Can you install a dashcam in your 1988 325?

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BarateGites
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Sat Jun 26, 2021 11:28 am

I don’t know much about cars and I definitely do not know how to install a dash cam in my e30 but someone I knew said you can’t install an dash cam in an E30 cause the car is too old. Can anyone confirm that? Also, if you can hook up a dash cam, does anyone have any preferable Dash cams?https://9apps.ooo/
Last edited by BarateGites on Mon Jun 28, 2021 11:12 am, edited 1 time in total.
onthames
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Sat Jun 26, 2021 11:58 am

I hooked up a Garmin mini dash cam in my 88' 325i. It uses power from the check panel near the rear view mirror. Can write up a small tutorial if you want but it's very simple
onthames
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Sat Jun 26, 2021 1:07 pm

This is a video of the proof of concept before I properly wired it. The check light panel wires have everything you need. I just wired up the turn on signal wire and power wire both to the check light 12v supply and also wired the ground to the check light ground wire. Just spliced into them. Check panel still works. No wires visible for the dash cam.
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Satan
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Sat Jun 26, 2021 3:16 pm

I hard wired mine in, used a 12v to 5v adapter with a dual USB head so powers the dash cam and phone.

Who is this "someone"?
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fixedwheelnut
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Sat Jun 26, 2021 4:37 pm

Yes I have a nextbase in mine.
Vez010
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Sun Jun 27, 2021 8:02 am

onthames wrote:
Sat Jun 26, 2021 1:07 pm
This is a video of the proof of concept before I properly wired it. The check light panel wires have everything you need. I just wired up the turn on signal wire and power wire both to the check light 12v supply and also wired the ground to the check light ground wire. Just spliced into them. Check panel still works. No wires visible for the dash cam.
Nice, can you share some pics of what the finished article looks like?
onthames
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Sun Jun 27, 2021 11:55 am

Vez010 wrote:
Sun Jun 27, 2021 8:02 am
onthames wrote:
Sat Jun 26, 2021 1:07 pm
This is a video of the proof of concept before I properly wired it. The check light panel wires have everything you need. I just wired up the turn on signal wire and power wire both to the check light 12v supply and also wired the ground to the check light ground wire. Just spliced into them. Check panel still works. No wires visible for the dash cam.
Nice, can you share some pics of what the finished article looks like?
Will do when I get the car back from the garage, should be a few days
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Blanca
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Sun Jun 27, 2021 1:31 pm

I use a stand alone dash cam with a 2.5" screen and internal battery, just sticks onto the screen. but after the last shunt I am thinking of getting a dual lens so I can get the idiots overtaking too.

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onthames
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Sun Jun 27, 2021 2:12 pm

Vez010 wrote:
Sun Jun 27, 2021 8:02 am
onthames wrote:
Sat Jun 26, 2021 1:07 pm
This is a video of the proof of concept before I properly wired it. The check light panel wires have everything you need. I just wired up the turn on signal wire and power wire both to the check light 12v supply and also wired the ground to the check light ground wire. Just spliced into them. Check panel still works. No wires visible for the dash cam.
Nice, can you share some pics of what the finished article looks like?
Managed to find a picture when I installed it. Garmin mini using the wiring method I outlined above. You need to purchase the Garmin hardwire separately from the dash cam.
It records all the time when the cars on and to save something you just press the button on it and you can access the footage either from your phone via Bluetooth or the memory card
Screenshot_20210627-141002.png
Vez010
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Sun Jun 27, 2021 5:55 pm

That looks really good.
Gert_8
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Thu Jul 29, 2021 10:59 am

I have installed the same kit that has been recommended by Onthames, along with his brilliant instructions. Looks great and works a treat. I would certainly recommend this to anyone that is interested.

Thanks onthames! :cool: :cool:
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