Good 12V source when ignition is on ???
 

All,

As I now have a host of 12V powered do-dads in the X, I would like to turn the 12V outlet in the passenger footwell so it is only hot (live) when the ignition is on.

I will essentially interupt the power supply with a relay that only makes contact when the ignition is on.

I know BMW in their infinite wisdom uses multiplexing and bus control in our cars so you cannot just go finding a 12V ignition source as it may throw codes. set off dash lights etc so.... can anyone give me a safe +12V ignition controlled source in the front of the vehicle ?

If push comes to shove, I could use the purple wire in the multiconnector by the battery but that just makes the whole issue much more complicated.

David

Seems I can use the IGN 1 wire (Green) at key switch or IGN 2 wire (Purple) at key switch but given I am just energizing the coil on a relay , I really feel that is overkill.

David

Why just not jump in to ambi light in the ashtray as you are going to use it as a remote switch you wont overload anything

Makes sense as I cannot imagine that the light would be on the CAN BUS.

David

I taped into the ashtray light for dvd player on my X3 and had no issues, you can tap into the remote wire on nav unit or your stereo unit but it is more work

hi all, what about the torch light in the glove box, check to see if you

have a 12volts supply with ignition on .

cj

THanks,

I am pretty sure that is on all the time to keep the flashlight charged but I will probe it tonight.

David

For $13 (from BMW) you can get a socket that replaces the glovebox flashlight. When plugged in, it provides switched 12V.

Thanks,

They were out of stock so I have one on order...

David

well no need to cut any wires then , BMW made a connection just for people like you .

cj

To be fair, having the power cable for my Garmin plugged in the glovebox is a pain.

I may still set up the hidden 12V outlet in the pass footwell with a relay and a double throw switch so I can have the best of both worlds.. always hot or ign hot...

David

hi , if you are using a relay ,you can use a diode across the coil , so that no high voltage will kick back ,when the relay is switch off.

cj

Excellent idea. I have some nice relay sockets I use that came from parts express that have diode isolation.

David

The flashlight replacement socket is on a 1' cord that passes out the side if the closed glovebox and hangs lower than the footwell socket.

Do you have a BMW Part number for this socket?

Sorry, no, I don't.

But when I got mine. I just asked for the 'glove box replacement accessory socket.' They knew exactly what I wanted.

Searching the web...

http://www.amazon.com/BMW-Genuine-Au...410323&sr=1-11

I can't swear that this is the same unit, but it certainly looks exactly like mine.

I will add part # later... it works perfectly for my app. I routed Garmin power cable behind trim and brought it out right above glove box inner lid so it just kinda hangs right there and I can easily plug. Lead is only visible at Nuvi quick release bracket.

Best part isnow Nuvi conveniently turns itself on and off with ignition.

Thanks again for geat tip that required zero cutting of wires

David

You're welcome. Cutting wires should always be avoided at all cost.

I love this site :thumbup:

I was looking for info on finding a switched 12V for my Bluetooth audio receiver and found this thread. The ideal location would be hidden so the passenger footwell socket was good but it is not switched from what I have read.

That's when I realized I already have the 12V adapter for the flashlight plug and found it on a shelf in the garage. Now I just need to make sure the BT receiver switches off--it sounds like there is a 30 minute delay on that-- and back on with the vehicle.

Similar question
 

Installed the Invision (smokin deal from Invision) Headrest DVD's. Is there a good place to hard wire these in?

Any help would be appreciated.... :thumbup:

Post some pics. Wiring to glovebox flashlight is cold, you can always use that.

wow thats a great idea...been thinking of hardwiring my garmin..trying to find a source. the previous owner had a satelite radio installed. i'm not going to use it was going to try to utilized the previous power lead..but this might work better!

another satisfied customer! :thumbup:

-Law

Got my 12V adapter today. I don't have a flashlight (got the X5 second-hand plus it's a base model), is this the socket in the glove box? Does it just have a cover on it?

http://i.imgur.com/BOoujl.jpg