis that will serve the purpose. I've installed a CarPC in mine so your project shouldn't be too difficult.

What did you decide to go with for the screen? Do you have pics? Are you running a native Windows box or Mac?

[CanadianX5]

If your adding a sub amp that puts out more than 100 watts you cannot tap into the 12v switched output in the rear or any other wire.

Bmw uses wires that are dedicated for there purpose meaning that if you tap on an addition current draw like an amplifier you are definately going to be blowing fuses or worse.

If the power draw is very close to the fuse its tapped into,the wire could heat up and could eventually cause a fire.

Always get the power for an aftermarket amp at the battery or the main battery distribution box. In our X5's its a little difficult to connect to the battery terminal because there is a special connector on it.
I would suggest getting power from the distribution block which is located at the back left in the spare tire well.
It's really easy to find and to connect to.
Also use a minimum of 8 guage wire for the amp you described.

As for running wires from the front-------
Take your time, try not to get frustrated and break something.
Most interior parts will pop off but some have screws but you can usually find them.

If your willing to tackle this have fun and good luck.
If you feel it a little overwhelming get a quote from you local stereo shop.

[Kryptonite]

Originally Posted by CanadianX5

If your adding a sub amp that puts out more than 100 watts you cannot tap into the 12v switched output in the rear or any other wire.

Bmw uses wires that are dedicated for there purpose meaning that if you tap on an addition current draw like an amplifier you are definately going to be blowing fuses or worse.

If the power draw is very close to the fuse its tapped into,the wire could heat up and could eventually cause a fire.

Always get the power for an aftermarket amp at the battery or the main battery distribution box. In our X5's its a little difficult to connect to the battery terminal because there is a special connector on it.
I would suggest getting power from the distribution block which is located at the back left in the spare tire well.
It's really easy to find and to connect to.
Also use a minimum of 8 guage wire for the amp you described.

As for running wires from the front-------
Take your time, try not to get frustrated and break something.
Most interior parts will pop off but some have screws but you can usually find them.

If your willing to tackle this have fun and good luck.
If you feel it a little overwhelming get a quote from you local stereo shop.

Thanks for the input