Lets power outback my '01 M coupe

Since I now have no keyhole door handle surrounds, I decided to add an unlock line in the trunk. This will keep me from crawling in if the added electronics fail.
Was going to do it via the trunk lock but mod time is running out, so I did it via a switch for now.
Having the trunk trim apart, I also added a cigar lighter socket. Will use it to run the mobility pump etc. and a way to recharge the battery if necessary.
I mounted it so that I can access it with the trunk HC full.
I also used the following set up when I replaced the stock one with the console lock switch.
It requires drlling a one inch hole (I used a hole saw). I hot glued it in place from the back to make sure it stays in place.
I used a 30 ampere mini fuse holder using number 12 wiring.

nicely done...would be very convenient for using mobility pump as mentioned.

Did the same mod last summer. I got tired of unloading my autocross tires when I wanted to air them up the night prior to an event.
With a jack under the hood and one in the trunk, I can leave the tires on the trailer and use my ///M Mobility Compressor no matter which way I have the car pulled in (or which side of the garage, for that matter).
The X5 already has these in the back, I thought it was a good idea.

This also can light Bob and my cigars.No nice job I might use it for my powered cooler,And or all options discussed.

Originally posted by ARC///M
This also can light Bob and my cigars.

This covered 12 volt power socket does not accomodate the cigar lighter element.

I just ordered the components for a "Stygar" trunk mounted Power Socket. Has anyone added the socket to their 46-convertible? Would like to know where to mount/drill the hole for the unit and how it was secured to the applicable panel to ensure it wouldn't pull free when removing the male unit from my beverage cooler. Is there some type of backing plate for the socket mounting assembly?

Originally Posted by CascadeTelcom

I just ordered the components for a "Stygar" trunk mounted Power Socket. Has anyone added the socket to their 46-convertible? Would like to know where to mount/drill the hole for the unit and how it was secured to the applicable panel to ensure it wouldn't pull free when removing the male unit from my beverage cooler. Is there some type of backing plate for the socket mounting assembly?

I did this recently as well.. Placed the outlet in the panel that covers the drivers side tail lights. handy dandy!

Originally Posted by HaqDeluxe

I did this recently as well.. Placed the outlet in the panel that covers the drivers side tail lights. handy dandy!

I received the BMW receptacle and discovered it is held in place by a bezel built in to the panel on the X5 and wagons. Because I wanted full support I purchased a Marinco Sealink Deluxe 12v receptacle from West Marine and installed it in the front end of the plastic cover over the muffler area, driver's side, of the trunk. The Marinco Marine receptacle is fully enclosed, has a mounting plate for the top/surface and a locking ring for the bottom of the unit. Marine grade construction is superior to auto grade and works very well in this application. Send me an email at my address which is listed under my profile if you want additional information.

Originally Posted by CascadeTelcom

I received the BMW receptacle and discovered it is held in place by a bezel built in to the panel on the X5 and wagons. Because I wanted full support I purchased a Marinco Sealink Deluxe 12v receptacle from West Marine and installed it in the front end of the plastic cover over the muffler area, driver's side, of the trunk. The Marinco Marine receptacle is fully enclosed, has a mounting plate for the top/surface and a locking ring for the bottom of the unit. Marine grade construction is superior to auto grade and works very well in this application. Send me an email at my address which is listed under my profile if you want additional information.

How about a picture?

My dentist purchased a X3. Looking at it, I noticed the socket mount looked like it will work on the console one and rear hatch one on my '01 M coupe. We'll soon see.

The socket mount worked well on the console one.

Following pic shows how it was without the mount.



Enlarging the opening to a rectangle, I used a razor knife and a pair of diagonal pliers to cut the leather. Installing the mount, I used a piece of vinyl shim stock to install the top to keep the leather (now loose) from bunching up. The bottom just pushes in until you hear it click into place.
Much better this way since it doesn't stick out as much and get in the way when packing up the footwell with HC stuff.
Will do the trunk one once the mount shows up.

The socket mount works well in the trunk too.

pretty slick

Is that surround completely flat?

Originally Posted by Mpire

Is that surround completely flat?

It's flat on the bottom where it meets the opening you cut.

Oh, ok...

The one I have is curved...

not sound like a total idiot.... but what kind of cable would you recommend purchasing to do this? any bmw part numbers or can the cable be purchased at any harware store?

Originally Posted by hokoman

not sound like a total idiot.... but what kind of cable would you recommend purchasing to do this? any bmw part numbers or can the cable be purchased at any harware store?

I used #12 stranded copper wire. Pick it up at a hardware store. Maybe Home Depot.

Ron, as always YOU ARE THE MAN! Many, many thanks over the years...

Basically the same set up but the Z4 electrical stuff is more refined. They recommend charging and jumping being done under the hood (the one in front of the car). Disconnect the battery and you have to deinitialize and then reintialize the windows. Not totally sure of what else, but will know soon.
Will be adding the same to the passenger side console.
Will be adding a socket for the Porsche torch above the one in the back.

Will be posting more info on this, probably after HC, since time is running out.

Originally Posted by Ron Stygar

Since I now have no keyhole door handle surrounds, I decided to add an unlock line in the trunk. This will keep me from crawling in if the added electronics fail.

Ron,

I take this to mean that the trunk latch is mechanical rather than electric? Otherwise this plan might not work!

Originally Posted by reidconti

Ron,

I take this to mean that the trunk latch is mechanical rather than electric? Otherwise this plan might not work!

It actually is both.
Pushing in the pushbutton closes a switch which energizes the actuator.
The key is mechanical.
When the car is locked it locks the trunk by killing the power to the actuator.

Originally Posted by Ron Stygar

Finished it up except fot the torch socket (on order) last week.
Don't recommend it but I did it hot.