Switched power for gauges

Barryb97 · 10-30-2022, 08:56 PM

Getting ready to install gauges in the ashtray area. I went through all the prior threads I could find but I haven't seen anything about where people tapped into the wiring to get "switched" power. I thought the radio would be a good bet but it is not switched nor is the cigarette lighter outlet.
06 Z4 M coupe

Barryb97 · 10-31-2022, 10:15 PM

anyone?

Steeler · 11-01-2022, 10:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Barryb97

Getting ready to install gauges in the ashtray area. I went through all the prior threads I could find but I haven't seen anything about where people tapped into the wiring to get "switched" power. I thought the radio would be a good bet but it is not switched nor is the cigarette lighter outlet.
06 Z4 M coupe

I know you say that the radio power is not switched but I was sure that is what I tapped into.

Can't think of anything else in that area.

Barryb97 · 11-01-2022, 03:02 PM

Thanks. I will do some additional probing. The other option is to just put in a switch but I rather not if I don't have to.

Clearancediver · 11-01-2022, 05:45 PM

You normally "tap" into the wiring at the fuse panel in behind the glove box (remove)…. Select a fuse that is switched. There are specifically designed fuse taps which provide a separate fuse for your circuit. Any auto supply/parts store can provide you with what you need

Steeler · 11-01-2022, 06:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Barryb97

Thanks. I will do some additional probing. The other option is to just put in a switch but I rather not if I don't have to.

I do remember wanting to have the ability to dim the lighting on the gauges. Reason for tapping the radio power.

No issues in the 9 years I have had the auxiliary gauges.

grannyknot · 11-01-2022, 07:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steeler

I do remember wanting to have the ability to dim the lighting on the gauges. Reason for tapping the radio power.

No issues in the 9 years I have had the auxiliary gauges.

Any chance you post a pic of your gauges? I'm in the process of trying to get oil pressure, coolant temp and voltmeter into the cab but haven't figured out where to locate them yet.

Steeler · 11-02-2022, 07:52 AM

I forget the name of the gauge pod, but it was discontinued a while ago.

grannyknot

Edit: 3d design was the manufacturer.

Barryb97 · 11-02-2022, 03:13 PM

Found it. Purple and white wire. I bought the cheap to gauge pod on eBay. It was pretty rough. A lot of sanding and some body filler. Also bought a used ash tray assembly so I could get it all ready on the bench. Still in the middle of installation.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/28491428513...3ABFBM-qO4n4dh

10-30-2022, 08:56 PM	#1
Barryb97 Second Lieutenant 17 Rep 231 Posts Drives: 2006 M coupe Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Kirkland, WA iTrader: (1)	Switched power for gauges Getting ready to install gauges in the ashtray area. I went through all the prior threads I could find but I haven't seen anything about where people tapped into the wiring to get "switched" power. I thought the radio would be a good bet but it is not switched nor is the cigarette lighter outlet. 06 Z4 M coupe __________________ CDV delete, clutch stop, BMW pedals, Strongstrut bar, CF rad & coil cover, M3 reps, roundel under hood, Intravee II, air bag sticker delete, first aid storage, painted reflectors, headlight washer disable, Skyer CF front lip, Short shift kit, Leather Z arm rest, Stromung exhaust, RPI scoop, RTAB limiters, powerflex bushings, TC Kline DA coilovers, PB big brake kit, Skyer CF rear spoiler and diffuser, oil pressure and water temp guages.
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10-31-2022, 10:15 PM	#2
Barryb97 Second Lieutenant 17 Rep 231 Posts Drives: 2006 M coupe Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Kirkland, WA iTrader: (1)	anyone? __________________ CDV delete, clutch stop, BMW pedals, Strongstrut bar, CF rad & coil cover, M3 reps, roundel under hood, Intravee II, air bag sticker delete, first aid storage, painted reflectors, headlight washer disable, Skyer CF front lip, Short shift kit, Leather Z arm rest, Stromung exhaust, RPI scoop, RTAB limiters, powerflex bushings, TC Kline DA coilovers, PB big brake kit, Skyer CF rear spoiler and diffuser, oil pressure and water temp guages.
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11-01-2022, 03:02 PM	#4
Barryb97 Second Lieutenant 17 Rep 231 Posts Drives: 2006 M coupe Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Kirkland, WA iTrader: (1)	Thanks. I will do some additional probing. The other option is to just put in a switch but I rather not if I don't have to. __________________ CDV delete, clutch stop, BMW pedals, Strongstrut bar, CF rad & coil cover, M3 reps, roundel under hood, Intravee II, air bag sticker delete, first aid storage, painted reflectors, headlight washer disable, Skyer CF front lip, Short shift kit, Leather Z arm rest, Stromung exhaust, RPI scoop, RTAB limiters, powerflex bushings, TC Kline DA coilovers, PB big brake kit, Skyer CF rear spoiler and diffuser, oil pressure and water temp guages.
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11-01-2022, 05:45 PM	#5
Clearancediver Lieutenant 89 Rep 406 Posts Drives: 2004 Z4 Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Victoria, BC Canada iTrader: (0)	You normally "tap" into the wiring at the fuse panel in behind the glove box (remove)…. Select a fuse that is switched. There are specifically designed fuse taps which provide a separate fuse for your circuit. Any auto supply/parts store can provide you with what you need __________________ Sent from my smart phone...
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11-02-2022, 07:52 AM	#8
Steeler Colonel 2428 Rep 2,703 Posts Drives: Built not Bought 04 Z4 VF Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Kitchener Ontario Canada iTrader: (2)	I forget the name of the gauge pod, but it was discontinued a while ago. grannyknot Edit: 3d design was the manufacturer. Attached Images __________________ W2A Intercooled Vortech V3Si, custom ducting, Alpha N, 60# Bosch,2.62 pulley, multi port WMI, Severn Tuning(pokeybritches), Tial, magnaflow,SS race muffler, 42 design,3.91LSD, H&R, Hotchkis,ST coils,Konis, Megan camber arms, AKG SS, Nylon mounts, Poly bushings, Carbon interior, CF Aero.APEX Last edited by Steeler; 11-02-2022 at 02:28 PM..
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11-02-2022, 03:13 PM	#9
Barryb97 Second Lieutenant 17 Rep 231 Posts Drives: 2006 M coupe Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Kirkland, WA iTrader: (1)	Found it. Purple and white wire. I bought the cheap to gauge pod on eBay. It was pretty rough. A lot of sanding and some body filler. Also bought a used ash tray assembly so I could get it all ready on the bench. Still in the middle of installation. https://www.ebay.com/itm/28491428513...3ABFBM-qO4n4dh __________________ CDV delete, clutch stop, BMW pedals, Strongstrut bar, CF rad & coil cover, M3 reps, roundel under hood, Intravee II, air bag sticker delete, first aid storage, painted reflectors, headlight washer disable, Skyer CF front lip, Short shift kit, Leather Z arm rest, Stromung exhaust, RPI scoop, RTAB limiters, powerflex bushings, TC Kline DA coilovers, PB big brake kit, Skyer CF rear spoiler and diffuser, oil pressure and water temp guages.
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