Valentine 1 install on E90

scottz5 · 09-14-2005, 12:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jwarcd

Mine wigged out when the sunroof was opened until I connected the V1 to a better ground. I used the hex bolt...

Did this and mine still shorts out.

thr61 · 09-16-2005, 09:54 AM

I am planning on buying both the V1 and the stealth unit and want to try the install detailed here. One question: does the stealth unit draw power from the V1 or does it need its own power connection? Looking at the V1 site, it appears to need its own power and seems to offer a lighter plug or direct wire kit. However, the DIY stuff here makes no mention of running a second power supply to the stealth unit.

BTW: what kind of luck and prices have folks had with getting a car audio shop to do the install? I am a bit nervous about hacking into a one week old car with 200 miles...

petesamprs · 09-19-2005, 06:16 PM

All of you who have hardwired the v1...what do you do when you have to park your car in public? Do you remove/hide it each time? Is it even removable?

It's a lot of money and don't want it to get stolen.

dan4tuc58 · 10-03-2005, 11:15 PM

you dont need to remove it.... but anyway...here is how i hardwired mine...these are just outside pics...other install pics are in diff comp / diff house...i'll post those too in a couple days...oh BTW--- C.D. means concealed display

Choon · 10-06-2005, 02:54 PM

i wish i could get one, but cant..

hate VA

thr61 · 10-07-2005, 07:45 PM

I have my V1 and concealed display and am going to try the install this weekend. In re-reading this thread, I see that there is no definitive answer on the optimal power supply wire to choose. It seems that the "green/white wire in the larger bundle" is the way to go, making sure there is a solid ground. However, the thread also indicates some sunroof power contention issues when using this wire.

Any recent installs or updates to confirm the best way to hard wire this thing?

Thanks and wish me luck with my first "mod."

thr61 · 10-08-2005, 12:41 PM

Install complete!

It is not as easy as some describe here, and it took much more time than I planned. Getting the panel down was tough until I found the clips to release. The ground situation was impossible and so I ended up drilling a hole and using a sheet metal screw. The green and white wire worked and I have no interference with the sun roof. Running the concealed display cable was a major pain as the headliner along the windshield is REALLY tight (German engineering...)

Still, it looks good -- I have it mounted on the drivers side of the rearview mirror. A bit of a problem when the visor goes down as it obscures about 20% of the rear sensor. I hope it is not a huge problem.

Happy to answer any questions about how it all went. I will be happy to suggest a tools list in order to have the next DIYer avoid the 24 trips I made from garage to basement.

bcaslis · 10-08-2005, 01:29 PM

Interesting, I've tried both green and white wires that I could fine and mine still cuts out with the sunroof open all the way. The ground seems to be OK, I getting a good connection with an ohmeter for it.

poldim · 10-08-2005, 02:59 PM

Do you have more info on how you mounted your valentine? I havent had much time to get in there and fit so its sucktioned to the windshield for now...

thr61 · 10-08-2005, 04:19 PM

Mounting? As in on the windshield or the hard-wired part?

tima · 10-08-2005, 11:00 PM

Did mine today. Removing the light fixture was a pita. Used the green and white wire in the large bundle with ground to the hex nut. Did not have to sand or otherwise do anything with the nex nut but loosen it a tad to insert the ground plug. Works fine while sunroof is opening/closing.

Thanks much to all who went b4 me and posted install info!

poldim · 10-11-2005, 07:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by plpeeple

Hardwire Installation with Pictures

Image 1:
Placement of Prying tool to pop release tabs on left side
Image 2:
Placement of Prying tool to pop release tabs on right side
Image 3:
View of the Release Tabs on the panel
Image 4:
Another View of the Release Tabs on the panel
Image 5:
View of the Front panel (it is one piece)
Image 6:
Installing the hot wire to the green/white wire
Image 7:
Installing the Ground Wire(PAIN) - Make sure to use the HEX bolt (left top corner - if you are sitting on the driver side) for the ground
Image 8:
Finished Product

Do you have more info on how you mounted your valentine? I havent had much time to get in there and fit so its sucktioned to the windshield for now...

