[lwjw0808]

Hi all,
First time BMW owner here.
I recently picked up a new 2024 M340i and attempted to install dash cam by hardwiring.

I tried to use the fuse box located under the glove box in passenger side, took apart the trim, took out the fuse (F36 for battery power), and the fuse tap I had did not fit in that fuse spot due to the fuse tap being bulkier and sticking out on the side. The fuse box design is such that anything wider than the fuse itself is obstructed to be fitted... The previous car I owned used micro fuse and the fuse tap side profile was basically the same as the fuse, so I did not run into this problem (and also the fuse box design was flat so there was no obstruction with fuse tap whatsoever) I searched online for a different ATM fuse taps that does not stick out like the one I have, but it seems like ATM fuse taps all have side profile that sticks out, making it wider than the fuse itself.
Has anyone been able to hardwire dash cam with fuse tap in the passenger side fuse box? If so, how were you able to find the fuse tap that fits in that row of fuses where F36 is located?

Or should I just look to hardwire the cam using the fuse box in the trunk? I would like to avoid using the trunk fuse box as this will require me to buy new hardwire kit, and taking trim off the trunk area seems more involved than the one in the passenger side.

If there is any useful tips and tricks for hardwiring dash cam, please let me know.

[TankerFlight]

Any updates?

[darthry]

Originally Posted by TankerFlight

Any updates?

Ignoring the issues I encountered with my dash cam itself (resolved with a reset), see my thread here:

https://www.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...php?p=31395207

These fuses worked:

BATT: either F38 or F25
ACC: either F71 or F59. Also F74 is a viable option as well (tied to USB outlet)

[cloudzeye]

Originally Posted by lwjw0808

Hi all,
First time BMW owner here.
I recently picked up a new 2024 M340i and attempted to install dash cam by hardwiring.

I tried to use the fuse box located under the glove box in passenger side, took apart the trim, took out the fuse (F36 for battery power), and the fuse tap I had did not fit in that fuse spot due to the fuse tap being bulkier and sticking out on the side. The fuse box design is such that anything wider than the fuse itself is obstructed to be fitted... The previous car I owned used micro fuse and the fuse tap side profile was basically the same as the fuse, so I did not run into this problem (and also the fuse box design was flat so there was no obstruction with fuse tap whatsoever) I searched online for a different ATM fuse taps that does not stick out like the one I have, but it seems like ATM fuse taps all have side profile that sticks out, making it wider than the fuse itself.
Has anyone been able to hardwire dash cam with fuse tap in the passenger side fuse box? If so, how were you able to find the fuse tap that fits in that row of fuses where F36 is located?

Or should I just look to hardwire the cam using the fuse box in the trunk? I would like to avoid using the trunk fuse box as this will require me to buy new hardwire kit, and taking trim off the trunk area seems more involved than the one in the passenger side.

If there is any useful tips and tricks for hardwiring dash cam, please let me know.

I use Vantrue dashcam with their hardwire kit. Not every slot fits. The one I initially went for didn't fit. I think it might be the sunroof's. Couldn't find one that is not essential component that fits. I don't remember which one I went for, might have been the power seats, but at the end I kind of just force it in, I was well past the return date for the kit. It might come back and bite me in the butt later time but I spent 5 hours on it, I just wanted to get it to work.

[Dan B]

I bought a FITCAMX. I did not want to have a dashcam on the windshield along with my radar detector.

It replaces the factory rearview mirror housing and uses the mirror power. Very clean.

If you buy a 2 camera setup it comes with more than enough cable to wire it.

I do not work for them or get commission.

[Redditor9000]

Also a FITCAMX user. Install is super clean. Only complaint is the dates keep getting wiped so it’s hard to find the right file among the 1000’s. I found a workaround though.

[TankerFlight]

Originally Posted by Redditor9000

Also a FITCAMX user. Install is super clean. Only complaint is the dates keep getting wiped so it’s hard to find the right file among the 1000’s. I found a workaround though.

Pretty easy to install? Any issues for finding power?

[chriskd]

Another vote for the FitCamX - had it in my 2022. HOWEVER, it won't work for the 2025 M340i as there's now a built-in camera in that shroud which is used for the augmented reality feature for the GPS.

[TankerFlight]

Originally Posted by chriskd

Another vote for the FitCamX - had it in my 2022. HOWEVER, it won't work for the 2025 M340i as there's now a built-in camera in that shroud which is used for the augmented reality feature for the GPS.

Side question, which mount are using for your radar detedtor? I have a mirror mount, but it restricts the movement of the actual mirror when installed.

[chriskd]

Originally Posted by TankerFlight

Side question, which mount are using for your radar detedtor? I have a mirror mount, but it restricts the movement of the actual mirror when installed.

