Radar Detector in a Z4?

JeF4y · 08-07-2009, 02:44 PM

Has anyone mounted one? If so, can you send pics or describe how you routed the power cables? Just curious. I would like one, but can't stand the thought of dangling cables...

WMLAW03 · 08-09-2009, 01:23 PM

I mounted a Beltronics STI Driver in my z4. The unit is clipped to the visor. I tucked the wire into the panels running along the windshield top and down the front pillar using a small plastic spatula - sort of like the ones used for plastic filler application. The wire is run under the driver's side dash, which is relatively easy to access by removing 3 screws and lowering the cover.

I wired the new circuit into the fuse block, which is the most difficult part of the installation. The fuse block is located under the passenger side dash, and is accessible by removing 3 screws to lower the panel under the dash. There is a clip/screw holding the power-distribution block in place. Once you remove the clip you can drop the entire assembly and wire in your new circuit.

The result is a professional looking installation - and when the fuse block is inspected, it still looks factory. The only evidence of the installation is the 3 inches of wire extending from the windshield trim to the detector, and the detector's auxiliary switch. The entire process took me about 5 hours.

JeF4y · 08-10-2009, 03:51 PM

Thanks for the comments! Just considering picking up a V1 but didn't know how I'd wire it..

08-07-2009, 02:44 PM	#1
JeF4y Second Lieutenant 20 Rep 265 Posts Drives: 14 X1 35i M-sport Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Atlanta, GA iTrader: (0)	Radar Detector in a Z4? Has anyone mounted one? If so, can you send pics or describe how you routed the power cables? Just curious. I would like one, but can't stand the thought of dangling cables... __________________ Current: 14 X1 35i - M Sport - Ultimate pkg - Mineral Gray ext / Black & brushed aluminum int. Prev: 09 Z4 35i Black w/white napa leather & every option possible =)
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08-09-2009, 01:23 PM	#2
WMLAW03 New Member 0 Rep 9 Posts Drives: 2009 e89 Z4 Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Culpeper, VA iTrader: (0)	I mounted a Beltronics STI Driver in my z4. The unit is clipped to the visor. I tucked the wire into the panels running along the windshield top and down the front pillar using a small plastic spatula - sort of like the ones used for plastic filler application. The wire is run under the driver's side dash, which is relatively easy to access by removing 3 screws and lowering the cover. I wired the new circuit into the fuse block, which is the most difficult part of the installation. The fuse block is located under the passenger side dash, and is accessible by removing 3 screws to lower the panel under the dash. There is a clip/screw holding the power-distribution block in place. Once you remove the clip you can drop the entire assembly and wire in your new circuit. The result is a professional looking installation - and when the fuse block is inspected, it still looks factory. The only evidence of the installation is the 3 inches of wire extending from the windshield trim to the detector, and the detector's auxiliary switch. The entire process took me about 5 hours.
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08-10-2009, 03:51 PM	#3
JeF4y Second Lieutenant 20 Rep 265 Posts Drives: 14 X1 35i M-sport Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Atlanta, GA iTrader: (0)	Thanks for the comments! Just considering picking up a V1 but didn't know how I'd wire it.. __________________ Current: 14 X1 35i - M Sport - Ultimate pkg - Mineral Gray ext / Black & brushed aluminum int. Prev: 09 Z4 35i Black w/white napa leather & every option possible =)
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