Finally done the mod this weekend! I had to open the mirror case 3 times and the overhead panel at least 5 times to try different things, not to mention that I fried the IC chip once!
Here are some tips and lessons learned:
1 - definitely test the circuit before even thinking of opening the car. I used a jumpstart system that comes with 12V output.
2 - Do not tap into the existing plug that goes into the mirror. One of the wires has constant 12V when I connect that into the circuit, it fried my timer chip!
In my case, I did what msinfo_us did which was running two wires directly to the back of the LED socket casing. I found it easier taking off the mirror and connect these two wires first, then run them back to the circuit board and butt connect (22~26 gauge telephone wire butt connector) them to the output wires from leg 3 and 4. I also disconnected the original LED plug just to be safe.
3 - Although I did not compare with another bmw side-by-side but the output seems dim to me. You may want to try the alternate circuit to start with.
Good luck and thanks for the great DIY.
NOTE:
I do not have compass or homelink so your connection may be different.
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