[Wolfman64]

We always install dash cams in our cars and I am wondering if anyone has had one installed yet.

Initially I hoped that the drive recorder software would make a dash cam unneeded but the features and functions are less than useful for daily use.

I enjoy doing some of these upgrades myself and have done so on MB's (really easy). I have never done it on a BMW besides the radar detector but don't want to break any clips, etc.

Appreciate any input!

Will be installing a Thinkware U1000 4K/60hz Dual Channel cam

[NOMRW8NG]

I installed the same camera (U1000 dual channel) myself a few weeks ago. I used an adapter to tap power from the OBD port and tucked all of the wires into the headliner. Only tools you'll need are some trim tools and a Torx driver (it was either T15 or T20, I forget which).

On the A pillar there's a plastic tab that says "Airbag". You pop that out and then unscrew the Torx screw behind it. Then you can remove the trim and run the wires behind the airbag.

[BigMofoFrog]

Originally Posted by NOMRW8NG

I installed the same camera (U1000 dual channel) myself a few weeks ago. I used an adapter to tap power from the OBD port and tucked all of the wires into the headliner. Only tools you'll need are some trim tools and a Torx driver (it was either T15 or T20, I forget which).

On the A pillar there's a plastic tab that says "Airbag". You pop that out and then unscrew the Torx screw behind it. Then you can remove the trim and run the wires behind the airbag.

Bought the same U1000 2 camera kit and likely will install next week. Had the f800pro in my last Audi and it was great! I'm likely looking for a power wire that is always live off the battery as you can control the voltage cutout to prevent a dead battery. Any suggestions? Something in the pax side footwell fuse panel maybe?
Didn't think about OBD power wire, is it live all the time?

[Wolfman64]

Originally Posted by NOMRW8NG

I installed the same camera (U1000 dual channel) myself a few weeks ago. I used an adapter to tap power from the OBD port and tucked all of the wires into the headliner. Only tools you'll need are some trim tools and a Torx driver (it was either T15 or T20, I forget which).

On the A pillar there's a plastic tab that says "Airbag". You pop that out and then unscrew the Torx screw behind it. Then you can remove the trim and run the wires behind the airbag.

Thanks for the info! Just running wires I have placed the dash cam to the left of the mirror (driver side) and the RD (Escort Max 360c) on the right side.

Am using the passenger fuse box as I like to keep the OBD port open.
I will post the fuses used for switched and constant power.

[bloozemanAZ]

Originally Posted by Wolfman64

Thanks for the info! Just running wires I have placed the dash cam to the left of the mirror (driver side) and the RD (Escort Max 360c) on the right side.

Am using the passenger fuse box as I like to keep the OBD port open.
I will post the fuses used for switched and constant power.

In regards to the OBD I had read elsewhere that at least the Valentine 1 Savvy OBD would set off the alarm on current gen BMWs. So interested in what was done there.

Out of ignorance where is the passenger side fuse box located? I currently have my Valentine 1 connected to the console port and wiring hidden up the right hand side but not as clean as I would like. So switching to the passenger fuse box may be the way to go as I've yet got up the balls to use the MirrorTap from Blendmount (using the mount itself under the mirror) from fear of shorting something out.

[Wolfman64]

Originally Posted by bloozemanAZ

In regards to the OBD I had read elsewhere that at least the Valentine 1 Savvy OBD would set off the alarm on current gen BMWs. So interested in what was done there.

Out of ignorance where is the passenger side fuse box located? I currently have my Valentine 1 connected to the console port and wiring hidden up the right hand side but not as clean as I would like. So switching to the passenger fuse box may be the way to go as I've yet got up the balls to use the MirrorTap from Blendmount (using the mount itself under the mirror) from fear of shorting something out.

The fuse box is behind/below the glove compartment. It is accessed be removing the panel underneath the glove compartment/passenger footwell. The are two locking tabs which need to be turned 90 degrees counter clockwise.

It is locked into the center console via a plastic trim piece that is in the leather color but part of the black panel. Just pull it off the center panel.
Before removing you have to either remove the footwell led or disconnect it.