Blendmount

https://blendmount.com/aluminum-rada...nt-custom-fit/

[Redditor9000]

Originally Posted by TankerFlight

Pretty easy to install? Any issues for finding power?

I bought some mirror power taps from Amazon and power it from the mirror. The downside is that when the car is off, the mirror power also turns off after 5 minutes.

The install was fairly simple- a little tricky to remove the plastic trim around the mirror, there are a bunch of clips that need to be released.

[Dan B]

Originally Posted by TankerFlight

Pretty easy to install? Any issues for finding power?

I can only speak to the installation on my G26. It has a power adapter so it is plug and play. No taps required.

Originally Posted by TankerFlight

Side question, which mount are using for your radar detedtor? I have a mirror mount, but it restricts the movement of the actual mirror when installed.

I have a Uniden (which rocks!) and use the factory mount. I have it mounted low on the windshield so it does not impede visibility. It is still high enough that it has a sightline our of the rear window. I removed the rear center headrest so there is a straight line of visibility out of the back.

[blau808]

Does the drive recorder option do the same thing as a dashcam?

[cloudzeye]

Originally Posted by blau808

Does the drive recorder option do the same thing as a dashcam?

Unfortunately no. I wish that’s the case. It only works if you get into accident or manually trigger the recording which only last about 15-30 seconds I think. I got that option on top of my dashcam. You just never know, better be safe. You will need a flash drive to extract the footage. I don’t know about viewing from the app, I think you will need the latest software update for it which I haven’t get it yet for some reason.

[TankerFlight]

Originally Posted by cloudzeye

Unfortunately no. I wish that’s the case. It only works if you get into accident or manually trigger the recording which only last about 15-30 seconds I think. I got that option on top of my dashcam. You just never know, better be safe. You will need a flash drive to extract the footage. I don’t know about viewing from the app, I think you will need the latest software update for it which I haven’t get it yet for some reason.

I got it as well and you can record up to 40 seconds. I thought this Drive Recorder was something else when I ordered it. Oh well.

That being said, what dash cams are y’all using besides the FITCAM? The camera on the 2025s won’t allow these to be installed.

[TankerFlight]

Originally Posted by chriskd

Blendmount

https://blendmount.com/aluminum-radar-detector-mount-bmg-2037compatible-with-ez-mag-mount-custom-fit/

That looks nice, but too expensive to hold the detector, lol. I’ll have to see if there’s something else.

[cloudzeye]

Originally Posted by TankerFlight

I got it as well and you can record up to 40 seconds. I thought this Drive Recorder was something else when I ordered it. Oh well.

That being said, what dash cams are y’all using besides the FITCAM? The camera on the 2025s won’t allow these to be installed.

I am currently using Vantrue N4 Pro. I think the quality is pretty good but I regret getting it. The reason is I want it to continuously recording but the car doesn’t like it draining the battery and automatically disconnect the battery and pop up error messages. I was going to exchange it for the Blackvue instead since they have a dedicated external battery add on but I was past my return date.

[TankerFlight]

Just bought the Viofo A229 Pro. Gotta figure out how to hardwire it, but I have it all mounted. Hopefully it yields good results. It was on sale on Amazon.

[jstar23]

Somewhat off topic but is it worth ordering a dashcam if you already have drive recorder?

[cloudzeye]

Originally Posted by jstar23

Somewhat off topic but is it worth ordering a dashcam if you already have drive recorder?

Yes! Dashcam and driver recorder is not the same. Drive recorder only records when you get into accident or manually trigger it and it only records for up to 40 seconds, whereas dashcam records full time or at least when the car starts depending on your setup. I don’t know about you but I have my confidence more on the dashcam than the recorder. Also, you can always go with both to be safe.

[RYL53]

Originally Posted by cloudzeye

I am currently using Vantrue N4 Pro. I think the quality is pretty good but I regret getting it. The reason is I want it to continuously recording but the car doesn’t like it draining the battery and automatically disconnect the battery and pop up error messages. I was going to exchange it for the Blackvue instead since they have a dedicated external battery add on but I was past my return date.

Just use the vantrue OBD2 wire with your N4 pro then it will cut off the power automatically based on your settings

[JPRacing715]

Originally Posted by cloudzeye

Yes! Dashcam and driver recorder is not the same. Drive recorder only records when you get into accident or manually trigger it and it only records for up to 40 seconds, whereas dashcam records full time or at least when the car starts depending on your setup. I don’t know about you but I have my confidence more on the dashcam than the recorder. Also, you can always go with both to be safe.

I wish it could be a dashcam and record all the time but I am doing what you said and will have both just incase.