This photo blog will show how we installed a BlackVue DR900X-2CH Plus 2-channel dash cam, the BlackVue CM100G LTE Module, and the Power Magic Ultra Battery B-130X into a 2023 BMW iX50. If you're considering installing a dash cam, we recommend the Blackbox MyCar Essential Install Kit. The BlackboxMyCar Essential Install Kit comes with a circuit tester, trim remover tool, and other handy tools to make the hardwiring and installation process more manageable.
Some modern vehicles, such as BMWs and Audis, have a battery detection system that identifies any power consumption or drain while the car’s switched off. As a result, if you have a hardwired dash cam, it will trigger various error codes, including battery drain. One way to install a dash cam in the BMW without issues is to use a battery pack, like the one we performed on a 2023 BMW iX50.
We installed the BlackVue DR900X-2CH Plus, CM100G LTE Module and the Power Magic Ultra Battery B-130X into this BMW iX50.
Since the BlackVue B-130X battery pack is independent of the BMW electrical systems, this setup will allow a full length of parking mode off of the 7,500mAh battery pack, completely avoiding any potential error codes or battery issues in the BMW.
Parking mode via dash cam battery pack is also strongly recommended for electric vehicles (such as Teslas) and hybrid vehicles.
We kept the BlackVue B-130X battery pack underneath the center console.
The BlackVue Power Magic Ultra Battery B-130X measures 152.7 mm x 206 mm x 33.6 mm (6.01in x 8.11in x 1.32in), slightly larger than the BlackboxMyCar PowerCell 8. Unfortunately, there wasn’t much space inside this BMW iX50. Our technicians stored the battery pack between the driver and passenger seats under the center console area.
If you need a slimmer battery pack, we recommend the BlackboxMyCar PowerCell 8.
Always refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual.
The fuse box in the BMW iX is under the black plastic cover to the right of the gas pedal.
The BlackVue B-130X hardwiring kit is a 2-wire cable, one for ACC (constant power) and the other for ground.
To connect the battery pack to the car’s fuse panel, you need to look for an empty fuse slot or one that can be piggybacked off of using the add-a-fuse kit that comes in the BlackboxMyCar Essential Install Kit. Use the circuit tester in the Essential Install Kit to find a suitable continuous power fuse less than 10A. Always refer to the Fuses section in the vehicle's owner's manual to avoid any fuse slots reserved for safety features within the car.
Once hardwired, the BlackVue B-130X battery pack will recharge when the ignition is turned on, and the dash cam will be able to draw power from the battery pack to run parking mode when the car is powered down.
The BlackVue B-130X battery pack has hardwiring and 12V power cables. The 12V power cable allows you to use the cigarette lighter socket in your car to charge the battery pack. But do keep in mind that the 12V cigarette lighter power cable installation method may not be compatible with all vehicles due to insufficient power draw. In cases like this, we recommend only using the hardwiring cable for your installation.
The BlackVue B-130X battery pack has hardwiring and 12V power cables. The 12V power cable allows you to use the cigarette lighter socket in your car to charge the battery pack. But do keep in mind that the 12V cigarette lighter power cable installation method may not be compatible with all vehicles due to insufficient power draw. In cases like this, we recommend only using the hardwiring cable for your installation.
The ideal place for a dash cam is behind the rearview mirror.
The optimal location to mount the forward-facing camera on a vehicle is behind the rearview mirror, as it is out of the driver's line of sight and does not obstruct the view while driving. The BlackVue DR900X Plus’ signature slender cylindrical shape makes it easy to position the front camera behind the rearview mirror.
Keep in mind to check the reach of the wiper blade, as mounting the camera above the wiper's reach will result in a blocked view. Mount the camera in a spot that provides a clear view of the windshield.
Additionally, it is crucial to clean the inside of the windshield to ensure proper adhesion of the camera and to eliminate any marks or smears that may affect the video quality.
