Question Re Installing MirrorTap Cord in Rear View Mirror for 09 M3

[GOVCO]

Hello Forum,

Preface - I searched the DIY Threads and couldn't find what I am looking for.

Question: Anyone know offhand if I can tap into my auto dimming rear view mirror, which I believe has wires under the mirror cover at the windshield, to use as a power source for my radar? I believe I can, just want to make sure as I haven't done this before. If so, anyone know how to pop off the mirror wire cover on the windsheild?

I don't want to use the longer hardwire kit to tap the fuse box.

- Escort 9500ix
- Mirror Mount: http://www.countryjoycrafts.com/valentinemount.html.
- MirrorTap Power Cord: http://www.amazon.com/MirrorTap-Seri.../dp/B006074LT8

Appreciate the help!

Note:

1. For the dbags that say, .... I did.....
2. For those that say, .... I did .....

[Sully1Time]

Originally Posted by GOVCO

Hello Forum,

Preface - I searched the DIY Threads and couldn't find what I am looking for.

Question: Anyone know offhand if I can tap into my auto dimming rear view mirror, which I believe has wires under the mirror cover at the windshield, to use as a power source for my radar? I believe I can, just want to make sure as I haven't done this before. If so, anyone know how to pop off the mirror wire cover on the windsheild?

I don't want to use the longer hardwire kit to tap the fuse box.

- Escort 9500ix
- Mirror Mount: http://www.countryjoycrafts.com/valentinemount.html.
- MirrorTap Power Cord: http://www.amazon.com/MirrorTap-Seri.../dp/B006074LT8

Appreciate the help!

Note:

1. For the dbags that say, .... I did.....
2. For those that say, .... I did .....

The cover splits in half very easily, just grab it and pull. there are definitely switched power and ground in the mirror, but good luck taping into them. I tried the other day to do exactly as you want to do and there is no slack in any of the wiring coming from the headliner. If you remove the mirror you might get enough room in the wires to tap them, but good luck. I have 15 yrs experience in the 12volt industry and i gave up after 10mins. Wired my V1 to the fuse box instead!

[GOVCO]

Damn...well, maybe I will give it a try for 11 minutes and see what happens. I have no experience either. Might end up punching the mirror off. Thanks for the heads up though.

[tom @ eas]

No need to use fusebox:

Green/White - +12V power
Brown (solid) or chassis Ground - Ground.

You can locate the harness behind the sunroof switch panel.

[GOVCO]

Originally Posted by tom @ eas

No need to use fusebox:

Green/White - +12V power
Brown (solid) or chassis Ground - Ground.

You can locate the harness behind the sunroof switch panel.

Yeah...definitely a tight fit. The green/white stripe wire plugs into one clip housing unit, while the only solid brown I see plugs into a different housing. Each behind the mirror cap housing. There is a brown/black wire that plugs into the same housing as the green/white, but not sure its that one. Plus there is a light brown wire next to the darker brown wire...like a freakin box of crayons. Will take a pic tomorrow to shor you what I mean. Oh, and there is another one that attaches to some devie on the windshield itself. [Scratches head]

[tom @ eas]

Originally Posted by GOVCO

Yeah...definitely a tight fit. The green/white stripe wire plugs into one clip housing unit, while the only solid brown I see plugs into a different housing. Each behind the mirror cap housing. There is a brown/black wire that plugs into the same housing as the green/white, but not sure its that one. Plus there is a light brown wire next to the darker brown wire...like a freakin box of crayons. Will take a pic tomorrow to shor you what I mean. Oh, and there is another one that attaches to some devie on the windshield itself. [Scratches head]

Are you going behind the sunroof module? Sounds like you're at the plastic clamshell behind the mirror.

[GOVCO]

Originally Posted by tom @ eas

Are you going behind the sunroof module? Sounds like you're at the plastic clamshell behind the mirror.

Behind the mirror. I removed the clamshell (great description by the way).

[tom @ eas]

Here's a DIY covering the V1 install here:

DIY - V1 Valentine One Hardwire
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...hlight=sunroof



He takes a slightly different approach, but that is the location where you will find the green/white wire.

[GOVCO]

Yeah, different approach. Don't have those connections. Trying this method first. I know it has to work. I did locate the green/white wire. In the second pic its next to the purple wire. Just need to locate the brown wire like you said. That one appears in the other housing attached to the windshield. Will check it out again.

[rfalls]

Originally Posted by GOVCO

Yeah, different approach. Don't have those connections. Trying this method first. I know it has to work. I did locate the green/white wire. In the second pic its next to the purple wire. Just need to locate the brown wire like you said. That one appears in the other housing attached to the windshield. Will check it out again.

Were you successful? Just ordered the blendmount and trying to decide between tapping at mirror, sunroof or fusebox through the glovebox. Have a 2012 E92.

[GOVCO]

Nope. Unsuccessful 100%. Sucks! I tried everything. Getting the wires to stick just didn't work.

[ducman]

Originally Posted by GOVCO

Nope. Unsuccessful 100%. Sucks! I tried everything. Getting the wires to stick just didn't work.

The T-Tap connector that came with the V1 is too big (doesn't make contact with the wire) for the power wire in the rear view mirror/dom light. You'll have to get a smaller T-Tap connector.

Though it's recommended to use the fuse-tap method (since you're not splicing wires).

[rfalls]

Originally Posted by rfalls

Were you successful? Just ordered the blendmount and trying to decide between tapping at mirror, sunroof or fusebox through the glovebox. Have a 2012 E92.

Ended up going the hardwire using the fusetap in the glovebox per the great instructions on the forum.

[Transfer]

Bump for follow up. Has anyone used a MirrorTap? http://store.blendmount.com/mirrorta...long-p373.aspx

Is there room to shove the prong into the harness?

[JsL]

Originally Posted by tom @ eas

No need to use fusebox:

Green/White - +12V power
Brown (solid) or chassis Ground - Ground.

You can locate the harness behind the sunroof switch panel.

Works great! Thanks.

See Mirror Tap plugged into the green/white and solid brown on top of the detector. Hope the pics helps others looking to do this.

One note, the length of the Mirror Tap will need to get lengthened, as it won't reach your detector on a Mirror Mount or Blend Mount.

[Ultimatemj]

Looking for further info when there is not a sunroof...E92 w/carbon roof.
Would like to use the Mirror tap, but not finding the right wires

EDIT: found green w/wht stripe and brown, but the "taps" seem like they are too short. Can't get them to maintain power unless I press on them...soon as I let go it loses power...and I can't get them to go any further in