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      06-18-2019, 11:02 AM   #1
PrionFawkes
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Dashcams: Mounting & Power Locations

My goal is to determine the optimal locations for not only mounting a dashcam but, more importantly, where to tap into 12V power in the most discreet way possible.

The model of dashcam will to some extent dictate the best mounting location on the windscreen, therefore the primary focus of this thread will be to determine the best method of running power cables as hidden and cleanly as possible. I'm still researching dashcams, and the purpose of this thread is NOT to discuss the cameras themselves. There are plenty of other forums for those discussions.

I would like to determine the following:
  1. Location to tap into 12V constant
  2. Location to tap into 12V with ignition switched on
  3. Location of viable grounding points

Risks or Challenges I've already identified:
  1. Fuse panel is in the trunk, at a point furthest away from the windscreen
  2. Sliding panel over the 12V port in center console adds complexity to wiring units that require a 12V port for their power cables

Possible solutions:
  1. Use an OBDII adapter to provide power
  2. Use an adapter to convert power cable to 12V socket

Desired Goals:
  1. Avoid running the power cable the entire length of the car, into the cargo area
  2. Avoid using fuse taps to tie into the vehicle's electical system
  3. Hide all wiring and power connections from view

Seeing as my G29 Z4 has just left Bremerhaven and is approximately 3 to 4 weeks away from delivery, I'm doing by best to prepare without having access to the vehicle itself.

Below are some images to help kick start the conversation, as well as the information I have obtained so far. These include the location of the Fuse Panel and OBD port per the Owner's Manual, as well as possible mounting and power tapping locations.
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      06-18-2019, 02:16 PM   #2
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I used BlendMount for my BlackVue and am very happy with it. I had a shop wire the power and rear camera above the headliner all the way to the battery in the trunk. Very clean installation. *Edit* just noticed this is for a Z4, so running the wire above the headliner isn't an option. Lol
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      07-04-2019, 04:11 PM   #3
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I just got my 2020 Z4 M40i and too am trying to figure out how to power a BlackVue dash cam from the fuses in trunk. I'll be using a Power Magic battery to power the parking mode. There room in the trunk where the battery sits for this extra battery. Just can figure out yet how to run the wire from the trunk to the cabin where I'll route it behind the window and door trim.

Attached are some photos of car, trunk space under carpet panel and the right side fuse box. Also is a fuse chart (a work in progress). Any changes or suggestions are welcome.
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Last edited by whitew; 07-04-2019 at 04:17 PM..
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      07-04-2019, 10:01 PM   #4
PrionFawkes
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Quote:
Originally Posted by whitew View Post
attached are some photos of car, trunk space under carpet panel and the right side fuse box. Also is a fuse chart (a work in progress). Any changes or suggestions are welcome.
Thanks for adding the images of the area under the cargo floor, and the incredibly detailed fuse chart. Ill be very interested in seeing how things work out for your installation.

Without having the car here yet, it just arrived at Brunswick VPC, I've decided to try the Waylens Secure360 4G, powered via the ODB2 port.

Once the car is here, I'll document the installation and provide my impressions of the dashcam.
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      08-11-2019, 05:43 AM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by PrionFawkes View Post
Thanks for adding the images of the area under the cargo floor, and the incredibly detailed fuse chart. Ill be very interested in seeing how things work out for your installation.

Without having the car here yet, it just arrived at Brunswick VPC, I've decided to try the Waylens Secure360 4G, powered via the ODB2 port.

Once the car is here, I'll document the installation and provide my impressions of the dashcam.
Not sure if you saw this review for the Waylens? May want to take a look if not.
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      08-11-2019, 10:52 AM   #6
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I wish they would just build in a prewired solution and make this easy.
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      09-02-2019, 04:14 PM   #7
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PrionFawkes, have you figured it out? Previous Z4's have had a fusebox behind the glovebox. The manual says that the new Z4 has a fusebox in the cargo area, but looking online, there seem to be other fuseboxes as well...
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      09-02-2019, 06:57 PM   #8
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I ended up using an adapter that draws power from the ODB2 port. I used a set of trim tools to tuck the wire behind the dash. I'll take some photos when I get the chance.
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      10-19-2019, 05:40 PM   #9
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How did you route the wire from the top of the windshield to the OBD port? I was going to finally install my dash camera, but didn't wanna start unscrewing all the plastic up top and mess up the convertible top system.
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      10-23-2019, 05:45 AM   #10
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I'm waiting on an amp/DSP and speakers to be delivered in a few weeks. When they arrive, I'll be stripping down the trunk, panel behind the seats, and the doors, so I can post pics if it helps you see anything, or know where things are.

