THE LARGEST BMW 2-SERIES FORUM ON THE PLANET
2Addicts
2Addicts
BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read
2Addicts | BMW 2-Series forum Technical Topics DIY and Coding Discussions DIY: MirrorTap & BlendMount

Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      08-14-2015, 11:26 AM   #45
MikeDee
ChiLLaXin'
MikeDee's Avatar
United_States
31
Rep
41
Posts

Drives: 2015 BMW M235i
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Omaha, NE

iTrader: (0)

Thumbs up

I highly recommend this DIY - it is the best if you want that clean and tight look although a little pricey. Like an earlier post, I went with the Escort 9500 after hours upon hours of research. This detector is boss. GPS learning is a strong feature. Check out the item at autoanything since they are always producing coupons, especially for black Friday where you can approach half off this detector.

Their new model has a lot of bad reviews out there, perhaps need a few years to work the bugs out. The 9500 has firmware update and speed camera ability. Seriously, you will not be disappointed. She even caught a laser the other day in a neighborhood zone. Not much you can do at that point, but nice to know it's sharp.

Bonus: you can still manage a windshield sun deflector with little bend-age around the mount. And when mounted like this, your rearview blocks direct sunlight to the unit = longer life.

Has saved me about a dozen tickets so far this year, they haven't got me yet.
Appreciate 0
      09-09-2015, 12:28 AM   #46
Ruhnie
Private First Class
Ruhnie's Avatar
32
Rep
167
Posts

Drives: 2015 m235i 6MT
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Dallas

iTrader: (0)

How would I know if I have an auto-dimming mirror? Is it just standard now?
__________________
2004 Imola Red 330i ZHP 6MT RIP
2007 Jet Black 335i 6MT RIP
Appreciate 0
      09-09-2015, 12:33 AM   #47
abirmaher
Colonel
abirmaher's Avatar
United_States
835
Rep
2,349
Posts

Drives: 2018 BMW M2 & 2024 BMW X1 M35i
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Fort Lauderdale, FL

iTrader: (14)

Garage List
  [0.00]
2018 BMW M2  [10.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ruhnie
How would I know if I have an auto-dimming mirror? Is it just standard now?
Not seeing it as an option in the configurator so it may just be standard. But am not 100%.
__________________
Follow my builds:
The Racecar (2018 M2 - M0010): Build Thread | @_m0010
The Daily (2024 X1 M35i - X001M35):Build Thread | @_x001m35
Appreciate 0
      11-19-2015, 11:31 AM   #48
MikeDee
ChiLLaXin'
MikeDee's Avatar
United_States
31
Rep
41
Posts

Drives: 2015 BMW M235i
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Omaha, NE

iTrader: (0)

Using a Blendmount and cable to plug into the rear-view mirror power is much easier. Use my referral link to get 12.5% off too... excellent products, and they now have a mount for a Go Pro camera:

http://blendmount.refr.cc/CFCVLCV

Last edited by MikeDee; 11-20-2015 at 02:27 PM..
Appreciate 1
      11-20-2015, 10:33 PM   #49
crbalch
The Schwab
crbalch's Avatar
United_States
473
Rep
1,605
Posts

Drives: 2020 AW M340xi
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Chicagoland

iTrader: (2)

Garage List
2017 BMW X1  [0.00]
2016 BMW M235xi  [0.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by MikeDee View Post
Using a Blendmount and cable to plug into the rear-view mirror power is much easier. Use my referral link to get 12.5% off too... excellent products, and they now have a mount for a Go Pro camera:

http://blendmount.refr.cc/CFCVLCV
I had a Blendmount in my Mazdaspeed 6 awhile ago...great product but at $130 its way too steep. I just bought the upgraded Escort Sticky Cup Mount and it works beautifully. Hardwired with the Mirrortap and I came in around $60 total for the setup.
Appreciate 0
      11-26-2015, 10:25 PM   #50
boba8523
Private
25
Rep
75
Posts

Drives: c
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: cali

iTrader: (0)

Does anyone know if a base m235i without any packages also have wires/power going to the rearview mirrors?
Appreciate 0
      11-30-2015, 02:08 PM   #51
Ruhnie
Private First Class
Ruhnie's Avatar
32
Rep
167
Posts

