GPS and dash cam installation

Zelda3

Regular Member
Joined
Aug 5, 2017
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20
Location
Mariefred, Sweden
Model of Z
Z3, 2.8
I am in the process of installing a gps and a dash cam in my Z3 (MY 1998). But before I make a total mess of it, I would like your expert advise of how to connect these units to a switched 12V supply.

A common recommendation seems to be the use of the X400 connector in the centre console. I have looked for this connector but it seems that it is not fitted to my car. Another solution that I have seen is to run a wire direct from the radio fuse but that seems to be a bit complicated.

Are there any other suitable places for a switched 12V supply? Preferable in the centre console or behind the glove compartment?
 

Redline

Zorg Expert (I)
British Zeds
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Mar 10, 2015
Points
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Location
Nuneaton
Model of Z
E89 20i msport
A piggyback fuse is easiest if you can route to the fuse box.
You take the fuse out, stick it in the piggyback fuse holder and then put that into the fuse box where you took the fuse out.
Need the correct type and a 12V to 5V step down power supply.
Am sure someone can tell you which fuses are suitable on a Z3.
 

andyglym

Shiny Dust Caps Make Your Zed Go Faster.
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Moresby, West Cumbria, England
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2.8 Roadster
Mine was wired into the fuse box under the bonnet and run through the fire wall, up the 'A' pillar and across to near the rear view mirror. Comes on with the ignition. Only the last few cm of wire is visible.
 

Zelda3

Regular Member
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Aug 5, 2017
Points
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Location
Mariefred, Sweden
Model of Z
Z3, 2.8
Thanks guys for your reply.

I looked today at the piggy back solution from the radio fuse in the fuse box but I could not find any any route for the wire out of the fuse box and then through the fire wall. I want to end up in the area behind the gove box (left hand drive...) from where I can continue up the A pillar to the dash cam and also to the centre console for the gps.

Any detailed suggestions please?
 

t-tony

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Torksey Lock,Lincoln, England
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E89 Z4 23i Auto
Thanks guys for your reply.

I looked today at the piggy back solution from the radio fuse in the fuse box but I could not find any any route for the wire out of the fuse box and then through the fire wall. I want to end up in the area behind the gove box (left hand drive...) from where I can continue up the A pillar to the dash cam and also to the centre console for the gps.

Any detailed suggestions please?
Have a look through my Z4 progress thread titled My Z4 . . . . . . . My way. It shows how I wired in my dash cam, HUD unit etc.

Tony.
 

Jack Ratt

Zorg Expert (I)
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British Zeds
The West Country
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Dec 3, 2013
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TRURO, CORNWALL
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2.8i AUTO and 2.8i MANUAL
Thanks guys for your reply.

I looked today at the piggy back solution from the radio fuse in the fuse box but I could not find any any route for the wire out of the fuse box and then through the fire wall. I want to end up in the area behind the gove box (left hand drive...) from where I can continue up the A pillar to the dash cam and also to the centre console for the gps.

Any detailed suggestions please?
Just to the left of the fusebox you will see a grommet on the bulkhead that goes into the cabin. This is where I fed my live feed for my dashcam. You will need to peel your carpet back in the cabin to access it.

I drilled a small hole in the side of the fusebox for my live feed. If you are careful it is an easy job.
 

Zelda3

Regular Member
Joined
Aug 5, 2017
Points
20
Location
Mariefred, Sweden
Model of Z
Z3, 2.8
Thanks Jack. I will take a look tomorrow to see if I can localise the grommet. Hope it is the same on my lhd.
 

Zelda3

Regular Member
Joined
Aug 5, 2017
Points
20
Location
Mariefred, Sweden
Model of Z
Z3, 2.8
Today I looked for grommet that Jack mentioned. On my car (lhd) it is hidden behind the brake servo but I can get at it from the inside and I will take the power from the radio fuse (44). Thanks for the advise Jack.
 

t-tony

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Torksey Lock,Lincoln, England
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E89 Z4 23i Auto
What will you plug the power supply into?

Tony.
 
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