Wiring OEM button to mute radar ?

///Mikey... · 06-03-2012, 03:29 AM

Hello,
Does anyone know how it tap into a unused button near the heated seats button E46 M3. I want to add the button for the "rear sunshade" but want to use the button to mute my radar not anything else.

DIY instructions anywhere I searched but no results.

Thank you in advance.

Im using a escort SRX with remote mute button I just want to wire it to look oem and not have this bootleg switch anywhere even if its hidden.

jfoj · 06-03-2012, 07:04 AM

Assume it should be pretty easy, the only thing you need to realize is these buttons may be momentary contact and your radar detector may need a non momentary contact switch??

If the BMW button is momentary, you may need to work out a latching relay circuit to add to it if your detector needs a true switch?

Also getting a connector for the switch may be tricky as well. BMW is pretty good about selling replacement connectors, however, a junkyard pigtail may be easier??

jdstrickland · 06-03-2012, 11:42 AM

There is much you do not know, some of it is on the vehicle side, and some on the detector side.

The detector has a mure button now, right? Does the button go to a state and remain there, or does it toggle. What I mean is, does the button to high, for example, and stay in that state until you press the button again, or does the button go high for a moment to tell a latch within the detector to go to mute, and then the next time the button goes high, the latch is released and the mute turns off.

Then you have to find a button from within BMW's stock of buttons that operates the same way as the button on the radar detector.

Then you have to figure out if what signal you need to activate the mute -- a high or a ground.

The answers to the questions on the detector side will be different from one brand, or even model of the same brand, of detector to another.

Frankly, the questions you are asking fall into the If You Gotta Ask Then Maybe You Oughta Not Do It category. Sorry.

Why would you want to toggle the mute anyhow? If you have a flashing light, then set the mute and leave it set and watch for the light to flash. If you do not have a flashing light, then how are you gonna know if you are being painted by the radar equipment in Sheriff John's patrol car? I don't see any upside that makes this project worth the effort, and when considering the implications of removing whatever you have to put in, it just gets worse.

06-03-2012, 03:29 AM	#1
///Mikey... Registered User Join Date: May 2010 Location: New York Posts: 1 My Ride: E46 ///M3 View My Garage	Wiring OEM button to mute radar ? Hello, Does anyone know how it tap into a unused button near the heated seats button E46 M3. I want to add the button for the "rear sunshade" but want to use the button to mute my radar not anything else. DIY instructions anywhere I searched but no results. Thank you in advance. Im using a escort SRX with remote mute button I just want to wire it to look oem and not have this bootleg switch anywhere even if its hidden.

06-03-2012, 07:04 AM	#2
jfoj Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Fairfax, VA USA Posts: 5,181 My Ride: '06 330CiC, '03 M5 View My Garage	Assume it should be pretty easy, the only thing you need to realize is these buttons may be momentary contact and your radar detector may need a non momentary contact switch?? If the BMW button is momentary, you may need to work out a latching relay circuit to add to it if your detector needs a true switch? Also getting a connector for the switch may be tricky as well. BMW is pretty good about selling replacement connectors, however, a junkyard pigtail may be easier?? __________________ Solve your misfires, lean codes, rough idle - http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=897616 Fuel pump failures - http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=929501 Temp Info - http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=964491 Hidden OBC Menu - Check Voltage, Temps, Fuel Level - http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=239619 E46/E39 GM5 Door Lock Info - www.bmwgm5.com Lower hose fan switch O-ring - BMW #13621743299

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06-03-2012, 11:42 AM	#3
jdstrickland Registered User Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Murrieta, CA Posts: 4,965 My Ride: '94 325iC & '00 323i View My Garage	There is much you do not know, some of it is on the vehicle side, and some on the detector side. The detector has a mure button now, right? Does the button go to a state and remain there, or does it toggle. What I mean is, does the button to high, for example, and stay in that state until you press the button again, or does the button go high for a moment to tell a latch within the detector to go to mute, and then the next time the button goes high, the latch is released and the mute turns off. Then you have to find a button from within BMW's stock of buttons that operates the same way as the button on the radar detector. Then you have to figure out if what signal you need to activate the mute -- a high or a ground. The answers to the questions on the detector side will be different from one brand, or even model of the same brand, of detector to another. Frankly, the questions you are asking fall into the If You Gotta Ask Then Maybe You Oughta Not Do It category. Sorry. Why would you want to toggle the mute anyhow? If you have a flashing light, then set the mute and leave it set and watch for the light to flash. If you do not have a flashing light, then how are you gonna know if you are being painted by the radar equipment in Sheriff John's patrol car? I don't see any upside that makes this project worth the effort, and when considering the implications of removing whatever you have to put in, it just gets worse.