Hardwire for Dashcam
 

I've seen a few posts with people asking for guidance on tapping into circuits for cameras, radar detectors etc; but there never seems to be a solid answer. Rather than resurrecting an ancient post I thought it better to start a new one.


I'm looking to find perm live and switched live fuses. Ideally of the 'mini' type in the front fuse compartment.


Looking at the fuse map it seems like #3 'Siren and Tilt Alarm Sensor' might be a good option for perm live as surely that sensor is active at all times? Anyone know whether this is the case and can you suggest a good switched live/accessory feed?


It sounds like it's quite difficult to track down a certain type of live feed manually as some stay active for up to 30 mins after the ignition is switched off?

There is switched power available at the sunroof module. The big black plug next to the grey plug. Green/white for 12+, black/brown for - on my 2010 35d. Check with a multimeter to be sure. I run dashcam and radar off that.

Thanks.


In the end I gave up with trying to tap the fuses in the footwell fuse box - I found a permanent live in there (the tilt sensor fuse) but could not find a switched live - only circuits that went off after 30 mins.


In the end I wiretapped the green/white line from the overhead console, and the red/brown from the same bunch for my permanent live feed. Now my dashcam can operate in parking mode (powers up and records if there's an impact). The hardwire kit has a selectable cut-off voltage to avoid running the battery flat. Most of the units cut out at 11.6-11.8v which is way too low. I have mine set at 12.2v which seems more reasonable.

Just as a reference for those who want to stick with the fuse box under the dash. Using fuse #3 will give you constant power and fuse #7 (which was empty for me) will give you a semi-switched power. My yellow (constant) is on #3 and my red (switched) is on #7. The camera has parking monitor now and as soon as you open any door or the trunk it starts recording. The recording will remain on even if you stop the engine and lock the doors for x number of minutes then turns off and will be in parking monitor mode.

It is probably easier to wiretap into the overhead wires and it is kind of a pain to access the under-dash fuse box. There is also no obvious ground available so you have to drive a small screw into the metal frame under the dash.

This is for a 2012 x35i.