[Venom692x]

hey everybody I have a 2011 e92 328, I was thinking of buying a radar detector. The problem is the power outlet is only in the center armrest. Do you guys just have the wire going across the dash all the way to the windsheild... there must be a better option? I looked radars up and there is a wireless radar called the Escort Solo S2...any good?

Thanks for feed back.

[ForgedDistributing]

For our cars, your best bet is to hardwire the device to your car. There is a DIY in the DIY section. It will look the best, perform the best, and it isn't too bad.

[Moony]

There should be another outlet underneath the glovebox to the left

[iBoost]

+1 hardwire. Tap into a fuse.

[eppisgood]

You don't have a cigarette lighter? That is where I plug my V1 into.

[Venom692x]

No there is no outlet, except one inside the center armrest console. My friend's 2006 325i sedan has a power outlet below the HVAC controls where you typically find one. I guess they removed it on the LCI models... oh and Ill check below the glove compartement on the left, I don't ever recall seeing one there though.

Thanks for hardwire tips ill look into that.

[E91 Hoarder]

Hardwire it with a fuse tap. Takes 15 minutes. Look it up in the DIY section.
Here is the similar thread: http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=794481

[E91 Hoarder]

Originally Posted by Venom692x

No there is no outlet, except one inside the center armrest console. My friend's 2006 325i sedan has a power outlet below the HVAC controls where you typically find one. I guess they removed it on the LCI models... oh and Ill check below the glove compartement on the left, I don't ever recall seeing one there though.

Thanks for hardwire tips ill look into that.

Yes, there is one. They relocated it to underneath the glove box to the right from the center console. - look under it, you'll find it there.

[Envuks]

Originally Posted by ForgedDistributing

For our cars, your best bet is to hardwire the device to your car. There is a DIY in the DIY section. It will look the best, perform the best, and it isn't too bad.

I agree with this. I hardwired my V1 following the DIY on this site. I'm not mechanically inclined and it took me all of 45 minutes going slowly.

I think there is also a power outlet in the glovebox if I recall correctly

[N8N]

My setup: v1, blendmount, hardwire kit to fuse tap in glovebox. Hardest part was dealing with the PITA A-pillar trim.

[Spydeputy]

I hardwired my thru the power in the mirror.

[lebanese1990]

i use the solo s2 right now works fine and perfect on batteries bec i dont like any wiring coming down my winshield.

[skim7x]

I have my V1 just to the right of my rear view mirror, ran the power cord under the roof lining, down the a-pillar behind the airbags and into the glovebox where it's tapped into the fusebox... from there, I have the remote display going from the fusebox behind the center console, up the steering column and stuck right in front of my fuel gauge (You can still see the top 1/3 of the fuel gauge, which is all I need anyways). Perfect setup and super-clean.

[135Pats]

I'm lazy so I just mounted my V1 a bit below the rearview (small window out the back of the 'vert so I had to mount mine lower on the windshield than a sedan or coupe owner). I'll get around to hardwiring it when it's warm out, I can't be motivated to do it just for aesthetic purposes when it's below freezing outside.

[gulshan]

op, you can skimp on the mount (windsheild vs hardwired) but do not skimp on the radar itself. Stick with the popular v1/escort 9500ix/beltronics gx-65/pro 500... etc Regarding hardwired mount Blendmount is the best and the other alternative is the one from country joy

[overheadvalve]

Excellent instructions on hardwire in DIY section.It's called, V1 Valentine One Hardwire. I dont know how to include a link but it's there. This is hardwiring it to power and ground under the overhead console. One tip if you go this route. Take out the two inside (near center of car) sunvisor holding clips. The whole front of the headliner (closest to windshield) will drop down. you can then simply reach in the front of the headliner and push the tabs to drop the console down. Took me all of 10 minutes. Then follow wiring instructions in DIY. I placed my V1 to the right of the rear view mirror just below the tinted part of the windshield.

[bjf66]

Look up the V1's SAVVY, it's what I use. It connects to the OBD-II port, and might be suitable for you

[Titanium3Series]

used the fuse tap method and used a universal rear veiw mirror bracket

[Venom692x]

Thanks for all the tips everybody, I discovered that hidden power outlet under the dash on the passenger side so I think Imma try that and if that is annoying I'll resort to the hardwire.

Trying not to spend too much, so I was thinking Escort Passport 8500 x50. Seems like the best choice for the money.You guys have good experience with them?

[menewtobmw]

Originally Posted by Venom692x

Thanks for all the tips everybody, I discovered that hidden power outlet under the dash on the passenger side so I think Imma try that and if that is annoying I'll resort to the hardwire.

Trying not to spend too much, so I was thinking Escort Passport 8500 x50. Seems like the best choice for the money.You guys have good experience with them?

I have the 8500 x50, solid model. Doesn't have some of the new fancy GPS stuff, but does its job without a ton of false alerts.