Mirror Tap for Radar Detector
These are posted elsewhere (this video was really helpful:
BMW Mirror Wire Tap), but I took pictures and if they help someone then great. I've use Valentine One radar detectors since 2002 and can't live without one. I find the mirror power tap cables from Amazon are affordable and work well (
Link to what I used but they are probably all the same LOL). I used the smallest of the 3 adapters that came with this set, I wasn't sure what size I'd need and figured the set of 3 would have one that would work and it did not disappoint.
1. Remove the mirror shroud. This is 2 halves snapped together with delicate connectors that are easily broken. Don't fret if 1 or 2 bite it as it will still hold just fine. In the M2 the left half has the clip connectors and the right have are just alignment pins. Therefore when separating the 2 push down on the left half near the seam as that is clicked onto the right side underneath. Pry tool very useful here, once you get it started work up the seam and at some point it will just pop apart. There are also larger pins on the left and right side that hold the halves to the mirror mount, so if you get the seam completely undone in the middle just give them a gentle pull and they will pop off
A: Left and right halves:
B: Pushing down or "in" on the left half at the seam:
C: Here's the left half, the square parts are what is clicked to the right side and those are the areas needing releasing by pushing in, typically you want to push just above or below those areas, not right on them
2. This is the final product but you want the connector closer to you/closer to the mirror:
3. I separated the connector to make it easier, but if you have small hands you can tap the pins with the connector in place. There is no locking mechanism for this connector but it is snapped in somehow, wiggling will undo it. You will have to push/hold down on the female end while wiggling the male end otherwise the whole assembly slides, you'll understand what this means if you're ever doing this !(I used neddle-nose pliers just under the left and right lip of the male connector) and it will pop out.
4. BROWN wire is ground (one all the way to the left) and RED is positive (one all the way to the right). They are striped but the stripe colors don't matter (plus I forget the colors: I think brown had a black stripe and the red has a blue stripe):
Note the
zip tie to secure it. I had one of these back out in another car turning the detector off.
5. I traditionally haven't used BlendMounts because I don't like the obstructed view. I use the suction cup mount and buy the large suction cups. They will hold for years and are $1 a set. Typically they need replacing every 2-3 years, and I like mine mounted high and out of the way.
6. Run the mirror tap wire up to the headliner then I tuck it under the headliner to where I want it to go. Put the mirror shroud back on. Doesn't matter left or right side first, although I did the right side first (which makes it right, but maybe not correct
)