It looks like you did something other than just sucktion cup it to the windshield.

MonacoBlueNJ · 10-16-2005, 12:08 AM

I have given up getting the damn light fixture down. I pulled on the thing for a good half hour and could not get it off. The clear plastic part even popped off and kinda broke but stillf clips up there. This really sucks b/c the wire looks like crap. Sorry for the frustrated rant.

poldim · 10-16-2005, 12:33 AM

When ever I get some time I'll make an infinite picture how-to.

dalpert · 10-16-2005, 08:34 AM

I had the dealer do it (charged me for 1/2 hour...$45) and the mechanic went directly into the fuse box. After looking at the wiring diagram he thought that is was safer to go directly into the box. I have done the last few cars myself but after opening the overhead light and it became obvious that finding the correct wire was not a simple task

MonacoBlueNJ · 10-16-2005, 08:39 AM

I'd much rather go to the fuses....how did he route the wire to the fuse box? Its in the glove compartment right?

thr61 · 10-16-2005, 09:18 PM

MonacoBlueNJ:

Don't give up! There are 2 clips at the front edge that need to be released. I used a plastic putty knife (brand new) and kept testing until I found the clips. They appear to be about 1 or 1.25 inches in from each edge. If you put some finger pressure on the side of the unit and push/pry gently with the knife, they will all of a sudden pop and release.

I can take a picture if you are really stuck. Good luck.

pharmb · 10-22-2005, 10:51 AM

I think I just officially gave up on trying to hardwire my V1 myself. Trying to get that frickin' light fixture off is the most rediculus thing EVER!

I have hardwired the V1 in the last three cars I've had, including an E46 M3, and have never had this hard of a time!!

ben1364 · 10-23-2005, 10:10 AM

The V-1 wiring instructions are great! Thanks for posting the detail. After struggling to remove the switch panel behind the inside rear view mirror, I happened to notice in the Owmers' manual that instructions are included! This panel must be removed to manually open/colse the sun roof.

pharmb · 10-23-2005, 03:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ben1364

The V-1 wiring instructions are great! Thanks for posting the detail. After struggling to remove the switch panel behind the inside rear view mirror, I happened to notice in the Owmers' manual that instructions are included! This panel must be removed to manually open/colse the sun roof.

Thanks, that did the trick! Finally got it!

For those of you who have problems with the shorting out when the sunroof is open, change the ground. I had the same issue when I was grounded to one of the star screws, but when I changed to the bolt for a ground, problem solved.

indianboy821 · 10-25-2005, 04:54 PM

Any tricks to getting the whole light fixture off? I have tried for hours now and the thing doesn't come off! Any ideas??

scottz5 · 10-26-2005, 09:46 AM

thank sbut i dont want to take the light down again what a pain in the ...

