110 volt AC Port
 

Has anybody installed an inverter with 110-120V port into their X5?
I'm looking for permanent installations that looks professional.

DIY with pictures would be nice...

Some other SUV's have them, Toyota, Ford, Lincoln, etc

What are you planning to run on it? How many watts will you require, and is there a motor load, with any significant inrush current?

Small inverters just plug into the cigarette lighter, and would be simple to install. Larger ones (and perhaps even the smaller ones) could present a challenge for the electrical system in the X5.

I previously considered mounting one in the right rear and putting a GFI outlet painted black next to the 12v sockets in the back, But I'd definitely wire it to go off with the key vs to those sockets that stay on.

The question is how big of one do you need to run? A smaller one can be wired/installed while a bigger one should be left separate/removable.

Just want to be able to run a couple of laptops (95w) and/or a cooler in the summer. A total of 400w should suffice. my Toyota FJ Cruiser has a 400w inverter port in the back (200w when the car is not running)

If Ford and Toyota can do it, BMW should be able to.
I like a buit-in solution, not an external inverter, kids can mess with it.

Very common installation in an RV. There will be lots of info on those sites with installation instructions. The distributors and manufacturers also have installation instructions posted.

I would put it in the rear side panel, somewhere with easy access to the battery. Mount it inside the compartment, considering cooling air flow. It will have a female receptacle. Mount a marine or 120 volt receptacle in a removable side panel, and make up a pigtail that just plugs into the inverter receptacle to power up the remote receptacle.

And I wouldn't use it much with the engine off, even though it will have a low battery warning built in.