LukasBMW

How do you remove the rear view mirror trim in this picture? I searched and could not find anything.



I'm looking for a power and ground to hardwire up my V1.

You can see it mounted here:





I have the same setup on my 540i and love it.

In my 540i, I had to custom make an L shaped bracket out of black ABS plastic. I then mounted the bracket to the BMW rear view mirror and the V1 to the bracket with hardware. The black ABS plastic and black hardware matched the black rear view mirror of my BMW.

I didn't want to drill into the mirror in the benz nor would my black ABS plastic bracket match, so I mounted my V1 using only 3M double sided tape. Before anyone tells me how ghetto this is and that it is going o fall off, I have extensive experience with this 3M product and it really is magic. The V1 is absolutely stuck on there and the tape seems to help it defy gravity. I wasn't sure it would hold, but I think it will. I'll update this thread if it falls off and I have to find a new mounting position.

But for now, I just want to know how to remove the dome light and rear view mirror trim so I can find a power and ground to tap this sucker.

benz_addict

pull it down from the bottom. There are no special clips or screws holding it in place.

LukasBMW

Thanks. I actually pulled the entire mirror down with it. Luckily it is spring loaded and pops easily back into place.

Bad news for the V1 guys looking for an easy hardwire. Ain't gonna happen.

The V1 hardwire adaptor (picture below) is too bulky to fit behind the rear view mirror trim pieces. It's about 25-35% too big. I tried various positions and it ain't happening. I thought about trying to shove it into the dome light area or past the headliner but (1.) It didn't look like it would work and (2.). I'm not going to risk breaking something or messing with the roof assembly.

The best way for a clean install is to do what other members have done and mount the V1 on the rear mirror or visor, or upper windshield and run a long telephone cable from the V1 down the A pilar to the space below the dashboard. Mounting this hardwire adaptor under the dashboard panel is the only way it is gonna fit. Damn.

Pulling the headliner, A pilar, and dashboard apart is more of a challenge then I want to take on. I'm gonna leave this one to the pros. For now, I will just use a cord.

From my search, it looks like a few other members in the past wanted to do the same thing I did. Let the record reflect that it just isn't possible.

JR.

i have 4 V1's and have had them mounted in about 20 or 30 cars and 6 motorcycles. i locate where i want the unit installed and then i give all the parts to my mechanic or the dealer. it takes them no more than an hour to professionally wire them in.

i always have extra cords and junction blocks..

the V1 turns on with the key and turns off with the key.

my mechanic is wiring a ZR1 for a V1 as we speak..

LukasBMW

The V1 really is the best radar detector on the market and it isn't even close.

The previous owner of my car spent $2,500.00 to have the Escort 9500ci installed and I absolutely hate it. The radar range is weak, I have no idea where the radar is located, and I've seen a few tests showing that the ZR4 laser jammer heads are almost worthless.

gxsolace

On the contrary, it does work and is definitely possible.

/gx

LukasBMW

Ah ha! You left the box exposed. That works, but I really want the box hidden.

I guess I should say that it is absolutely possible to tap into the dome light, but it still remains impossible to fit the wiring box for the V1 actually inside the dome assembly like I had done on my previous cars.

gxsolace

Hehe, I suppose you're right about that. Although, you might consider taking off the plastic exterior of the small box, and seeing if the components inside fit.

/ gx

mjr24

I just had my V1 hardwired Thursday and it's mounted in in the same spot you guys are trying to put it in.....no box showing, either. Took my install guy 45 min....second SL he has done for me so it's definitely possible. Turns on with ignition and vice versa.

gxsolace

Hi mjr24, can you describe how he fit the small box inside the cavity? And it'd be great to know which wire up there he used for switched-12v.

Thanks!
/ gx

mjr24

I think he used the SOS button possibly.....I'm not even sure. Now....he may have put it in the dome light area....if you are saying it won't fit under the other trim pieces. I know he didn't have to mess with the roof at all.

mjr24

Do a search of the SL forum....I know there have been write-ups on installing the V1, I'm almost sure of it.

qaz393

what does it mean by spring loaded? how do i pull out the mirror?

m60kaf

Old post - but I thought I'd add some info on this having just powered a dash cam from the dome...

The rear view mirror is just held up by 2 pins spring loaded to a roof bracket. Just pull the mirror firmly downwards and it all comes off... you really have to give it some force

With the dome light I found it easier on the trim to pull it from the windscreen side - even though you are supposed to from the other end

I struggled to find switched power... by turning key - of course the car is CAN BUS so the switched power is CAN switched not ignition.

If you hold the dome light upside down with connectors facing you on each side there is a big connector and a small one.. the larger one on the left (Remember dome upside down) is the one were interested in.

Top row far right pin of this is 12v switched
The row below, 4th pin from right is gnd (pin 3 was too I think but I had no wire on the connector)

Power comes on when you open door, goes off a minute or so after locking door