09-16-2005, 09:54 AM	#68
thr61 New Member 0 Rep 6 Posts Drives: 2006 E90 Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: MA iTrader: (0)	I am planning on buying both the V1 and the stealth unit and want to try the install detailed here. One question: does the stealth unit draw power from the V1 or does it need its own power connection? Looking at the V1 site, it appears to need its own power and seems to offer a lighter plug or direct wire kit. However, the DIY stuff here makes no mention of running a second power supply to the stealth unit. BTW: what kind of luck and prices have folks had with getting a car audio shop to do the install? I am a bit nervous about hacking into a one week old car with 200 miles...
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09-19-2005, 06:16 PM	#69
petesamprs Lieutenant 34 Rep 519 Posts Drives: . Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: northeast iTrader: (0)	All of you who have hardwired the v1...what do you do when you have to park your car in public? Do you remove/hide it each time? Is it even removable? It's a lot of money and don't want it to get stolen.
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10-03-2005, 11:15 PM	#70
dan4tuc58 Workaholic 0 Rep 13 Posts Drives: 07 X5; 08 535; 08 135; 09 335 Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Long Beach / West LA, Cali iTrader: (0)	you dont need to remove it.... but anyway...here is how i hardwired mine...these are just outside pics...other install pics are in diff comp / diff house...i'll post those too in a couple days...oh BTW--- C.D. means concealed display
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10-06-2005, 02:54 PM	#71
Choon Boost Me! 13 Rep 108 Posts Drives: E90 330i Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Fairfax, VA iTrader: (0)	i wish i could get one, but cant.. hate VA
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10-07-2005, 07:45 PM	#72
thr61 New Member 0 Rep 6 Posts Drives: 2006 E90 Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: MA iTrader: (0)	I have my V1 and concealed display and am going to try the install this weekend. In re-reading this thread, I see that there is no definitive answer on the optimal power supply wire to choose. It seems that the "green/white wire in the larger bundle" is the way to go, making sure there is a solid ground. However, the thread also indicates some sunroof power contention issues when using this wire. Any recent installs or updates to confirm the best way to hard wire this thing? Thanks and wish me luck with my first "mod."
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-08-2005, 12:41 PM	#73
thr61 New Member 0 Rep 6 Posts Drives: 2006 E90 Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: MA iTrader: (0)	Install complete! It is not as easy as some describe here, and it took much more time than I planned. Getting the panel down was tough until I found the clips to release. The ground situation was impossible and so I ended up drilling a hole and using a sheet metal screw. The green and white wire worked and I have no interference with the sun roof. Running the concealed display cable was a major pain as the headliner along the windshield is REALLY tight (German engineering...) Still, it looks good -- I have it mounted on the drivers side of the rearview mirror. A bit of a problem when the visor goes down as it obscures about 20% of the rear sensor. I hope it is not a huge problem. Happy to answer any questions about how it all went. I will be happy to suggest a tools list in order to have the next DIYer avoid the 24 trips I made from garage to basement.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-08-2005, 01:29 PM	#74
bcaslis Private First Class 1 Rep 124 Posts Drives: BMW 2006 330i Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Oregon, USA iTrader: (0)	Interesting, I've tried both green and white wires that I could fine and mine still cuts out with the sunroof open all the way. The ground seems to be OK, I getting a good connection with an ohmeter for it. __________________ 330i, Sapphire Black/Terra, 6MT, Sport, Premium, Cold Weather, Sat. Prep, Aluminum Trim Pictures at http://caslis.com/photos/bmwe90/
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10-08-2005, 02:59 PM	#75
poldim Vroom Vrrooooom 300 Rep 3,146 Posts Drives: 330i Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Bay Area, CA iTrader: (2) Garage List 2006 330i Sedan [0.00] 2003 GSX-R 600 [0.00]	Do you have more info on how you mounted your valentine? I havent had much time to get in there and fit so its sucktioned to the windshield for now...
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10-08-2005, 04:19 PM	#76
thr61 New Member 0 Rep 6 Posts Drives: 2006 E90 Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: MA iTrader: (0)	Mounting? As in on the windshield or the hard-wired part? __________________ E90 325i \| titanium silver / gray leather \| 6 speed mt \| cold weather \| premium \| sirrius \| V1 hardwired
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10-08-2005, 11:00 PM	#77
