I installed a Powerlet socket in the underdash panel on the driver side. This is for my Garmin i5 GPS, and whatever else I might want to plug in. I used a stepper drill bit to drill a .75" hole, and tapped power from the junction box in the footwell. For now I've got a 5A ATM fuse fuse downstream, but eventually I'll just run into the fuse box and use one of the unoccupied fuse locations.

---

Work Log

• August 15, 2007
  
  • Cabin Powerlet
    I started buttoning up the interior, sans the new microcontroller setup which will wait for after Homecoming. I did run some of the wiring for it, using the parallel AWG18 wire (4 wires). All I need for now is the Powerlet socket, which is done. I buttoned up the fuse box, and tested the run for the Powerlet socket. It works fine (5A LED fuse in position 42). I need to put the interior back together, and consider using a 1A fuse.

• August 14, 2007
  
  • Cabin Powerlet
    The cable for the Garmin i5 arrived from Eastern Beaver. I shortened it about 4 inches, then tested it. It works fine. Might be a good idea to test the output voltage, but I don't have a mini USB jack.

• August 11, 2007
  
  • Cabin Powerlet
    I installed the tailed double leaf spring connectors in fuse locations 42, 40 and 17. I connected the power wire to them and connected that to the junction box location under the driver's side dash. I didn't realize there was a sheet metal jumper needed to do it. I fabricated one since I didn't have the part. I also connected each fuse output to the barrier strip with uninsulated terminals that I put heatshrink on.

• August 6, 2007
  
  • Cabin Powerlet
    I drilled out one of the additional holes in the fusebox to run more wiring into the cabin and use fuses locations in the fuse box. I need to order parts from BMW:
    • 50A fuse, 61.13.8.365.901, qty. 5 at $1.86 each
    • tailed fuse tab receptacle, 61.13.0.007.440, 10 at $2.25 each

    I ordered some barrier strips with jumpers and cover from McMaster-Carr so I can distribute power and ground in the cabin. I want to run one hot-at-all-times to/from the fusebox, with 12-gauge wire. Back from the fusebox, I want 3 leads; fuse 42, fuse 40 and fuse 17.

• August 5, 2007
  
  • Cabin Powerlet
    I installed the Powerlet socket in the underdash panel. I also ordered a cable from Eastern Beaver to power the Garmin i5.

---

Links

• Eastern Beaver

  Where I bought Powerlet parts.
  McMaster-Carr

  McMaster-Carr.