[NoSole]

I realize this varies from model to model, so I'll be as specific as I can. I'm going to be tapping a fuse to power a USB plug behind the dash, and I'm looking for an unused socket that, preferably, powers on ignition. The tricky part is that I already hardwired my V1 about 5 years ago, and don't remember which one I tapped. My questions are 1.) which fuses power on ignition, and 2.) which are unused?

As for my e90, it's an '08 335xi with CCC iDrive, Logic 7, and PDC. I don't know what else might affect the fuses, so if there are any othe options you need to know, please ask. I'll try to snap a photo of the fuse box and diagram

[Viktimize]

Can't you just open the glove box and take a look at where you tapped your V1 power?

[NoSole]

Yes, but that doesn't solve my problem cuz my V1 is tapped into the fuse. I can't double tap the same fuse. That's why I'm looking for other viable options.

[GearGuy2009]

Originally Posted by NoSole

Yes, but that doesn't solve my problem cuz my V1 is tapped into the fuse. I can't double tap the same fuse. That's why I'm looking for other viable options.

Depending which fuse you taped there isnt any reason why you cant just use the same wire...

I just hardwired my escort redline radar detector and I choose #8 which is the cigarette lighters in the car. Factory that is a 20A Fuse!! My radar detector would barely use 1A (probably uses a couple of mA) so I would be comfortable using that same fuse for something else.

http://www.amazon.com/Bussmann-BP-HH.../dp/B000GKEXK2

Thats how I taped my fuse.

[NoSole]

Word. I see your logic and I'm sure it would work (on paper, at least), but I'd think I'd still prefer to tap a dift fuse. When I think about double tapping, this Clark Griswold style image of overloaded sockets pops into my head.

[Fooljam]

Originally Posted by NoSole

Word. I see your logic and I'm sure it would work (on paper, at least), but I'd think I'd still prefer to tap a dift fuse. When I think about double tapping, this Clark Griswold style image of overloaded sockets pops into my head.

Just use any free fuse slot. Some are permanent while a good few are coming in position 2 only. Very quick to tell which one does position 2 only.

[NoSole]

Originally Posted by Fooljam

Just use any free fuse slot. Some are permanent while a good few are coming in position 2 only. Very quick to tell which one does position 2 only.

Sorry. I have to play dumb here cuz I couldn't find a quick answer elsewhere, but what is position 2? I'm assuming "permanent" means always on, and "position 2" means powered on ignition....?

I forgot that I have a multimeter too, so when I get some time, I'll just pop open the glove box and check for myself. Don't know why I didn't think of that in the first place.

[Fooljam]

Originally Posted by NoSole

Sorry. I have to play dumb here cuz I couldn't find a quick answer elsewhere, but what is position 2? I'm assuming "permanent" means always on, and "position 2" means powered on ignition....?

I forgot that I have a multimeter too, so when I get some time, I'll just pop open the glove box and check for myself. Don't know why I didn't think of that in the first place.

Yes position 2 means ignition is on but engine is not started (Position 3)
Position 2 basically is when all the lights int he cluster come on etc.

In the fuse box behind the glove box, most fuses are coming when the ignition is on only (Position 2). While others are on all the time regardless if the key is inserted or not (Permanent).

[Viktimize]

Originally Posted by Fooljam

Yes position 2 means ignition is on but engine is not started (Position 3)
Position 2 basically is when all the lights int he cluster come on etc.

In the fuse box behind the glove box, most fuses are coming when the ignition is on only (Position 2). While others are on all the time regardless if the key is inserted or not (Permanent).

In this car I don't think it even matters if you tap a fuse with constant power by mistake. Virtually every constant power fuse, loses power after 10-20min anyway.