V1 Rear View Mirror System - DIY install for E92 M3

[RaceMX-M3]

I recently helped Niels install his V1 Rear View Mirror System in his E92 M3 - here's a write-up of the install.

Preparing for install -
Main V1 unit has been hidden inside the rear headrest, V1 concealed display is integrated into the factory mirror and Valentine's remote audio adapter will be installed to allow full control of the system.

http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg86/M3bmwdrvr/V1%20E92%20Install/DSC00994.jpg
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In order to hide the cord coming out of the headrest a 1/4 inch hole will need to be drilled and cord routed as illustrated

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Run the cord from the back of the seat all the way to the front of the cabin as shown

http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg86/M3bmwdrvr/V1%20E92%20Install/DSC01003-1.jpg
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Remove the AIRBAG plastic clip

http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg86/M3bmwdrvr/V1%20E92%20Install/DSC01025-1.jpg

Remove the Torx bolt and then remove the A-pillar cover by pulling gently toward the center of the car. There are two clips securing the A-pillar that will pop loose

http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg86/M3bmwdrvr/V1%20E92%20Install/DSC01026-1.jpg
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http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg86/M3bmwdrvr/V1%20E92%20Install/DSC01030.jpg

Remove the sun visor and sun visor clip as shown

http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg86/M3bmwdrvr/V1%20E92%20Install/DSC01031-1.jpg
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Pull down on the center of the headliner and with both hands reach in to release the map light console. The console is held in place by two metal tabs

http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg86/M3bmwdrvr/V1%20E92%20Install/DSC01036-1.jpg
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The V1 hardwire adapter included with your radar detector will need to be connected to a power source that cycles on/off with the ignition. The green/white wire shown works fine. **Note the metal tab inside V1's blue power tap is a little big for the wire we're using and will not make a solid connection. I removed a 1 mm section off the insulation of the wire and soldered the wire to the power tap.

http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg86/M3bmwdrvr/V1%20E92%20Install/DSC01040-1.jpg
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Ground the hardwire adapter as shown and plug the red wire into the power tap

http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg86/M3bmwdrvr/V1%20E92%20Install/DSC01042.jpg
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We will now run a phone cord from the "Main" port of the hardwire adapter across the headliner, down the A-pillar and through the dashboard to meet the cable that was previously installed under the dash

http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg86/M3bmwdrvr/V1%20E92%20Install/DSC01044-1.jpg
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Open the cover on the side of the dashboard

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Beginning from the bottom of the dash run a piece of safety wire through the dash as shown

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Attach the safety wire to the end of the cable and pull it through the dash. **Note it will be easier to run the wire if the connector is cut off the end of the phone cord. You will need to crimp a new connector on - make sure the orientation of the new connector matches the one that was cut off or the unit will not function. You can see four wires yellow - green - red - black.

http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg86/M3bmwdrvr/V1%20E92%20Install/DSC01054-1.jpg
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The cord that is connected to the "main" side of the hardwire adapter is plugged into the "Power In" port of the audio adapter. The cord connected to the main V1 unit inside the headrest will be plugged into the "Power Out" port

http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg86/M3bmwdrvr/V1%20E92%20Install/DSC01059-1.jpg
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Re-install the rear view mirror and route the cord through the front of the headliner. The cord from the mirror will be plugged into the "Accessory" port on the hardwire adapter.

http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg86/M3bmwdrvr/V1%20E92%20Install/DSC01066-1.jpg
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Reconnect all of the factory wiring to the map light console. All of the required wiring connections are now complete. BEFORE buttoning up the car turn the ignition on, power the radar detector on with the remote audio adapter and make sure the display illuminates inside the mirror and the external speaker on the remote audio adapter is functioning. If you do not see the display or cannot hear the unit power on something is wired incorrectly or the hardwire adapter is not installed properly.

http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg86/M3bmwdrvr/V1%20E92%20Install/DSC01070.jpg
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Re-install the cover onto the rain sensor and replace the other items that were removed and this will conclude the install, enjoy. :thumbsup2:

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[mpulse]

Great write up Scott!!

Brad

[Bakushan]

Amazing write up! (would be nice if you shared on other forums!!! ;-) )

Some questions:

-How did you get the display inside of the mirror?
-Is there a clear space to the sensors with the V1 inside the head-rest?
-How can the V1 see Front and Back in that position clearly?

[RaceMX-M3]

Amazing write up! (would be nice if you shared on other forums!!! ;-) )

Some questions:

-How did you get the display inside of the mirror?

Majic. :whistle:


-Is there a clear space to the sensors with the V1 inside the head-rest?
-How can the V1 see Front and Back in that position clearly?

The V1 has two sets of sensors, front and rear Radar and front and rear Laser. Radar will work fine as long there is no metal obstructing it - so it works fine buried inside the headrest. The Laser sensors are blocked and will not function inside the headrest. Most don't care since laser detectors are not going to prevent a ticket. Get a laser jammer.

If someone is dead set on keeping laser in some cases it can be done. In Mark's Fort GT we installed the V1 inside the headliner and cut a small hole in the front of the headliner so the laser bulb (forward only) still functions.