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      07-04-2021, 12:58 PM   #23
nynd
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You can also wire into the rear view mirror which might be just as convenient. Some use a mirror tap but I just tinned the ends of the power and ground wire and slide them into place.

https://g05.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...1656049&page=2
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      07-04-2021, 05:08 PM   #24
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Personally the drive recorder in my new vehicle will have this functionality, so I won't be doing this, however I am interested if this allows for parking mode capability as I am interested in doing an install if it allows for parking mode.
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      07-04-2021, 10:45 PM   #25
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Quote:
Originally Posted by G39x View Post
Personally the drive recorder in my new vehicle will have this functionality, so I won't be doing this, however I am interested if this allows for parking mode capability as I am interested in doing an install if it allows for parking mode.
Any parking mode dashcam installation requires 3 wires. One for ground, one for constant power supply and one for accessory power supply, which turns off with the car. The installation from OP does not have 3 cables, so wont work with parking mode. You have to hard wire to fuse box for parking mode
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      07-04-2021, 11:23 PM   #26
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Quote:
Originally Posted by G39x View Post
Personally the drive recorder in my new vehicle will have this functionality, so I won't be doing this, however I am interested if this allows for parking mode capability as I am interested in doing an install if it allows for parking mode.
Drive Recorder functionality is nowhere near the functionality of a typical aftermarket dash cam system (I have this option in my X7). I have a Blackvue system in my M3, which does so much more than Drive Recorder. Parking mode is one of many features that Drive Recorder does not have. Personally, Drive Recorder has been a disappointment as it has so much potential that BMW has failed to tap into.
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      07-05-2021, 01:36 PM   #27
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jmciver View Post
Drive Recorder functionality is nowhere near the functionality of a typical aftermarket dash cam system (I have this option in my X7). I have a Blackvue system in my M3, which does so much more than Drive Recorder. Parking mode is one of many features that Drive Recorder does not have. Personally, Drive Recorder has been a disappointment as it has so much potential that BMW has failed to tap into.
Yup. Especially if BMW used the mild hybrid system to power the cameras in "parking mode" then it would be a worthwhile system, however the current implementation is rather weak, unless you are recording an accident, I have several friends up north in Jersey that have been saved from "parking mode" when other cars have hit their cars and left without any notes. They have picked up the plates of the other Cars and have filed for insurance without their rates increasing due to the proof. I plan to hardwire a dash cam in the future just for the better recording abilities of a dash cam.
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      07-06-2021, 06:05 AM   #28
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jonatious View Post
Any parking mode dashcam installation requires 3 wires. One for ground, one for constant power supply and one for accessory power supply, which turns off with the car. The installation from OP does not have 3 cables, so wont work with parking mode. You have to hard wire to fuse box for parking mode
Ehm, what made you to think so? Many dashcams have G-sensor/GPS based parking with only two wires (power and ground). If there is no movement for a predefined amount of time, it switches to parking mode no matter the state of ACC (in most cases this support even the ones which normally could use 3-wire hardwire kits as well).
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      07-06-2021, 07:54 AM   #29
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jonatious View Post
Any parking mode dashcam installation requires 3 wires. One for ground, one for constant power supply and one for accessory power supply, which turns off with the car. The installation from OP does not have 3 cables, so wont work with parking mode. You have to hard wire to fuse box for parking mode
The big fat red wire in the overhead console provides constant +12V power, it's pretty easy to find if you look for it. I used to have the 3 cable setup for parking mode, however if I go a few days without driving, a notification will pop up to say unexpected battery drain.

I reverted to the 2 wire setup.
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      07-06-2021, 08:58 AM   #30
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IMHO cars are becoming so complex that, for parking mode, it is better to use an external battery pack, basically separated from the car's electronics, with only a 12V plug while driving. The only issue could be a price but when the overall calculation is made, it's not so far from what it takes over time to have only a hardwire kit directly connected to car's battery.

