I picked up a nice new Whistler Laser/Radar detector today and just have it thrown in for now, but I'm planning on setting it up nice when I have some time this week. I know you can just connect it to the wire running from your cigarette lighter, but whats the best way to get at it (96 328i). Right now its plugged right into the lighter but it doesnt shut off when i turn the car off so I have to unplug it, and plug it back in when I get in the car. I got the car not too long ago and haven't got pulled over yet so I'm trying to give myself as much help as I can get.:D :buttrock

hooked mine into the map light on the roof.

Hey CABimmer whered you mount it. Top left corner or your winshield, or did you just run the wire down and along the side? Get what I mean? Thanks.

Ryan

So do you have to turn on the map light in order to turn on the detector?

Ryan, where in CT are you? I wanna hardwire my detector too, we should get together and do this.

No, the map light turns on when the ignition is turned one click... alternatively, you could find the alarm wires behind the glovebox (take out the kicker panel -- don't need to remove the glovebox) and tap into the alarm wires there .... and run the wire from there up through the apillar if you are putting the detector on your windshield passenger side...

You could also tap the radio head unit power source, or if you use an aftermarket amp, the remote wire, or a handsfree unit, tap that wire, etc...etc...

I would return the whistler detector -- not that good. I would get a passport 8500 or a V1 -- I know, expensive with the invisimirror (cool and it's hideable -- the detector).

If not, get the BCT-12 (find it on ebay) ....and use that temporarily to help you. You are most likely not going to get caught in the city at daytime, more likely nights when there's less traffic...the BCT-12 alerts you to when a cop is in the vicinity (even when he/she doesn't have their radar turned on)...kind of cool; plus, you can listen in to cop conversations....

I'm in CT too (Westport). I've been trying to figure out a way to mount my V1 that won't a) require me to use the lighter and b) not fall off the windshield constantly, like the current suction cups are doing. If the CT contingent comes up with any great ideas, let's share the wisdom and garage space....

put the V1 in the brake light (rear) -- need to dremel it out a bit; but, it will work (not like you are going to use laser functions)...and purchase Jim powell's invisimirror or the remote display....

Tap into the the rear brake light for power...or the sidelights rear lights, etc... If you want to hardwire the V1, best bet is to use the head units power turn on source and tap into there.

Thanks for the info guys. It was too damn cold to do anything outside today so it's still just kinda rigged up. Ducky I live in the Seymour area. Not a very big town so I don't know if you know where it is. I'm about 15 mins from Waterbury. GatorM my dad lives in Wilton I'm down that way all the time. Good too see some other CT people around here.

My detector is right above my rear mirror. and this thread shows a picture of the wiring points into the map light


http://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?threadid=46335

thanks for the info.

any of you CT guys going to that NJ meet on the 15th? BTW I live on the border of NY and CT so I'm always in Ridgefield/Wilton/Danbury area. Lemme know if yoiu guys get together and do this since I'd like to see the install.

I havent heard anything about a meet in NJ, whats going on with that? Is it an all BMW meet. If I had some info I might be interested in going. Thanks.

Ryan

Here's the info about the meet:

http://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=57102

I can't make it, but probably will for a spring meet. Sounds like fun tho...

Originally posted by Ryan328i
I havent heard anything about a meet in NJ, whats going on with that? Is it an all BMW meet. If I had some info I might be interested in going. Thanks.

Ryan

let me know if you decide to go. A couple people from fairfield are coming down to my place and then we're gonna head down together.