After a lot (?!!) or research I’ve settled on the Garmin 45. Only front camera, but has all the other features I need and is perfectly sized, as in really small. Loaded the app to my phone and it transfers videos really quickly. Here is all the relevant kit: Camera From this photo you get an idea of how small it is: The hardwire kit from Garmin, this allows the unit to record should it detect movement/damage whilst the vehicle is switched off: Positioned the camera where I want it, and did a trial run with the power cable from the cigarette lighter: Once the rear view mirror is back in position it is well hidden, not blocking my view nor causing any obstruction. I’ve still got easy access to it should I need to:
I’m going to do the full wire install tomorrow. I’ve already hooked one of the piggy back fuse holders into the interior light, fuse 62, this will give me the constant feed. I’m not 100% sure which fuse to use for the switched. There is a handy bolt that I can access to connect the earth. Set the kit up with the right connectors: Just need to work out which one to use.... The access to the fuse board isn’t the most helpful. Glad I haven’t got massive hands!
Cleverly the unit can quickly be detached by simply pulling it free from the magnetic attachment. This is what remains on the screen:
Looks about the same size as the HP one I have. I followed @Singvogel's 'how to' on here and ran the cable behind the windscreen rubber, down the A pillar and into the back of the glovebox. Mine is behind the mirror, but on the passenger side so it doesn't distract me when driving.
I mounted my Nextbase 522 in the same place and ran the cable the same way, but I bought a cigarette lighter socket to make it plug and play, with wiring from the cigarette lighter point in the centre console. This is only live when the car is on and therefore the unit goes into battery standby for impact detection when I lock the car. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
As this is a small unit the battery is not capable of extended periods of standby and recording. Hence the need for a live feed. The A post removal will be a bit tricky given it has an air bag in there. Will need to read up I think.
On my car, I just tucked it under the rubber lip, so I didn’t remove the trim. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
On the E92 the windscreen surround is rubber, so I can easily hide the cable under there, probably use one of my plastic tyre levers from my bike puncture kit. The A pillar is more of a stiff board so might need removing. Will have a look later.
The A pillar trims come off fairly easily so I'd have them off and also glovebox out is easy so might as well have that out of the way. I feel like the parking mode of the hardwire kit might induce a battery discharge warning because the IBS will detect the current draw unless it is tiny. Do they give details of what it current it uses?
I did worry a bit about the constant power draw, but was made to feel more confident given that the BMW eye dash cam has a similar set up. Here is what the unit says:
I’ve read the documents with the parking cable and it has a built in voltage monitor, can be set internally to 11.3. 12 or 12.3v I believe. Default is the lowest so will leave there.
Hmmmm. No joy with the power so far. Tried the horn fuse and it won’t power up, horn works. Then the heated seats fuse, again won’t power up. When I take the key out the unit powers, so the constant is working. Any ideas?
I gave up. Much internet searching for the solution and no real answers. I’m not convinced the 12v constant would work as most comments suggest that the car shuts them all down 20/30 mins after the car is stopped and locked. I could go direct to the battery, but not sure how to do that other than run a wire through to the boot. So, I’ve fixed the unit up and plugged the cig lighter charger in, then run the wire around/under the glovebox, then up the A pillar and across. Major stupid mistake: pulled the whole interior rear view mirror off its mount. Doh. Took a good 20 mins to fix the sod back on! I did think I could tap into the rain sensor or auto dip mirror wires in there, but would need some guidance on which ones as I don’t have a multimeter to check for the switched live.
What are your struggling with? The terminal 15 (ignition feed) or the permanent for the park mode? If it’s not working yet you’re in a power that is powering a system then it has to be the wiring through the kit surely?
It wouldn’t power up, regardless of which fuse location I used. Beginning to suspect the piggy back fuses may be defective. I checked my wiring several times, recrimped the wire again. Once the cig lighter is plugged in it fires straight up. Will re-think and start from scratch again.
I'd say it must be an issue with the piggy back as you suspect. Shame you haven't got a multimeter as you'd know straight away. Have the wires got inline fuses, could be that maybe.