I have 310Wh LiFePO4 in my X7 for dashcams only
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      07-06-2021, 01:38 PM   #31
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Quote:
Originally Posted by lukehhhhh View Post
I have managed to find the pair of vehicle wiring to tap into for hard wire your dash cam. The wiring can be located inside the top console. Power are only provide to these wires when the vehicle is ON. They turn on and off at the same time as 12V and USB sockets in the car.

You'll need:
1. 12V to 5V USB dash cam hard wire adapter
2. Hex type screw head

Hopefully my instructions are clear and simple to follow.
How did you remove that #1 Black cover? any tips? I just don't want to brake it.

Thanks!
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      07-06-2021, 01:45 PM   #32
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Nath4n View Post
Ehm, what made you to think so? Many dashcams have G-sensor/GPS based parking with only two wires (power and ground). If there is no movement for a predefined amount of time, it switches to parking mode no matter the state of ACC (in most cases this support even the ones which normally could use 3-wire hardwire kits as well).
That makes sense, never knew some dashcams did that
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      07-06-2021, 01:46 PM   #33
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Quote:
Originally Posted by lukehhhhh View Post
The big fat red wire in the overhead console provides constant +12V power, it's pretty easy to find if you look for it. I used to have the 3 cable setup for parking mode, however if I go a few days without driving, a notification will pop up to say unexpected battery drain.

I reverted to the 2 wire setup.
I am not sure if my dashcam works on parking mode with 2 wires. It will probably continuously record and drain the battery continuously. I have Garmin Tandem
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      07-23-2022, 02:56 AM   #34
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Does anyone know what this power wiring normally connects to?
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      10-30-2022, 10:49 AM   #35
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Nath4n View Post
IMHO cars are becoming so complex that, for parking mode, it is better to use an external battery pack, basically separated from the car's electronics, with only a 12V plug while driving. The only issue could be a price but when the overall calculation is made, it's not so far from what it takes over time to have only a hardwire kit directly connected to car's battery.

I have 310Wh LiFePO4 in my X7 for dashcams only
Hi. Do you mind posting some pics of your setup? I’m looking to do something similar. Thanks so much.
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      11-03-2022, 09:06 AM   #36
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Nath4n View Post
Ehm, what made you to think so? Many dashcams have G-sensor/GPS based parking with only two wires (power and ground). If there is no movement for a predefined amount of time, it switches to parking mode no matter the state of ACC (in most cases this support even the ones which normally could use 3-wire hardwire kits as well).
I have a rexing dash cam and I would think other manufacturers do the same. My dash cam has a built in battery for G-sensors so it kicks in when vehicle is bumped in parking lot.

When I retrieve something from my car the dash cam will kick in even though I have not turned on the car
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      11-06-2022, 01:50 AM   #37
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SoCalBeach View Post
Hi. Do you mind posting some pics of your setup? I’m looking to do something similar. Thanks so much.
There is not much to show, just a 3wire cable from the front to the back. Runs to passenger door, down to the floor and then it's hidden between interior parts all the way to the boot and there is the LiFePO4 battery (in my case, Blackvue B-124 + GWL 12V/20Ah addon) which is connected to the 12V car plug (based on that it's also able to tell when car is in parking or driving mode).

Similar thing I did recently in my brother's X7 but because he is a cheapskate , we used Fox HaloPower 48k mAh and USB-C 45W plug (the fastest way to charge this battery pack). And because this setup is unable to pass the info about parking/driving mode, we eventually took one of the wires out at the front and connected it to the front fuse box as the ACC signal.
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      11-06-2022, 07:33 AM   #38
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It's time for car companies to begin listening to their customers and begin installing USB power ports in the rear view mirror vicinity and under the dash on both sides of the center console. They could call this the "executive power package" and make a $500 upcharge for it.
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      08-20-2023, 01:14 PM   #39
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I can confirm these instructions still work for a '24 X7. Worked perfectly to get my radar detector (Uniden R8) hardwired with a mirror tap adapter. I found it was much easier to disconnect the plug to give me more room to work with before tapping into the wires.
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