Drives: 2015 m235i 6MT
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Dallas

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by boba8523 View Post
Does anyone know if a base m235i without any packages also have wires/power going to the rearview mirrors?
Yes it does, and is really easy to tap. See here.
__________________
2004 Imola Red 330i ZHP 6MT RIP
2007 Jet Black 335i 6MT RIP
Appreciate 0
      12-02-2015, 03:06 PM   #52
boba8523
Private
25
Rep
75
Posts

Drives: c
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: cali

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ruhnie View Post
Yes it does, and is really easy to tap. See here.
Thank you sir! What wires do I buy? Like tap-a-fuse or something?
Appreciate 0
      12-02-2015, 03:25 PM   #53
Ruhnie
Private First Class
Ruhnie's Avatar
32
Rep
167
Posts

Drives: 2015 m235i 6MT
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Dallas

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by boba8523 View Post
Thank you sir! What wires do I buy? Like tap-a-fuse or something?
I got the MirrorTap cord. Worked great.
__________________
2004 Imola Red 330i ZHP 6MT RIP
2007 Jet Black 335i 6MT RIP
Appreciate 0
      12-02-2015, 11:18 PM   #54
boba8523
Private
25
Rep
75
Posts

Drives: c
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: cali

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ruhnie View Post
I got the MirrorTap cord. Worked great.
Awesome!

All radar detectors use the same power cord? I may change out my Escort for a Valentine V1 .. Not sure if their power cords would work after since I'd prefer not to re-route the whole thing..
Appreciate 0
      12-03-2015, 10:17 AM   #55
Ruhnie
Private First Class
Ruhnie's Avatar
32
Rep
167
Posts

Drives: 2015 m235i 6MT
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Dallas

iTrader: (0)

I used that one for the V1, but not sure what an Escort would need. There's a pdf or some kind of info on their site that shows compatibility...I think.
__________________
2004 Imola Red 330i ZHP 6MT RIP
2007 Jet Black 335i 6MT RIP
Appreciate 0
      12-07-2015, 09:21 AM   #56
lx93
Private
65
Rep
71
Posts

Drives: 16 MT M2
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: MA

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by abirmaher View Post
Hello,

Today I installed a BlendMount and a MirrorTap in my M235i and I wanted to share my experience and do a small DIY with pictures from the information I have gathered through the threads on here, the instructions that came with the items as well as trial and error.

I have an Escort Passport MAX which I had, until now, mounted with the standard suction cup mount and the standard cable. Here are some photos before starting:





Mirror Tap Info:

The mirror tap is pretty clever and basically allows you to hardwire the radar to the power that goes to the mirror without having to run wire all over the place. This was the harder portion of the instal, but only because of the lack of a clear DIY, hopefully this will help mitigate that for anyone else who needs.

Name: MT-4000 Series - .080" X .525" Long Tap

SKU: MT-4012

Link: http://www.mirrortap.com/mt4000.html#Standard

This can also be found on the site by selecting BMW and selecting in the auto dimming column for the 2 series. This is what you'll want to get.

Blend Mount Info:

The blend mount is also a cool bit of kit which basically allows you to mount your radar directly under the rearview mirror, mounted on the stem that holds the mirror. You have to select which type of radar as well as which type of mount you will need.

For me I had to select the proper mounting system for the 2 series as well as for the Escort Passport MAX. For me the proper information for the mount I got can be found below:

Name: BlendMount Radar Detector Mount for Escort Passport Max, European, BMX-2117

SKU:BMX-2117

Link: http://store.blendmount.com/blendmou...117-p1928.aspx

This can also be found on the site by selecting select your vehicle in the top bar, selecting BMW, click on 2 series. The correct one for our cars is BLENDMOUNT ID#-BMW-006. Under this there is a drop down where you choose your type of radar, between Valentine V1, Escort Passport MAX or other Escort detectors. In that same drop down you will also find the matching mirror tap.

Packaging:

Package arrived in a few short days and although expensive you can immediately tell your paying for quality items.