I've already replaced the upper speakers behind the seats, and partly stripped the trunk ready for the amp/DSP, so if you need any pics of that, let me know, otherwise I'll post pics of it fully stripped when everything arrives.
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      10-23-2019, 06:30 AM   #11
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That would be helpful as the fuse box is back there and the battery for those who are looking to hardwire. I’m curious though about routing the wire from the top of the windshield to the A pillar and down. In my x1/x3 and m240i I could tuck into the headliner and the A pillar cover pulled out and off. The z4 A pillar looks to be snapped in place down the sides, but 2 potential screws on top. One looks like it’s the screw for the sun visor, but the other looks like it’s under the center plastic cover (all of this is referenced from the pictures on realoem).
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      10-24-2019, 07:24 AM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Joe240 View Post
How did you route the wire from the top of the windshield to the OBD port? I was going to finally install my dash camera, but didn't wanna start unscrewing all the plastic up top and mess up the convertible top system.
The Waylens 360 mounts low, just above the dash, and therefore I didn't have to run the wire above the windscreen. Wish I could help provide a better answer.
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      03-14-2020, 01:58 PM   #13
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Fuse box location!

Quote:
Originally Posted by whitew View Post
I just got my 2020 Z4 M40i and too am trying to figure out how to power a BlackVue dash cam from the fuses in trunk. I'll be using a Power Magic battery to power the parking mode. There room in the trunk where the battery sits for this extra battery. Just can figure out yet how to run the wire from the trunk to the cabin where I'll route it behind the window and door trim.

Attached are some photos of car, trunk space under carpet panel and the right side fuse box. Also is a fuse chart (a work in progress). Any changes or suggestions are welcome.
Hi guys brand new here. You actually have the clear answer on your diagrams. The fuse box you need to access for the power to the camera is mounted BELOW the glove compartment not in the boot. There are 2 screws to remove then you get access to the fuse box. If you look on your posted diagrams the right hand side box has a fuse No F46 that is the power to your 12v power socket. I found a picture of the 2 screws. When I find it again I will post it here.

Seems I’m too stupid to add photos yet sorted it now see other post - if you have downloaded your drivers guide onto tablet or phone, go into it and search fuses. The screws and panel are shown there. I will have a go and respond shortly.

Last edited by Combatcrew2; 03-14-2020 at 02:54 PM.. Reason: Extra info
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      03-14-2020, 02:14 PM   #14
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Wrong fuse box. You want the one BELOW the glovebox it is fuse F46 which powers the 12v accessory socket - buy a hard wire kit with a piggyback fuse socket - ✅
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Last edited by Combatcrew2; 03-14-2020 at 02:53 PM.. Reason: Position
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      03-15-2020, 11:38 AM   #15
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I failed!

So much for the fuse box behind the glovebox. I took the panel off as per the image but I can’t see anything that looks like the fuse box.

I reverted to running the cable (well hidden) to the 12v socket under the sliding cover - just have to have the door open. Did it all then thought that the power was always on to that socket. Locked the car and waited - the power outlet has a 10 minute delay on it - phew, I thought it was going to stay on all the time.

Where on earth that fuse box is under / behind the glovebox is I have no idea.
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      03-15-2020, 05:41 PM   #16
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I haven’t checked myself, but in other vehicles I’ve owned, you can remove the glove box itself and it’s tucked way up under the dash
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      03-16-2020, 03:10 AM   #17
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I found the solution with this invisible cam which take power directly from rain sensor.



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      03-16-2020, 06:22 AM   #18
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Ref

Can we have the ref of you invisible dashcam?

Thanks
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      03-16-2020, 08:32 AM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by nael11 View Post
Can we have the ref of you invisible dashcam?

Thanks
I brought it from Hong Kong Taobao, I think they have USA/ Europe version of Taobao

https://detail.tmall.com/item.htm?id...u=e1m15qi49754

This is the screen cap of the video that I toke yesterday:
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      03-16-2020, 01:00 PM   #20
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Super clean install. Does anyone know what this circled item is in this pic? It could be the oncoming traffic light sensor or something else.

Thanks.
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      03-16-2020, 01:29 PM   #21
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Circled feature

The window on the back of your mirror is for the automatic dimming feature of the mirror. Manual says keep this clear of restrictions.
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      03-16-2020, 01:30 PM   #22
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Yes I had one too but looking up there with a mirror I can’t see anything!
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