Wiring a Dash Cam
 

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.

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.

Oh.. Wires for power

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Ok I am following you SND. Where is the closes distibution main, in relation to the glove box location.

Pezho, can't something be spliced in to reduce the power so that the camera doesn't fry?

Yeah probably, although i kinda like it plugged into cig lighter cause i can leave my dash cam running say overnight or something. my cig lighter is always hot.

All i have to do is just press the on and off button.

Slick, you're goin to have to pull the glove box and the fuse panel down to look for a suitable location....last time I was up in there was when I was doing my air suspension; the ol' noodle is a bit foggy as to whats what back there. There should only be one or 2 locations where you can tap in cleanly.

I can pull mine on the weekend if you want and grab some pics if you want though.

I will send you a virtual kiss if you can do that. Thank you.

Pezho, the cameras I got (7 of them for all cars in the fam) have an internal battery and park mode. So even if there is no juice coming from the car, that sucker is still on recording if there is shock or something.

I knew a dude back in Russia that wired his Park Mode to his wipers and horn. So when the camera got set off, the wipers and horn would turn on. It was pretty awesome. I'm not capable of doing that.

I will be tackling this in the coming weekends (if I ever get a free one :P)
I have a dash cam with the cigarette lighter plug for power. I am planning on just replacing that end with two seperate wires. one for ground, one for power. Tapping into a 12v fuse that is only powered with the turn of the key. that way my dashcam is powered when the vehicle is. i don't want constant power cause my battery could drain. Anyways,
will keep you posted

Sweet. Let us know.