Steps:

1) Remove the cover of the part of the mirror that is attached to the windshield. To do this you will see that its split right in half. Use some kind of credit card starting from the windshield. Use the card to split this open. You may have to wiggle the 2 sides, for me one side really didn't want to come off but with some wiggling a fiddling eventually it comes apart and can be taken off.

2) You will now see many wires and such exposed like in this photo:



3) There are 2 connectors with wires coming out of them right by the stem of the mirror. You are looking for the larger which is also the lower one. Squeeze the sides and pull up to remove the plug. If you just tug at it straight up and back like opposite to the direction that its going into you can actually pull it out a but before unplugging it which makes it easier to unplug, just make sure that when your finished you push it back into where it goes.

4) Now you take the mirror tap wire, which has a red and black plug and plug it into where the wires feed into the plug. In this case the red plugs into the same port as the brown and green wire while the black (ground) plugs into the black and brown wire port. When plugging those in make sure you get as close to the wire that they share the socket with as possible. You'll feel it grab, make sure they go all the way in.



5) The manufacture instructions recommend that you zip tie the cable to some cables in there to keep if from getting pulled out but I didn't do this because I did not have scissors to cut the zip ties with me. I don't think its necessary but will help if you anticipate the cable being pulled, which hopefully won't be the case.

AS A SIDE NOTE I RECOMMEND THAT YOU TEST THAT THE CONNECTION WORKS BY CONNECTING YOUR RADAR AND TURNING ON THE CAR TO VERIFY YOU HAVE A GOOD CONNECTION. IF IT DOES NOT WORK TRY PUSHING THE CABLES IN DEEPER. ONCE EVERYTHING IS WORKING, GO AHEAD AND UNPLUG YOUR RADAR AND GO ON.

6) Feed the cable out the right side of where the housing will be when you replace it. When replacing the cover you will simply line it up with the mirror stem on either side and then line up the pieces and join them. This might take some fiddling but its not too bad. Also be sure that the wire which should come out of the right side won't interfere with any of the clips or anything in the cover.



7) The mirror tap is officially done. Now on to the blend mount.





8) First step is to loosen the part of the mount that holds the actual stem by loosening the bolt in the middle on the bottom of the mount quite a bit, you use the included tool for this.

9) You put it on the stem and push it as far forward as you can. Now using the tool tighten the screw almost all the way. Put your radar on the mount and make sure you like it up to face the right direction, we will take care of the angle of the radar next, just get it facing the right direction first.

10) Once this is correctly oriented finish tightening the screw that you tightened earlier until it is well secured but don't over tighten either.

11) Now we will loosen the screw on the right side of the mount and adjust our angle. Once this is done you tighten it back up.



12) Now take the wire that should be sticking out of the side of the mirror housing thing against the windshield and tuck it down so it sticks out towards the bottom so it looks a little cleaner an conceals more of the wire and then plug it into your radar.

13) Your now done! Here are some more pictures of the job done. Please feel free to message me with questions and concerns.








sorry to dig up an old thread! I tried to install the mirror tap to my valentine one and this is the cord that i got from amazon
http://www.amazon.com/PerformancePac...rds=invisicord


during the installation the probe seems to be too thick to be inserted into the molex connector. I tried to push really hard into it and still can't get it to stay. has anyone run into this problem?

thanks!
Appreciate 0
      12-07-2015, 04:11 PM   #57
BEM-S4
Major General
BEM-S4's Avatar
United_States
4515
Rep
8,942
Posts

Drives: Dinan M235, Dinan Sport Wagon
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Philadelphia

iTrader: (5)

Quote:
Originally Posted by lx93 View Post
sorry to dig up an old thread! I tried to install the mirror tap to my valentine one and this is the cord that i got from amazon
http://www.amazon.com/PerformancePac...rds=invisicord


during the installation the probe seems to be too thick to be inserted into the molex connector. I tried to push really hard into it and still can't get it to stay. has anyone run into this problem?

thanks!
You need the 0.08 inch tap size, they come in different sizes for different car manufacturers. Make sure they sent you the right thing.
Appreciate 0
      03-17-2016, 11:48 PM   #58
Prodigy.
Lieutenant Colonel
Prodigy.'s Avatar
Australia
698
Rep
1,514
Posts

Drives: ///M2
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Australia

iTrader: (0)

Awesome DIY, definitely a better option than running cables all over the car so wanted to attempt this when my 2 Series arrives.

