[OLIVERBRETT]

Hi .Just joined forum.
Has anyone retro fitted a 12v power outlet to the passenger footwell.I have found hole to mount outlet and am considering using "add a circuit"to pick up a supply from fuse box.
Also i intend to use a black box camera from the outlet,am i correct that supplys to the existing power outlets turn themselves off after a few minutes when engine is turned off,as last thing i want to do is drain the battery having read of potential problems this could cause.
Thanks for any replies in advance

[tmarshall57]

I've mounted a 12v power supply in the boot using an "add a circuit" fuse tap. I linked to fuse 176 in the boot fusebox which is a power supply fuse. Fuses 54 and 65 can be used in the glovebox fuseboard. I'm not sure how long these remain live after switching off the ignition.

I've also hardwired a dashcam. You need to use a switched fuse. I used fuse 48 which has been recommended elsewhere. This worked for me.

I'll see if I can upload a couple of relevant PDFs shortly which might help further (I've since added a PDF of my fuse layout and an installation guide for an escort radar detector - same principle applies to a dashcam)

[OLIVERBRETT]

Thanks for reply .I used Fuse 54 in glovebox with add a circuit.A straightforward job really.The dash cam is now up and running and cable out of sight due to mounting cam on lower passenger side of windscreen.
Power turns itself off after a few minutes when engine is turned off or car is locked so no issues with battery drain.

[IanS100]

Originally Posted by OLIVERBRETT

Has anyone retro fitted a 12v power outlet to the passenger footwell.

I've just been attempting installing one, I bought the socket for my e90 but never installed it, but now I have the F10 and need somewhere to plug in the phone charger so I decided to use it. Just about every step is a pig.

I made a short loom and installed the socket in the under dash panel but then I came to wire it up and I have no idea how anyone gets to the fuses. I checked the pdf from tmarshall57 but my fusebox is the other way up and the fuse I wanted to use (54) is right at the top and inaccessible, or at least it is by me. I removed the back of the glove box and 54 is still out of view and higher than the glove box. I even tried the torch in one hand and shining under the dash and the other going in through the glove box but I couldn't manage that, I'm getting too old for hanging upside down under the dash

I then resorted to fuse 48 and inserted the piggy back, but then couldn't find anywhere close by that I could use for an earth, at this point I ran out of time and gave up and replaced the footwell panel, which is again a pig to get in properly. I'll give it another try at the weekend but below is a photo of the fuse box (2015 520d F10)

[tmarshall57]

Hi Ian,

I used the metalwork behind the passenger side end panel of the dash. Don't unplug the airbag disable switch or it will throw a code. I drilled a small hole into the exposed metalwork and used a self tapper to secure the earth wire terminated in a ring terminal.

[OLIVERBRETT]

Hi Ian
Yes fuse 54 is difficult to get to.I looked at diagram them removed it by touch ,i think it was the fourth one down.Using the removal tool from the rear fusebox and a bit perserverance you will manage it. As for the earth,i removed the interior of the glovebox(only a few screws)and this exposed a couple of bolts ,one of which i connected the earth to.

[IanS100]

Originally Posted by tmarshall57

Hi Ian,

I used the metalwork behind the passenger side end panel of the dash. Don't unplug the airbag disable switch or it will throw a code. I drilled a small hole into the exposed metalwork and used a self tapper to secure the earth wire terminated in a ring terminal.

Cheers

Originally Posted by OLIVERBRETT

Hi Ian
Yes fuse 54 is difficult to get to.I looked at diagram them removed it by touch ,i think it was the fourth one down.Using the removal tool from the rear fusebox and a bit perserverance you will manage it. As for the earth,i removed the interior of the glovebox(only a few screws)and this exposed a couple of bolts ,one of which i connected the earth to.

It is about the 4th down, does removing the glovebox interior make the top fuses any more accessible?

[OLIVERBRETT]

It does give more access which will help,but does not give you a clearer view of the fuses. However once removed if you look upwards, it does expose a couple of bodywork bolts either of which can be used to mount an earth cable very easily.

[IanS100]

Why on earth BMW would make the fuse box quite so inaccessible I have no idea, you'd have no chance replacing these by the side of the road!

[EV0LVE]

isn't there a 12v outlet right underneath the glove compartment?

[IanS100]

Originally Posted by EV0LVE

isn't there a 12v outlet right underneath the glove compartment?

That's the one I was trying to install, I've fitted the outlet (the easy bit) but I still haven't got round to wiring it up, I need someone small and a lot more flexible than me