For BMW owners looking to enhance their vehicle’s security with a Blackvue dashcam and parking mode, a common concern arises: potential battery drain and electrical system errors. Directly tapping into your BMW’s electrical system, especially via methods like the OBD2 port, for continuous dashcam power can lead to unwanted consequences. Fortunately, there’s a smart solution to ensure your Blackvue dashcam functions flawlessly without compromising your BMW’s delicate electronics: dedicated battery packs.
Battery packs serve as an independent power source for your dashcam when your BMW is turned off. Instead of drawing power from your car’s battery, which can cause drain and potentially trigger error codes in sophisticated systems like those in BMW vehicles, the dashcam relies solely on the battery pack. This completely isolates the dashcam’s power needs from your BMW’s electrical system, eliminating the risk of battery drain or interference.
Our recommended solution is the BlackboxMyCar PowerCell 8. This battery pack offers a significant 25% more charge capacity than standard packs, providing an average of 25 hours of parking mode recording, depending on your specific Blackvue dashcam model. The PowerCell 8 charges while your BMW is running and takes over seamlessly when the engine is off. Conveniently, you can monitor the battery pack’s status via a Bluetooth application from inside your vehicle.
Installation is straightforward. Battery packs can be charged using your car’s cigarette lighter socket, provided it turns off with the ignition. For faster charging, hardwiring to an ACC fuse is an option. When hardwiring, it’s crucial to identify a true ACC fuse that only powers on with the vehicle to avoid constant drain. While splicing into existing vehicle wiring for an ACC connection is possible, it requires electrical expertise and carries some risk. Connecting directly to the BMW battery is not recommended as it defeats the purpose of bypassing the car’s electrical system for parking mode.
By using a battery pack like the BlackboxMyCar PowerCell 8, you ensure your Blackvue dashcam operates optimally in parking mode without any risk to your BMW’s battery or electrical system. This is particularly crucial for BMWs, electric vehicles, hybrids, and any car where additional power draw when the engine is off is undesirable. Enjoy peace of mind knowing your vehicle is protected without compromising its electrical integrity.
