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      03-28-2020, 07:18 AM   #1
K1ogk
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How to install a dash cam(Best way)

Hi, has anyone fitted a dashcam to a 235i at all? Wheres the best way to run the cable etc.. and is the fuse box under the bonnet?
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      04-05-2020, 03:42 PM   #2
keylime503
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I have a blacksys CH100B hardwired to the front fuse box under the hood for parking mode. Getting the wire through the firewall was a pain but once I got everything setup it's been working perfectly for 2 years now.
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      04-06-2020, 08:13 AM   #3
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I have the Garmin 55 and was able to route the cord from the cam (mounted near the rearview mirror), tucked under the headliner, down the A-pillar, under the kick panels, under the rear seat, and then plugged into the trunk plug. All wiring is hidden and easily removable.
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      04-06-2020, 02:21 PM   #4
sandrik93
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Quote:
Originally Posted by K1ogk View Post
Hi, has anyone fitted a dashcam to a 235i at all? Wheres the best way to run the cable etc.. and is the fuse box under the bonnet?
https://www.2addicts.com/forums/show....php?t=1378410

Here's a thread with discussion and a very nice video. I need to wire my Thinkware as well, but since all the stay-at-home situation, I've been putting it off.
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      04-11-2020, 07:22 PM   #5
BimBimM2
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Quote:
Originally Posted by K1ogk View Post
Hi, has anyone fitted a dashcam to a 235i at all? Wheres the best way to run the cable etc.. and is the fuse box under the bonnet?
The best way to do this is to not touch your car's wiring. Period.

Run a Cellink battery from the 12v socket in the boot. Wire the dash cam to that battery. Perfect parking mode!

Super simple. None of that piggybacking or splicing cables shit.
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      04-12-2020, 05:23 AM   #6
overcoil
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My Owl dash cam plugs into the obd-II socket.
Been using it for two or three years with no issues.
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      04-14-2020, 08:04 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BimBimM2 View Post
The best way to do this is to not touch your car's wiring. Period.

Run a Cellink battery from the 12v socket in the boot. Wire the dash cam to that battery. Perfect parking mode!

Super simple. None of that piggybacking or splicing cables shit.
I vote for this also.
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      04-29-2020, 10:44 PM   #8
personinma
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BimBimM2 View Post
The best way to do this is to not touch your car's wiring. Period.

Run a Cellink battery from the 12v socket in the boot. Wire the dash cam to that battery. Perfect parking mode!

Super simple. None of that piggybacking or splicing cables shit.
Quote:
Originally Posted by DrEgon View Post
I vote for this also.
This might be a dumb as hell question, but what do you mean by 12v socket in the boot? I'm trying to figure out the easiest way to wire my blackvue 2 channel also.
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      04-29-2020, 11:52 PM   #9
BimBimM2
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Quote:
Originally Posted by personinma View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by BimBimM2 View Post
The best way to do this is to not touch your car's wiring. Period.

Run a Cellink battery from the 12v socket in the boot. Wire the dash cam to that battery. Perfect parking mode!

Super simple. None of that piggybacking or splicing cables shit.
Quote:
Originally Posted by DrEgon View Post
I vote for this also.
This might be a dumb as hell question, but what do you mean by 12v socket in the boot? I'm trying to figure out the easiest way to wire my blackvue 2 channel also.
Oh no! Not a dumb question at all. Took me a while to find one of those as well.

So it is going to be on the left hand side. Here is a picture of mine.
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      04-30-2020, 09:36 AM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BimBimM2 View Post
Oh no! Not a dumb question at all. Took me a while to find one of those as well.

So it is going to be on the left hand side. Here is a picture of mine.
YO, that's so tight!!!! Wow, cannot believe I never actually looked under that little cover before. Thanks a bunch! Definitely gonna make use of that socket
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      04-30-2020, 01:25 PM   #11
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Just started looking into and have 247 questions lol

Was looking at Nextbase 522 and Garmin.

1) Can you order set wires to run like KennyDSU did ?
2) How long can you tape on a 128GB card ?

