F32 Trim Removal

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Hector's Dad
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Joined: Wed Dec 18, 2019 5:07 pm

F32 Trim Removal

Post by Hector's Dad » Tue Apr 06, 2021 12:48 pm

When I purchased the car (new), Sytners kindly ran from somewhere, an ignition fed power cable up to the rear view mirror for my dashcam. I'm now about to replace the camera (it was a cheapo) with a new one with a different cable connection and I'm looking for some advice on how the trim attaches so I can remove it without destroying it! I'll need to remove the plastic housing round the mirror/rain sensor mounting then that along the top of the windscreen and down the A pillar. After that I'll be tracing where the cable goes so on my own! Does it all just pop off spring clips?
F32 D4 BiTurbo

PeterN
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Location: Glasgow

Re: F32 Trim Removal

Post by PeterN » Tue Apr 06, 2021 1:49 pm

Hello,

I fitted a blackvue dash cam with the battery monitor hardwired in.
Ran the cable from the battery in the boot and fed it up behind the rear quarter window along the roof lining and out at the rear view mirror on the windscreen. Didn’t take long and all I used was a trim removal tool.just gently pry the roof lining down with the tool and tuck the wire in.

I didn’t need to remove the rear view mirror though.

Pete
------------------------
2018 F32 B4s #275
2016 F32 D4 BT #160
2012 E92 D3 BT #248
2011 E92 D3 BT #209
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Hector's Dad
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Joined: Wed Dec 18, 2019 5:07 pm

Re: F32 Trim Removal

Post by Hector's Dad » Tue Apr 06, 2021 11:52 pm

Thanks Pete. I take it you've had no issues of battery drainage? I ask as my wife's G01 X3 threw a hissy fit when we had one ( a Blackview with Power Magic Pro) fitted - warnings of battery drain every time she started it! Ended up buying a purpose designed battery. My existing is ignition fed so no power for a parking mode. I was considering the same but as my D4 is No. 166 I shouldn't get issues if you don't with No. 160 :wink:

Which one do you have? Wife's is 750s was looking at that or trying to decide if a 900s is worth the extra. I'm not bothered about their cloud service.
F32 D4 BiTurbo

PeterN
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Location: Glasgow

Re: F32 Trim Removal

Post by PeterN » Wed Apr 07, 2021 12:19 pm

I did have power drain issues with my E92 D3BT but not with my D4

I’ve got the DR900s front and rear fitted in my car with no issues and a DR750s fitted to my wife’s Golf. The 900 is quite a bit more expensive than the 750 and, whilst the general quality of the video is better, when it comes to viewing the likes of registration numbers the 750 does the job.

Unless you pick up a DR900s at a discounted price, I would stick with the DR750

Imagine you have seen the Blackvue power packs but I think they are pretty pricey

Hope this helps
Pete
------------------------
2018 F32 B4s #275
2016 F32 D4 BT #160
2012 E92 D3 BT #248
2011 E92 D3 BT #209
2012 E90 D3 BT #372
2011 E90 D3 BT #403
2007 E90 D3 MT #594
1996 N Concours Ford Escort Cosworth
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Hector's Dad
Posts: 45
Joined: Wed Dec 18, 2019 5:07 pm

Re: F32 Trim Removal

Post by Hector's Dad » Wed Apr 07, 2021 11:35 pm

Thanks Pete - very helpful.

Yes, I've seen the power packs. We installed a Cellink Neo pack to the X3. I thought I'd either go for ignition fed and forgo parking mode or permanent feed with the battery pack but as you're having no issue I may fit without battery pack - unless my battery isn't up to it in which case I'll fit later.
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Trilly-Uk
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Re: F32 Trim Removal

Post by Trilly-Uk » Sat Apr 10, 2021 4:40 pm

I fitted a Nextbase 522GW in my D4. Tried fitting to fuse box but couldn’t find working fuse so connected to battery directly. If left for a couple of weeks I get a warning but used every few days it’s fine plus bonus it always on.

Cable run was OK’ish. Took the panel off in the rear next to the seats and that was tight to get back in, small crease. Other than that ran it through the plastic trim along the floor into the drivers footwell, pushed through the gap to the A pillar, run up the side and buried into the headlining.

Got some cheapie trim tools off Amazon , good to have anyway so no hard prying tools to loosen things.

Hope this helps.
Kevin
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