Author Topic: Map Light Mirror Install Question (Read 7378 times)

Colo318IS · « **on:** September 24, 2008, 09:32:37 PM »

I was curious if anyone has installed a map light rearview mirror in their car? I've been thinkin of snaggin one off ebay, but wanted to make sure the conversion wasn't too horrifying before I bought one. What did you use for a powersource? I think they look pretty cool and it'd be a nice upgrade.

Thanks for any insight.

nomad · « **Reply #1 on:** September 25, 2008, 01:01:17 AM »

I think you can tap a power wire that goes to the check panel, and it just snaps in.
I have one, just haven't gotten around to installing it.

jrobie79 · « **Reply #2 on:** September 25, 2008, 07:51:44 PM »

i installed one, it helps so much for those late night tacos so you dont get the lettuce and shit all over yourself. I fished wire from one of the side dome lamps that way i can turn it on whenever i want, instead of just the car being on, and i do not believe there is any constant power or even switched power in the check panel harness.

Royalratch · « **Reply #3 on:** October 01, 2008, 07:40:58 AM »

You should get the loom for this.

The official supply is down in the passenger (drivers in the US?) side footwell behind the speaker. A Female 2pin Black supply.

Means partly removing the roof lining and A-Pillar trim - but it's the 'proper' way!

Matt-B · « **Reply #4 on:** October 02, 2008, 04:10:21 AM »

Quote from: Colo318IS;57314

I was curious if anyone has installed a map light rearview mirror in their car? I've been thinkin of snaggin one off ebay, but wanted to make sure the conversion wasn't too horrifying before I bought one. What did you use for a powersource? I think they look pretty cool and it'd be a nice upgrade.

Thanks for any insight.

cigarette lighter

Royalratch · « **Reply #5 on:** October 02, 2008, 06:20:42 AM »

You may as well go the proper supply if you're going to go to the trouble of going to the cigarette lighter - and you won't overload that circuit either.

Matt-B · « **Reply #6 on:** October 02, 2008, 01:24:50 PM »

if your car didnt come with one, wiring is not there. I dont use cigarette light and if i do, maplight is off?

it works fine actually

Royalratch · « **Reply #7 on:** October 03, 2008, 05:08:43 AM »

Quote from: matthew-mayhem;57752

if your car didnt come with one, wiring is not there. I dont use cigarette light and if i do, maplight is off?

it works fine actually

It is there - my car came without the mirror and I retrofitted it using this correct supply.

You may need to use both at the same time one day. It's the same amount of works so why not do it properly.

Cobra Jet · « **Reply #8 on:** October 03, 2008, 12:54:14 PM »

can someone post a pic as to how the mirror is attached or installed into a 318 coupe as opposed to a 318 convertible?

I have a 318ic, but was wondering if it were possible to install the same mirror as used in the coupes - but I don't know how (nor have I seen how) these are installed in a coupe... On my 318ic, for some reason, the mirror was glued to the windshield when the car was built (and I don't care for this type of mount). From what I see on many coupes, it appears that the mirror is somehow fastened to the top of the windshield interior trim or metal...

Any help or photos would be appreciated!

Colo318IS · « **Reply #9 on:** October 03, 2008, 02:01:47 PM »

Thanks everyone for the insight...I'm gonna see if i can grab one.

Cobra Jet...I'm sorry I don't have a pic so hopefully someone else can post one for you...in the meantime, I can tell you on the coupe, the mirror affixes to the car from the top (roof/interior) right near the check panel (check lights for SRS and seatbelts)...I havent looked closely at an IC, but am guessing that's why yours is on the windshield...I'm sure a little creative thinking could get around that though. Hope that is of some help...

Jay

Royalratch · « **Reply #10 on:** October 03, 2008, 06:08:08 PM »

It's pushed into a hole in the windscreen frame and held in via two spring loaded pins.

To remove you yank it, and to fit you put push it in pretty hard at angle, one side first.

Obviously, you will have threaded the loom into the hole first and either run it to it's feed or pull it back out of the many surround holes to get a 12v feed from wherever you want.

Once the trim is off it's less than 2 minutes. Very easy but a nice upgrade.

Matt-B · « **Reply #11 on:** October 03, 2008, 06:53:15 PM »

I didnt have the plug

oh well, mine works

Royalratch · « **Reply #12 on:** October 04, 2008, 04:02:34 AM »

Quote from: matthew-mayhem;57846

I didnt have the plug

oh well, mine works

It's quite well hidden. Taped up to the loom deep in there - I'll get a pic. It's possible it may not be there on US cars?

BMWManiac · « **Reply #13 on:** October 12, 2008, 09:21:57 PM »

So what lamp do you use there?

Colo318IS · « **Reply #14 on:** October 25, 2008, 12:12:34 PM »

I did pick one up and got it installed...Jrobie79:...good call, it does work nice for late night tacos

I ended up goin the route of the dome light on the driver's side..."the path of least resistence" theory I guess...I just didn't want to tear into my car too much...I do like the fact I can turn it on w/o the car being on. Thanks for everyone's help, it is a really nice upgrade.