I'd like to set up and let it run, and only save/pull as necc. Is that auto or are you constantly having to save,delete/remove to leave enough room on card ? (or does it record and if you DON"T save after drive, cam will delete, is that based on turning car off ? )

Sorry odd/basic questions, but don't want to have to mess with everytime I drive my car...but would like to record some light track time and of course if ever an incident.

Cheers
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      05-04-2020, 09:09 PM   #12
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Ordered NextBase522, BestBuy just dropped to $209, down $50. Can you just wire to fuse box ? Do 2's require a low profile mini connection ?

Anyone ever use this set up ?

https://www.bestbuy.com/site/hardwir...?skuId=6346999

Thx
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      05-04-2020, 11:33 PM   #13
BimBimM2
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 4Hockey4 View Post
Ordered NextBase522, BestBuy just dropped to $209, down $50. Can you just wire to fuse box ? Do 2's require a low profile mini connection ?

Anyone ever use this set up ?

https://www.bestbuy.com/site/hardwir...?skuId=6346999

Thx
Hey there, does this camera have parking mode?

Also, I am especially shy about touching electronics/electricals in BMWs... why not get a battery and run it off that?
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      05-05-2020, 06:46 AM   #14
4Hockey4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BimBimM2 View Post
Hey there, does this camera have parking mode?

Also, I am especially shy about touching electronics/electricals in BMWs... why not get a battery and run it off that?
Yes, I read through all the Best Buy questions, from SD card to hook up etc.

Do you put the battery in glove box ? What size and connection ?

That's not all, however, the 522GW also packs an 'Intelligent Parking Mode' that records any bump or physical movement on the vehicle when left unattended.

I wouldn't mind running to drunk hook up, guess you have to splice your own wire(s) and connections ?

Would note this is a UK product....but reviews all pretty good in US

Here's review:


Last edited by 4Hockey4; 05-05-2020 at 06:59 AM..
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      05-07-2020, 03:42 PM   #15
sandrik93
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BimBimM2 View Post
Hey there, does this camera have parking mode?

Also, I am especially shy about touching electronics/electricals in BMWs... why not get a battery and run it off that?
Cellink battery is 300 bucks.
And plugging into the car one is free (minus wire and time cost).
Wired mine just like the video link I posted earlier (a little different cabin wiring path). Works like a charm..
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      05-07-2020, 03:46 PM   #16
sandrik93
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 4Hockey4 View Post
Ordered NextBase522, BestBuy just dropped to $209, down $50. Can you just wire to fuse box ? Do 2's require a low profile mini connection ?

Anyone ever use this set up ?

https://www.bestbuy.com/site/hardwir...?skuId=6346999

Thx
Depends on which fuse you use. 5amp fuse #147 (for radio, that I tapped into) is a 5 amp mini fuse. Not low profile.
this one:
https://www.amazon.com/Bussmann-Amp-.../dp/B0024JT7TU
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      05-07-2020, 04:35 PM   #17
BimBimM2
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sandrik93 View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by BimBimM2 View Post
Hey there, does this camera have parking mode?

Also, I am especially shy about touching electronics/electricals in BMWs... why not get a battery and run it off that?
Cellink battery is 300 bucks.
And plugging into the car one is free (minus wire and time cost).
Wired mine just like the video link I posted earlier (a little different cabin wiring path). Works like a charm..
I agree. Cellink is expensive but I hate playing with these touchy BMW batteries. If you go to dashcamtalk forums it is ALWAYS some dude in a BMW complaining about his camera not detecting voltages right and running down the battery
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      05-08-2020, 08:46 AM   #18
sandrik93
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BimBimM2 View Post
I agree. Cellink is expensive but I hate playing with these touchy BMW batteries. If you go to dashcamtalk forums it is ALWAYS some dude in a BMW complaining about his camera not detecting voltages right and running down the battery
Yeah, I've seen a bunch of those. That's why the battery connection is direct and not fuse-tapped as well. blackboxmycar recommended a battery for BMW as well. But then again, I took the risk and so far it works. I did have to solder though, just like in the video.
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