Yes I know there are threads on installing the V1 in the R53 but when I searched I didn't find a thread with pics and all the threads suggest tapping into wires down at the OBD II area and running the wire up along the A pillar.

However I have pics and I tapped into the light array right in front of the rear view mirror.

I am unsure if all R53s have the reading and airbag lights there but this is how I did mine.

I hope this is helpful to somebody in the future.

You will need the wire tap that comes with the V1. It works great. All you need to do is find the wire you want to tap into and clamp the clip around the wire.


Step 1 - Pop out the light assembly. You just have to pull hard from the front (closest to windshield) and it will pop right out.




Step 2 - Tap into the purple wire going to the airbag sensor light. This powers on when you turn the key and turns off when you remove the key so it works great for this.



Step 3 - make a ground connection. Well I originally thought I would need to drill a hole into the metal but when I looked up into the hole I saw there were already 2 small holes in the roof. Perfect!



So I found a screw from the many I had laying around in the garage and found one that would fit perfectly into the smaller hole in the left.

I made sure the ground connection from the V1 would fit on the screw.



Screw is now in the hole with the ground connected.




You will also need to run the end of the wire (with the phone jack on it) into the hole and toward the windshield and then out from the headliner.

I was surprised that you can easily pull the headliner down enough to get a few fingers in so with one hand inside the hole I fed the wire in toward the windshield and with the other hand pull the headliner down a bit until I could grasp the wire and then pulled it through and done.



V1 Installed and ready to go.




It of course helps to have smaller hands when working inside that hole. getting that screw in wasn't too hard. After I started it by hand I got a stubby screwdriver and started turning it and then remembered I had this tool which made it a lot easier. It was just my luck that the screw head was 8mm.




And....its always a good idea to have your trusty side kick standing by......in case you need a beer or something.



And my trusty side kick's woman wanted in on this as well.

 

This is awesome!!!

In the front/top of the headliner I have a clock, my map/dome light's are in the center. Does anybody know if it's the same process as this??

Eric

 

Love the dog pics.

 

I would assume it's the same. There should be a power wire to the clock you can tap.

 

Outstanding write up!

Previous Gen I's have the map lights in the center of the headliner between driver/passenger.

 

FYI, you can also use the 'visor clip' from the V1 - it slides right into the headliner and holds it securely. It makes it less obvious, and you don't have the suction cups on the windshield.

 

Good suggestion. I hadn't tried it but I am wondering if the angle of the detector is still the same as it is when using the suction cups. Do you have a pic?

 

I have map lights there too. I don't see why you couldn't tap a wire there also. The wiring from the V1 is very long and could reach from there to the windshield easily.

I would suggest straightening out a wire hangar, tying the end of the wire to one end of the hanger and then use that to fish the wire toward the windshield where you could then pull down the headliner and grab it.