[Panda230i]

I have a question about fuses for my VIOFO 229a pro 3channel (actually for any dash cam).

Can someone confirm if the front cigarette lighter fuse F46 20amp is the best and safest way to connect a fuse tap accessory dash cam wire?

People use absolutely different options in G42 and other similar G series:

• F46 (cigarette lighter)
• F59 (interior rear view mirror)
• F70 (Rear switchboard, electric fan shutdown relay, electric fan)
• F71 (Rear View Camera)

Also, I’m not sure what to use for the constant battery power… Base on my research, people use:

• F24 (car access system)
• F29 (Electronic transmission control, transfer case)
• F36 (Roof function center (map lamp, interior lighting, ambient lighting)
• F38 (Driver’s outer door handle electronic module)

The problem is that I can’t physically insert a fuse tap into any of F31-F38 because of the plastic box design. The option is only bigger fuses in the first row. I’ve seen some videos but everyone fuse tap it into different slots…

Is it the best practice to use some unoccupied fuse slot for constant power or doesn’t matter? Ideally should it be 20amp, 10amp or 5amp for constant power?

I did ton of research but can’t find the exact answer. All fuse boxes are slightly different depending on the year and model of BMW G series…

[Pentland]

Best bet is to connect to the fuses in the boot and use the battery (with an inline fuse) as a permanent live.

Use F273 in the boot.

[Panda230i]

Originally Posted by Pentland

Best bet is to connect to the fuses in the boot and use the battery (with an inline fuse) as a permanent live.

Use F273 in the boot.

I used that F273 for my aftermarket exhaust valve controller. But seems like F46 and F273 are responsible for the same 12V outlets

[ILikeBimmers]

I hardwired a blackvue dashcam and hid the wires in my trim. The G42 6-cyl model's fuse box is in the trunk, and another is in the engine bay iirc. Sounds like yours is/are in a more convenient location.

I would start by suggesting you get some sort of multi-meter or fuse test tool. That would be the definitive way to determine fuses that are on when the engine is on. You will need one constant and one that activates only when the engine is on if your dashcam has a parking mode, as this is how it detects it.

You can also plug your VIN into https://www.bmw.cc/en/topics/offers-.../fusecard.html to get a detailed fuse card. I had to use a slightly older fuse card when I did, as my car did not yet support a fuse card but your car should be old enough now I'm hoping it's there.

5 amps is more than plenty for a tiny little dashcam imo. For reference your phone is going to charge around the 1-2 amp range. Shouldn't really matter. You could, alternatively, use an open fuse slot, buy a fuse tap kit from your local automotive parts store and not hardwire it to share it with the cigarette lighter. That would be best in my opinion.

If you are buying more fuses or a fuse tap kit, the same automotive parts store should have a little fuse tester they sell with or without the aforementioned parts with a little glow diode on it.

[Panda230i]

Originally Posted by ILikeBimmers

I hardwired a blackvue dashcam and hid the wires in my trim. The G42 6-cyl model's fuse box is in the trunk, and another is in the engine bay iirc. Sounds like yours is/are in a more convenient location.

I would start by suggesting you get some sort of multi-meter or fuse test tool. That would be the definitive way to determine fuses that are on when the engine is on. You will need one constant and one that activates only when the engine is on if your dashcam has a parking mode, as this is how it detects it.

You can also plug your VIN into https://www.bmw.cc/en/topics/offers-and-services/fusecard.html to get a detailed fuse card. I had to use a slightly older fuse card when I did, as my car did not yet support a fuse card but your car should be old enough now I'm hoping it's there.

5 amps is more than plenty for a tiny little dashcam imo. For reference your phone is going to charge around the 1-2 amp range. Shouldn't really matter. You could, alternatively, use an open fuse slot, buy a fuse tap kit from your local automotive parts store and not hardwire it to share it with the cigarette lighter. That would be best in my opinion.

If you are buying more fuses or a fuse tap kit, the same automotive parts store should have a little fuse tester they sell with or without the aforementioned parts with a little glow diode on it.

ILikeBimmers thank you for such a detailed response. I checked the power with multimeter and F46 turns off after some time so it’ll be good for accessory power. The fuse F30 5amp MEDIA stays on. Would it be a good candidate for constant?

[ILikeBimmers]

Originally Posted by Panda230i

I checked the power with multimeter and F46 turns off after some time... The fuse F30 5amp MEDIA stays on. Would it be a good candidate for constant?

If your cam has a parking mode system you probably want a fuse that turns off right away after engine off so it can transition to it's parking mode and associated settings.. though your camera may also work based on a voltage drops for acc power? Maybe double check me on that.

Any 5 amp fuse should be fine. If you go the fuse tap route you're probably fine going as low as 2.5 amps for the actual fuse.

Think of amps like the size of your pipe. At 5 amps your camera is drinking from a straw and it doesn't matter how big you make the pipe. It could be a 1k amp fuse and it won't make a difference. Volts matter more, but your dashcam is already designed to work in the 10-13v range the DC car battery outputs.