Installing a dashcam in your 2019 BMW X3 can be a straightforward process, especially when utilizing the OBD2 port for power. The OBD2 port offers a convenient power source and can lead to a clean, wire-free installation. Understanding the location of the OBD2 port in your BMW X3 is the first step to a successful dashcam setup.
The OBD2 port in a 2019 BMW X3 is typically located on the driver’s side, beneath the dashboard. You’ll usually find it in the vicinity of the steering column, often near the knee area. This placement makes it easily accessible for connecting devices like dashcams without needing to run wires across the dashboard or windshield in a complicated manner.
Using the OBD2 port for dashcam installation offers a few advantages. It simplifies the wiring process, as you can tuck the cable neatly along the trim and down to the port, often making it completely invisible. Many installers find they can use a simple trim tool to achieve a very professional and hidden cable route. There’s often enough space in the side kick panel area to store any excess cable, further contributing to a tidy installation. The OBD2 connector itself is designed to be compact, minimizing any risk of accidental bumps or interference.
However, it’s worth noting a consideration regarding parking mode when powering a dashcam from the OBD2 port in a 2019 BMW X3. Unlike some direct hardwiring methods, the OBD2 port may continue to supply power even after the ignition is turned off, potentially until the car enters a deep sleep state. This means a dashcam connected to the OBD2 port might remain in continuous recording mode for longer than expected when relying on ignition power cut-off to trigger parking mode. While this can be beneficial for extended recording, it’s something to be aware of in relation to your dashcam’s parking mode settings and potential battery drain over extended periods of inactivity.
For those considering specific dashcams, the Thinkware Q1000, as mentioned in user experiences, is a model that can be installed via the OBD2 port in a BMW X3. Users have noted its good video quality, although it’s important to be aware of potential quirks with parking mode behavior when powered through the OBD2 port and to consider user support experiences when choosing a dashcam brand.
In conclusion, the OBD2 port in your 2019 BMW X3 provides a readily available and convenient power source for dashcam installation. Its location simplifies wiring and allows for a clean setup. Just be mindful of how the continuous power supply from the OBD2 port might affect your dashcam’s parking mode functionality.