Issue is when i went to order the Mirrortap it quoted me $50 USD just to post the tiny cable to Australia!!.

Any other suppliers of a similar product?
Appreciate 1
      03-18-2016, 09:31 AM   #59
abirmaher
Colonel
abirmaher's Avatar
United_States
835
Rep
2,349
Posts

Drives: 2018 BMW M2 & 2024 BMW X1 M35i
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Fort Lauderdale, FL

iTrader: (14)

Garage List
  [0.00]
2018 BMW M2  [10.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by Prodigy.
Awesome DIY, definitely a better option than running cables all over the car so wanted to attempt this when my 2 Series arrives.

Issue is when i went to order the Mirrortap it quoted me $50 USD just to post the tiny cable to Australia!!.

Any other suppliers of a similar product?
They sell the same cables on eBay! Just look around.
__________________
Follow my builds:
The Racecar (2018 M2 - M0010): Build Thread | @_m0010
The Daily (2024 X1 M35i - X001M35):Build Thread | @_x001m35
Appreciate 0
      03-31-2016, 06:36 PM   #60
IM2C
Major General
IM2C's Avatar
2065
Rep
5,373
Posts

Drives: ∞ Improbability Drive
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: FL

iTrader: (9)

Great DIY! Thanks op. I just ordered it for my V1.
__________________
///| g87 | f87 Comp | g29 M40i | f97 Comp | f80 Comp | f80 | f30 | e92 | tt | S5 | e92 | 350z | e90 |
Appreciate 1
      04-11-2016, 03:10 PM   #61
bimmer813
Second Lieutenant
United_States
79
Rep
244
Posts

Drives: 2023 M4, 2024 X5 M60
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: Tampa, FL

iTrader: (0)

Thanks again OP, I just installed my wiretap and it was a 5 minute install, couldn't have been easier!

I ended up putting my V1 to the left of the mirror up near the headliner (really only use it for the forward radar detection), so I had the cord come out the top of the plastic housing right next to headliner for a super clean install
Appreciate 0
      04-20-2016, 06:26 PM   #62
Em-too
Second Lieutenant
Em-too's Avatar
United_States
280
Rep
278
Posts

Drives: 2016 M2
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Florida

iTrader: (0)

Excellent write up. Worked perfectly in my M2. Thank you!
Appreciate 0
      06-03-2016, 04:58 PM   #63
internetguru
Enlisted Member
internetguru's Avatar
United_States
13
Rep
49
Posts

Drives: Alpine White BMW M235i vert
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: Houston, TX

iTrader: (0)

Very nice... I did this in my C7 and need o do it to the M235i
Appreciate 0
      06-07-2016, 04:09 AM   #64
Prodigy.
Lieutenant Colonel
Prodigy.'s Avatar
Australia
698
Rep
1,514
Posts

Drives: ///M2
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Australia

iTrader: (0)

Just finished this on my M2, DIY was a great help.
Only issue i had was no matter how i tried to connect the mirror tap wires i could not get the V1 to turn on, luckily i had a spare mirror tap (which was originally sent in error as it is too short for where i actually wanted to mount the V1) but i tried that and it worked first time. The longer Mirror tap i have must unfortunately be faulty.
Appreciate 1
      06-07-2016, 03:46 PM   #65
Kolyan2k
Major General
916
Rep
5,538
Posts

Drives: 2006 S2000
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Boston

iTrader: (1)

I wish those radar detectors worked....but they don't in MA. All cops use lasers and Waze is pretty useful and free "detector" now.
Appreciate 0
      06-07-2016, 05:35 PM   #66
reala
Private First Class
24
Rep
106
Posts

Drives: 16' MG M235i xDrive
Join Date: May 2016
Location: Earth

iTrader: (0)

Anybody using invisicord mirror tap? Which one should I order from their website?
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 09:13 AM.




2addicts
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST