Stealth radar install help - part # needed

[lsal]

Helpful friends,

I am installing a laser/radar setup (Thank you, but don't need help deciding what to get), and want to have the button mounted in the center console (next to the rear-shade switch or something).

Questions:
A. Can I just get a switch and install in current cover? If so, where can I buy?
B. Assuming A is not possible - what'a the part number for a center console that will include the auto-start + rear shade (as exists currently), as well as one extra button (don't really care which)?

If anyone has used, would love to buy from you. Otherwise, help appreciated.

Thanks!!!

[MilehighM3]

There are actually buttons behind the blanks and you can get the covers to make them functional. That being said, it's a bussed signal, not a hard wired input to the consumer. So it's a great thought, but it won't work the way you're thinking.

[lsal]

Originally Posted by Bmw135er

There are actually buttons behind the blanks and you can get the covers to make them functional. That being said, it's a bussed signal, not a hard wired input to the consumer. So it's a great thought, but it won't work the way you're thinking.

Damn... Was worth a try

Any other ideas? Don't want to put a switch in the ashtray or on the steering column. Was thinking of getting a euro light switch and using the fog light switch... Not ideal, and more expensive. Thoughts?

Thanks man!

[Cool Steel]

Maybe try my install...? No invasive surgery needed...no resale value fears.
Works great for me and everyone who gets in the car always says it looks amazing.

http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=842154

[lsal]

Originally Posted by Cool Steel

Maybe try my install...? No invasive surgery needed...no resale value fears.
Works great for me and everyone who gets in the car always says it looks amazing.

http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=842154

Thanks! Looks good, but I'm trying to go for complete stealth (I would probably put the v1 in the headrest or something if I had one.).

Which switches can I utilize???

[lsal]

Bump

Really? I cant be the first to be doing this!

[jimf15e]

Check out radardetectorforum.org. TONS of great ideas in the "show off your install" section, there's a sticky that indexes all makes/models. Lots of BMW DIY examples (including my STi-R Plus/laser interceptor/V1 install). You'll need to register and possibly make a "hello" post to view photos I think, but there's some great info on that site. If you're into radar detectors and laser countermeasures - which doing a custom install like yours makes it sound like you are - you'll find some great techniques and recommendations.

[lsal]

Originally Posted by jimf15e

Check out radardetectorforum.org. TONS of great ideas in the "show off your install" section, there's a sticky that indexes all makes/models. Lots of BMW DIY examples (including my STi-R Plus/laser interceptor/V1 install). You'll need to register and possibly make a "hello" post to view photos I think, but there's some great info on that site. If you're into radar detectors and laser countermeasures - which doing a custom install like yours makes it sound like you are - you'll find some great techniques and recommendations.

Thanks - I actually saw your set-up while researching - nice.

I'm trying to avoid filling the ashtray area, and achieve an OEM look - didn't see anything there that matches...

[jimf15e]

Originally Posted by lsal

Thanks - I actually saw your set-up while researching - nice.

I'm trying to avoid filling the ashtray area, and achieve an OEM look - didn't see anything there that matches...

What are you installing? I might be of help from my own research. LI? If so, I'd do like you mentioned and use the rear fog blank for the LI power switch.

[lsal]

Originally Posted by jimf15e

What are you installing? I might be of help from my own research. LI? If so, I'd do like you mentioned and use the rear fog blank for the LI power switch.

Thanks! Indeed, LI - I saw somewhere that the rear fog blank is an actual button (or can be made to operate like one with a quick DIY). Would that work like I'm thinking? Any other options that you came across?

[jimf15e]

There's a DIY to mod the US light switch assembly to activate the existing rear fog switch. For some reason it's disabled here. That might be an option - reconfigure the LI rocker switch to be a momentary on/off then use my LED mod to the LI CPU so you have a way to visually see alerts.

Are you installing a 9500ci or STi-R? If so then the display can be engraved into the rear view mirror, controls mounted where I put hem or up in the sunroof control panel (I saw a 911 with this type of install).

I chose to be a little less stealth for a less invasive install so I can remove it, modify it, and update it easily. I get bored easily and always want to update technology.

[lsal]

Originally Posted by jimf15e

There's a DIY to mod the US light switch assembly to activate the existing rear fog switch. For some reason it's disabled here. That might be an option - reconfigure the LI rocker switch to be a momentary on/off then use my LED mod to the LI CPU so you have a way to visually see alerts.

Are you installing a 9500ci or STi-R? If so then the display can be engraved into the rear view mirror, controls mounted where I put hem or up in the sunroof control panel (I saw a 911 with this type of install).

I chose to be a little less stealth for a less invasive install so I can remove it, modify it, and update it easily. I get bored easily and always want to update technology.

You rock man - very few people appreciate this kind if stuff I guess...

STi-R - plan to integrate into the mirror, as you said. Think I'm just going to have the rocker switch and control unit placed in a fabd piece instead of the ashtray... I was optimistic that I could find a clever alternative, but doesn't look like it...

Thanks for taking the time - much appreciated!

[jimf15e]

No problem, good luck and have fun with it. DIY as much as you can, it's rewarding. Nice color on your M by the way, very cool. Looking forward to seeing results!

[lsal]

Originally Posted by jimf15e

No problem, good luck and have fun with it. DIY as much as you can, it's rewarding. Nice color on your M by the way, very cool. Looking forward to seeing results!

Thanks! Will update when I'm done - don't know know how much of it I'll do myself though...