[mike_lam]

     Featured on BIMMERPOST.com

Hey guys,
I was wondering if anybody has tried to install the Escort Direct Wire SmartCord themselves? Was wondering how you routed it, what fuse you used, and where did you put the SmartCord unit? Thank you for any help or guidance.

[redhot47fla]

Not directly on point, but here's a thread describing how to install a mirror tap, which is not difficult, avoids the whole fusebox issue, and works very nicely. It's keyed to a Valentine detector, but the process would be similar for an Escort. (If you need an Escort mirror tap and/or mirror mount, try BlendMount.com)

https://f92.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...ight=Valentine

[mike_lam]

Originally Posted by redhot47fla

Not directly on point, but here's a thread describing how to install a mirror tap, which is not difficult, avoids the whole fusebox issue, and works very nicely. It's keyed to a Valentine detector, but the process would be similar for an Escort. (If you need an Escort mirror tap and/or mirror mount, try BlendMount.com)

https://f92.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...ight=Valentine

Appreciate it. I saw this one but not exactly what I want to do. Thank you though!

[M8INLA]

Originally Posted by mike_lam

Hey guys,
I was wondering if anybody has tried to install the Escort Direct Wire SmartCord themselves? Was wondering how you routed it, what fuse you used, and where did you put the SmartCord unit? Thank you for any help or guidance.

I installed my Escort 360 & M1 using the wiretap and mount from Blendmount. Just tapped into the power going to the mirror. Worked out great!

[hoyas490]

Originally Posted by mike_lam

Hey guys,
I was wondering if anybody has tried to install the Escort Direct Wire SmartCord themselves? Was wondering how you routed it, what fuse you used, and where did you put the SmartCord unit? Thank you for any help or guidance.

Not exactly 100% what you're looking for, but somewhat close. I used this guide to install my Uniden R7 with a blend mount hard wired kit and a wire to wire fuse tap add a fuse kit I got from Amazon. Just needed a wire stripper to trim off the power wire and crimp it into the fuse tap kit. I did this install in my new 2021 M550i and it was pretty quick for me. Not a good electrical guy either. Just the basics.

http://www.eyephysics.com/BMWG30/bmwg30.html

Here's the guide they put together for the G30 5 series, might have some use for routing tips and fuses to check if you wanted to go that route. I liked it because it involved cutting zero OEM wires, and is fully removable if needed for when I'm done with the car. They highly recommend not doing mirror taps on the G30 cars with the rain sensors and other stuff they've added in there with the 2020 engine refresh and 2021 LCI, so might be the same thing on an 8 series because it has more tech.

[mike_lam]

Originally Posted by hoyas490

Not exactly 100% what you're looking for, but somewhat close. I used this guide to install my Uniden R7 with a blend mount hard wired kit and a wire to wire fuse tap add a fuse kit I got from Amazon. Just needed a wire stripper to trim off the power wire and crimp it into the fuse tap kit. I did this install in my new 2021 M550i and it was pretty quick for me. Not a good electrical guy either. Just the basics.

http://www.eyephysics.com/BMWG30/bmwg30.html

Here's the guide they put together for the G30 5 series, might have some use for routing tips and fuses to check if you wanted to go that route. I liked it because it involved cutting zero OEM wires, and is fully removable if needed for when I'm done with the car. They highly recommend not doing mirror taps on the G30 cars with the rain sensors and other stuff they've added in there with the 2020 engine refresh and 2021 LCI, so might be the same thing on an 8 series because it has more tech.

Thank you! this one seems pretty helpful. Cars in the shop now because of drivers assistance issues but I'll get this a try when I get the car back.

[Mgrae456]

If you don't have laser jammers you're just giving yourself a false sense of security. I have a ALP jammer setup on my 850 if anyone wants pics or details I'd be happy to share

[hoyas490]

Originally Posted by Mgrae456

If you don't have laser jammers you're just giving yourself a false sense of security. I have a ALP jammer setup on my 850 if anyone wants pics or details I'd be happy to share

Would love to see your setup! Did you install yourself or have it done by a shop? If you did, any DIY guides you might recommend I check out? I have my R7, but have been wanting an ALP for about a year...

[hoyas490]

Originally Posted by mike_lam

Thank you! this one seems pretty helpful. Cars in the shop now because of drivers assistance issues but I'll get this a try when I get the car back.

Sounds good! Let me know if you have any questions when you take a look at it.

[Mgrae456]

Originally Posted by hoyas490

Would love to see your setup! Did you install yourself or have it done by a shop? If you did, any DIY guides you might recommend I check out? I have my R7, but have been wanting an ALP for about a year...

Originally Posted by hoyas490

Would love to see your setup! Did you install yourself or have it done by a shop? If you did, any DIY guides you might recommend I check out? I have my R7, but have been wanting an ALP for about a year...

I had it done by a shop. Unless you are very experienced I would recommend a shop. Laser has to be perfectly installed then tested. I'll take some pictures of my setup and share.

[DrewBert]

Installed mine last night in 10 minutes, will need to upgrade from my vintage 9500ix.

I rarely speed anymore as I haven't used this radar since 2012 or earlier but was bored and wanted to do some sort of DIY.

[mike_lam]

Originally Posted by DrewBert

Installed mine last night in 10 minutes, will need to upgrade from my vintage 9500ix.

I rarely speed anymore as I haven't used this radar since 2012 or earlier but was bored and wanted to do some sort of DIY.

how did you pop off the mirror housing?

[DrewBert]

Originally Posted by mike_lam

how did you pop off the mirror housing?

Originally Posted by mike_lam

how did you pop off the mirror housing?

Pulled the cover off, and then stuck a screwdriver on the seem on the crack for the mirror housing and pulled it apart