I am using fuse 51 for the switched outlet
Fuse diagram is in the trunk fuse box (also passenger side)

[NOMRW8NG]

Originally Posted by BigMofoFrog

Bought the same U1000 2 camera kit and likely will install next week. Had the f800pro in my last Audi and it was great! I'm likely looking for a power wire that is always live off the battery as you can control the voltage cutout to prevent a dead battery. Any suggestions? Something in the pax side footwell fuse panel maybe?
Didn't think about OBD power wire, is it live all the time?

The cameras continue to record for 5 minutes after the ignition is switched off. Then it shuts off until the next engine start. This is with parking mode disabled on the camera.

I experimented with turning on parking mode, and it does keep the camera on. So, to answer your question, I would say yes, it's live all the time; but the camera can somehow detect whether or not the car is parked. I don't know if that's happening electrically or simply because the car hasn't moved in 5 minutes.

[CJPatel]

Hey guys I have the wires run to the trunk fuse box but can't seem to get the camera up and running with the fuse taps. Can someone please help me confirm which fuses I should be using? I got this to work on my M4 but not the M8.

Looking to connect the Batt+ for constant power and the ACC + For the switched fuse slot

[Seaford]

Anyone reading this bear in mind us Brits have the driver on the correct side of the car - I believe the fuse boxes in the front stay in the same location regardless of RHD or LHD.

[CJPatel]

Originally Posted by CJPatel

Hey guys I have the wires run to the trunk fuse box but can't seem to get the camera up and running with the fuse taps. Can someone please help me confirm which fuses I should be using? I got this to work on my M4 but not the M8.

Looking to connect the Batt+ for constant power and the ACC + For the switched fuse slot

Hey guys any help here?

[Seaford]

Originally Posted by CJPatel

Hey guys any help here?

Mine is hooked up to the fuse box in the front footwell. Can’t tell you which fuse it is as a) I haven’t looked and b) I suspect each vehicle may have a different layout depending on what equipment is installed.

If you go into the bmw website you can enter your vin and in theory get the layout for your specific car. Unfortunately mine wasn’t accurate so didn’t help at all, got a professional installer in who knew what he was doing!

[SSBMW14]

Originally Posted by Seaford

Mine is hooked up to the fuse box in the front footwell. Can’t tell you which fuse it is as a) I haven’t looked and b) I suspect each vehicle may have a different layout depending on what equipment is installed.

If you go into the bmw website you can enter your vin and in theory get the layout for your specific car. Unfortunately mine wasn’t accurate so didn’t help at all, got a professional installer in who knew what he was doing!

Which dashcam did you install Seaford? Been thinking about this as not sure if the drive recorder is good enough. But also I have the Comfort Plus pack on my car and that came with the rear electric blind - so not sure if I can fit a rear dashcam.

[Diesel5037]

Installed Viofo A139Pro to my wife's Alpina B8 two weeks ago.
All my cars has Viofo dashcams

[Seaford]

Originally Posted by SSBMW14

Which dashcam did you install Seaford? Been thinking about this as not sure if the drive recorder is good enough. But also I have the Comfort Plus pack on my car and that came with the rear electric blind - so not sure if I can fit a rear dashcam.

Mine is Nextbase front and rear. I bought it from Halfords and got Nextbase to install it after the Halfords fitter gave up.

A friend recently bought a ‘reconditioned’ front and rear set up from Nextbase direct at a heavy discount…as far as he could see it had never been used, probably a returned item.

I think the drive recorder only gives about 20seconds of recording when the collision system goes off….you would really think bmw could do better than that…

[SSBMW14]

Originally Posted by Seaford

Mine is Nextbase front and rear. I bought it from Halfords and got Nextbase to install it after the Halfords fitter gave up.

A friend recently bought a ‘reconditioned’ front and rear set up from Nextbase direct at a heavy discount…as far as he could see it had never been used, probably a returned item.

I think the drive recorder only gives about 20seconds of recording when the collision system goes off….you would really think bmw could do better than that…

Thanks! Nextbase is good. Had a closer look at the rear windscreen blind and beginning to think I will not be able to install a rear camera unless it is really small as very little space left once the blind is closed. Will need to investigate further.

On increasing the 20sec I would have thought that could be dealt with a software upgrade from BMW?