help with finding an ignition power source

[Go351]

Hi all.
can anyone help me with where to find a positive 12v ACC/ ignition power source in the engine bay or fuse box(in the engine bay)

2013 28i sdrive

many thanks

[scootr]

Do you mean a switched 12v+ source?

[Go351]

Originally Posted by scootr

Do you mean a switched 12v+ source?

Yes, but not one that is on a timmer. just old school. on when i'm driving and off when car is turned off.

[scootr]

I'll look on mine - What's it used for?

[Go351]

I'm connecting up a light bar with its own relay circuit. I don't want it to be left on accidentally as it will drain the battery.

I'd also love to know the pin out for the high beam lights so I can splice into that too.

[NoQuarter]

I don't think you will find a switched power source with much reserve amperage available on the circuit in the engine bay.

The fuse box under the dash is easy enough to get to. There you can put in a new fuse tap of whatever amperage you want, no need for a relay then run that into the engine bay.

[Go351]

Originally Posted by NoQuarter

I don't think you will find a switched power source with much reserve amperage available on the circuit in the engine bay.

The fuse box under the dash is easy enough to get to. There you can put in a new fuse tap of whatever amperage you want, no need for a relay then run that into the engine bay.

Thanks. I wanted to avoid having to get to the fuse box under the dash. It's a real mess in there. I have also mounted a carplay unit there so not much room to move about without having to repack everything.

I did find a location in the enginebay fuse box. Pic for reference. Hope it will help others.

This location is connected somehow to the ignition, but also cycles on /off with locking and unlocking the car. So it is affected by timmer settings. Just need to be aware.

My light bar has its own 30amp fuse and a switch which I have connected to the 40amp fuse in this location.

It's been a pain for something so simple. Bmws...
Only temporary for now. As I really want to tap into the high beam lights. Which I don't currently have the the wire I need to tap into. Also when the roof is down and even when the car is locked, using this location, the power cycles on off every 5 mins. Don't know why. So it's not a clean enough solution if you want to be certain that things won't turn on....

BTW. The other fues near by in the engine bay re either continuos 12v or 12v for 2 mins and fade slowly to 0v (even when ignition is on) The 40amp I have connected to is instant 12v and instant 0v on with ignition and key fob.

Be good if someone with some real expertise can chime in on fuse box configurations.