[XC3LLR8]

Yesterday I finally got around to hardwiring my R8 with the BlendMount wiring kit. This morning I go out to the car and there's a Battery Management Warning on the screen. I'm confused as to what it could be and assume I didn't shut down the car properly?

I go grab breakfast and come home, wait about a half hour, then peek through the window to see if any warnings are on. No warnings but I notice the R8 didn't turn off like it did when plugged into the power port between the cup holders. I now know the radar stayed on all night and it eventually triggered the Battery Management Warning.

Apologies for no pictures of the wiring, but the wiring kit is tapped into the two outside wiring ports on the pink 3-wire plug. This is the plug used in a YouTube video I watched from another BMW owner with either an M2 or M3.

The obvious immediate solution is to now use the on/off power button on the R8, but the better solution is to find a power source in the mirror compartment that turns on/off with the ignition.

Anyone have an answer? There's a larger plug that may offer the solution, which uses a cable that the smaller pink plug splits from.

[Rag9000]

I think you actually want to use wires from the black plug. Not a G42 but check it out: https://g20.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1663910

[XC3LLR8]

Originally Posted by Rag9000

I think you actually want to use wires from the black plug. Not a G42 but check it out: https://g20.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1663910

That's what I was looking for - THANKS!

The pics in the link appear to be the same as the M240.

[Rag9000]

NP, I saw that in a different thread and have had it book marked for when my car arrives. How do you like the R8? I’m torn between buying a new R7 or R8 and just sticking with an old escort I have that’s been collecting dust for the last 5 years. I get the feeling that the tech hasn’t improved much in detectors but my escort wasn’t a great one to begin with.

[XC3LLR8]

Originally Posted by Rag9000

NP, I saw that in a different thread and have had it book marked for when my car arrives. How do you like the R8? I'm torn between buying a new R7 or R8 and just sticking with an old escort I have that's been collecting dust for the last 5 years. I get the feeling that the tech hasn't improved much in detectors but my escort wasn't a great one to begin with.

R3, R4, R7 and R8 all have insane long rang Ka detection. The 7 and 8 have arrows to show radar direction, which now is hard to live without. I've bought them all except for the 4 and have been very happy with them all.

[MPR]

I didn't realize radar detectors were still a thing. Do you guys find that they save you on the road?

[XC3LLR8]

Originally Posted by MPR

I didn't realize radar detectors were still a thing. Do you guys find that they save you on the road?

I would say it saves me at least once a week. Most of the cops around me leave their radar on, which I pick up long before we see each other. Not uncommon for State Troopers and sheriff deputies to use instant on out in the country, but if there's another car a mile or so ahead of me I can usually pick up a quick alert from their low-powered instant-on (another advantage of a quality radar detector).

Where they don't do much good is when a motorcycle cop is hiding with a laser gun. Even if you detect the laser they already have your speed. This is where Waze can come in handy, but I seldom have it going.

[MPR]

Gotcha, I typically go with the flow on the way to work at around 80 and haven't been pulled over in years. I guess you only need that if you're the only one on the road or blowing by people

[ryo-]

just an FYI, I personally still manually turn off my radar detector since it will stay on for roughly 7 minutes AFTER the head unit turns off. also, you'll notice it turn on every time you unlock/open a door. kind of annoying but it is what it is.

[XC3LLR8]

Originally Posted by ryo-

just an FYI, I personally still manually turn off my radar detector since it will stay on for roughly 7 minutes AFTER the head unit turns off. also, you'll notice it turn on every time you unlock/open a door. kind of annoying but it is what it is.

Mine does not turn on with the unlocking/opening of the door. I think the reasoning why is because the wires I tapped into stay powered 24/7 and unlocking the doors does not mean anything to it's circuitry.

[XC3LLR8]

Problem solved…and I should've already known this!

The R8 has an option in the menu for a battery save mode where if it does not detect any movement it will turn off. Wish it would do it after 20 mins rather than an hour, but at least it will turn off.

[jpcoop]

Originally Posted by XC3LLR8

Problem solved…and I should've already known this!

The R8 has an option in the menu for a battery save mode where if it does not detect any movement it will turn off. Wish it would do it after 20 mins rather than an hour, but at least it will turn off.

You definitely tapped into the wrong wires. Follow the directions from the G20 forum (linked in this thread already), and it will shut off about 5 minutes after you lock the car.

[XC3LLR8]

Originally Posted by jpcoop

You definitely tapped into the wrong wires. Follow the directions from the G20 forum (linked in this thread already), and it will shut off about 5 minutes after you lock the car.

Yeah, I may change it soon. Right now I don't mind pressing the Power button, but it's good to know the better option is available.

[TJZ67201]

Originally Posted by jpcoop

You definitely tapped into the wrong wires. Follow the directions from the G20 forum (linked in this thread already), and it will shut off about 5 minutes after you lock the car.

Does it only shut off after the car is locked? I never lock my car in the garage, might look into other power source options if this is the case

[jpcoop]

Originally Posted by TJZ67201

Does it only shut off after the car is locked? I never lock my car in the garage, might look into other power source options if this is the case

I'm not sure if locking it is required, but I always lock mine (parked outside).

[XC3LLR8]

Originally Posted by TJZ67201

Does it only shut off after the car is locked? I never lock my car in the garage, might look into other power source options if this is the case

I know the 12v between the cup holders will turn off w/o locking the doors, and I assume the power for the wires mentioned above will do the same.