Map light mirror in E30

[rward325]

Anyone do this swap? If so what did you use for power to the map lights?

[Jordan]

Either use the factory wire that runs down the drivers side a-pillar, and plugs into the white connector at the firewall.... or wire it off the sunroof.

[modifiede30]

If you have an electric sunroof you could probably splice into the power line. Never done it but its the only power wiring I could think of that would run in that area.

[Jon325i]

I recently bought the same mirror to upgrade into my car, but I have yet to actually install it. I asked this question on E3S and people told me that I can just tap into the power supply for the check panel as my power source (I forget which color wire though). What's nice about using this particular power source is that its wired through the ignition. That way, you can never accidentally leave the light on in the car once you have shut it off.

Jon

[AdamF 88iS]

If you buy one of these mirrors make sure you get one that has the adjustable bit that braces it against the windshield. Otherwise it will vibrate a lot.

[Super-Eta]

Tapping into the Check control is correct.

Also you will still have full fuction of the check control still.

A friend of mine did this on his 1986 325.

-Ryan

[RedBaron86325]

Tapping into the Check control is correct.

Also you will still have full fuction of the check control still.

A friend of mine did this on his 1986 325.

-Ryan

This is absolutely correct. I've installed a few of these for friends over the last several years with no ill effects.

[Brew]

Here's a good write-up with great pictures:

http://e30.bmwdiy.info/lighted-mirror/index.html

Great upgrade IMO, my new car has one and it is so much more convenient than the "reach over your head and swerve off the road" lights.

[Ryan Stewart]

I found one to the check control that is powered with the igniton off it you want me too look. I did that because I tend to use it a lot when parked and that little bulb isnt gonna kill my car.

Also when you go to install it get some small tire wraps, compress the pins with a crescent wrench, and slide the tiewraps in so that the pins cant go all the way out. Then pop the mirror in and slide the tiewraps out. Its much quicker and easier that way.

[rward325]

Here's a good write-up with great pictures:

http://e30.bmwdiy.info/lighted-mirror/index.html

Great upgrade IMO, my new car has one and it is so much more convenient than the "reach over your head and swerve off the road" lights.

This write up is perfect. Thanks, guess what I am doing tomorrow?

[Jon325i]

Excellent article. Thanks for posting it. This eliminates a lot of guess work.

Jon

[MR 325]

rward325

Take some pics before, during, and after install for us :)