tima Custom User Title 17 Rep 215 Posts Drives: 330i ZSP/TiAg/Blk Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Wisconsin iTrader: (0)	Did mine today. Removing the light fixture was a pita. Used the green and white wire in the large bundle with ground to the hex nut. Did not have to sand or otherwise do anything with the nex nut but loosen it a tad to insert the ground plug. Works fine while sunroof is opening/closing. Thanks much to all who went b4 me and posted install info! __________________ tima get off the phone and drive
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10-16-2005, 12:08 AM	#79
MonacoBlueNJ Private First Class 2 Rep 145 Posts Drives: Monaco Blue 330i Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Central NJ iTrader: (0)	I have given up getting the damn light fixture down. I pulled on the thing for a good half hour and could not get it off. The clear plastic part even popped off and kinda broke but stillf clips up there. This really sucks b/c the wire looks like crap. Sorry for the frustrated rant.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-16-2005, 12:33 AM	#80
poldim Vroom Vrrooooom 300 Rep 3,146 Posts Drives: 330i Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Bay Area, CA iTrader: (2) Garage List 2006 330i Sedan [0.00] 2003 GSX-R 600 [0.00]	When ever I get some time I'll make an infinite picture how-to. __________________ -Dmitriy 06' BMW 330i & 03' Suzuki GSX-R600 SG \| Beige Dakota \| Poplar \|\| iDrive w/MP3 \| PP \| SP \| CWP \| PDC \| Comfort \| Shades \|\| 40% Tint \| Black Line Tail Lights \| Hardwired V1
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10-16-2005, 08:34 AM	#81
dalpert New Member 2 Rep 6 Posts Drives: Audi A6 Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Portland ME iTrader: (0)	I had the dealer do it (charged me for 1/2 hour...$45) and the mechanic went directly into the fuse box. After looking at the wiring diagram he thought that is was safer to go directly into the box. I have done the last few cars myself but after opening the overhead light and it became obvious that finding the correct wire was not a simple task
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10-16-2005, 08:39 AM	#82
MonacoBlueNJ Private First Class 2 Rep 145 Posts Drives: Monaco Blue 330i Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Central NJ iTrader: (0)	I'd much rather go to the fuses....how did he route the wire to the fuse box? Its in the glove compartment right?
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10-16-2005, 09:18 PM	#83
thr61 New Member 0 Rep 6 Posts Drives: 2006 E90 Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: MA iTrader: (0)	MonacoBlueNJ: Don't give up! There are 2 clips at the front edge that need to be released. I used a plastic putty knife (brand new) and kept testing until I found the clips. They appear to be about 1 or 1.25 inches in from each edge. If you put some finger pressure on the side of the unit and push/pry gently with the knife, they will all of a sudden pop and release. I can take a picture if you are really stuck. Good luck. __________________ E90 325i \| titanium silver / gray leather \| 6 speed mt \| cold weather \| premium \| sirrius \| V1 hardwired
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10-22-2005, 10:51 AM	#84
pharmb Enlisted Member 0 Rep 47 Posts Drives: X5 4.4i/ 330i Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Vero Beach, FL iTrader: (0)	I think I just officially gave up on trying to hardwire my V1 myself. Trying to get that frickin' light fixture off is the most rediculus thing EVER! I have hardwired the V1 in the last three cars I've had, including an E46 M3, and have never had this hard of a time!!
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10-23-2005, 10:10 AM	#85
ben1364 Captain 14 Rep 940 Posts Drives: E90 330iA Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Georgetown, TX iTrader: (0)	The V-1 wiring instructions are great! Thanks for posting the detail. After struggling to remove the switch panel behind the inside rear view mirror, I happened to notice in the Owmers' manual that instructions are included! This panel must be removed to manually open/colse the sun roof.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-25-2005, 04:54 PM	#87
indianboy821 New Member 2 Rep 27 Posts Drives: Two '06 330i's Join Date: May 2005 Location: Ellicott City, MD/ Scottsdale, AZ iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 330i [0.00] 2003 330i [0.00]	Any tricks to getting the whole light fixture off? I have tried for hours now and the thing doesn't come off! Any ideas?? __________________ 2006 BMW 330i-Sparkling Graphite-Black Dakota Leather-Steptronic-Premium Package-Sport Package-Cold Weather Package-Navigation/I-Drive-PDC-Power Sunshades-Harwired V-1-20% Tint and 2006 BMW 330i-Black Sapphire-Black Dakota Leather-Steptronic-Premium Package-Sport Package-Cold Weather Package-Navigation/I-Drive-PDC-20% Tint
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10-26-2005, 09:46 AM	#88
scottz5 Lieutenant Colonel 92 Rep 1,730 Posts Drives: 13 F10 535xi & 11.75 E93 M3 Join Date: May 2005 Location: Earth iTrader: (0)	thank sbut i dont want to take the light down again what a pain in the ... __________________ 13 F10 535xi JB/B working on it 11.75 E93 M3 MR/Black Stock (wifey) 11 F10 535i AW/CB Mods Gone
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