The CM100G LTE Module does not require any additional power cables - it gets power from the BlackVue DR900X dash cam.
The BlackVue CM100 LTE Module is an optional external LTE module built that allows your BlackVue DR900X Plus and DR750X Plus dash cam to stay connected to the BlackVue Cloud service anytime, anywhere without the need for a mobile hotspot device.
Insert your SIM card into the CM100G LTE module before mounting it on your front windshield. Remember that the CM100G LTE module is only compatible with North American 4G SIM cards - it is not compatible with 5G cards or any SIM cards from AT&T and Verizon.
The dash cam powers the BlackVue CM100G LTE module, so once it’s mounted and ready, just plug it into the DR900X Plus front camera unit.
Use the provided trim removal tool to gently pull back the headliner and panel covers.
Because the battery pack is under the center console, you will guide the dash cam power cable along the headliner, down the passenger side A-pillar, and across the floor to the battery pack. You can easily hide the power cable by tucking it into the headliner using the pry tool or a credit card. The BlackVue DR900X-2CH Plus has some cable clips that you can stick to your trim or windshield to help keep the cables in place.
Take your time when popping open the A-pillar - it's pretty straightforward but requires patience as you do not want to break any of the clips holding it. Once the A-pillar cover is removed, you can route the cable behind the airbag apparatus, or else your wire will be in the way, which could lead to a dangerous result if the bags go off.
Route the power wire down to the bottom of the dash and then through the dash to the center console and straight to the BlackVue B-130X battery pack. Extra cabling can be tucked in the voids in the center console section.
Run the rear camera connecting cable along the A-B-C pillars to the rear windshield.
Connect the rear camera to the front unit using the coaxial cable. Then, route the coaxial cable along the headliner and A-pillar. Continue routing the coaxial cable in the weatherstripping above the door, along the length of the car (through the B and C pillars).
Continue routing the cable up to the hinge opening. Installing a rear camera in a vehicle with a liftgate involves additional steps. One effective cable running method is to thread it through the hoses between the chassis and the liftgate. Removing any trim on the liftgate can also help to conceal the cable. Also, remove the snap-in top cover so you can route wires the rest of the way to the rear cam location. Extra wire can be tucked into the right side of the hinge hole - leave room for the hinge when it closes.
Examine the liftgate for 1 or 2 hoses that connect to it and lightly press on them to determine which one has more flexibility to run the cable through before attempting to thread the wire.
Examine the liftgate for 1 or 2 hoses that connect to it and lightly press on them to determine which one has more flexibility to run the cable through before attempting to thread the wire.
Connect the coaxial cable to the rear camera and turn on the car to power up the BlackVue B-130X battery pack and the DR900X-2CH Plus dash cam.
You will hear a greeting prompt from the device. Download and install the BlackVue app on your smartphone if you haven't already. Enable the built-in WiFi on the dash cam and connect to it using the app to check and adjust the angles of both the front and rear cameras if necessary. Use the Live View feature to verify the angles of the front and rear cameras and make any necessary adjustments.
Now that our cameras are installed, and the wires are well-kept, let's return to the fuse box to clean up the wires. You can use electrical tapes to keep the cables bundled up, close them and put the cover back.
And there you have it, a BlackVue DR900X-2CH Plus dash cam installed in a 2023 BMW iX50, along with the BlackVue CM100G LTE module and the BlackVue B-130X battery pack. The installation took under 2 hours, including routing the cables, hardwiring to the vehicle’s fuse panel, and checking the front and back cameras using the mobile app viewer.
Planning on installing a dash cam in your car? Check out our Step-by-Step Dash Cam Installation Guide and our selection of handy installation accessories. And if you ever need a hand during the installation process, just call us; our dash cam specialists are available to help!
Looking to have your dash cam professionally installed, we do offer installation services at our Richmond BC location.
Please see some of our other dash cam installations in the BlackboxMyCar Dash Cam Installation Gallery.
