Escort Passport Max with Blendmount Install

[NVRfollo]

I spent Sunday afternoon installing an Escort Passport Max Radar Detector with the Blendmount and MirrorTap power cord. I got the Passport Max from Autoanything.com with a 20% code which is a sweet deal for $440 instead of $550. The Blendmount was $130 and MirrorTap (15inch) was $30 from Blendmount.com. You can find discount codes online if you do a quick search.

I have the Blendmount for my Audi S4. I like the design. I have used the Mirrormount before but did not like the bulkiness. The Blendmount is sleek and minimalist.

In case you guys are interested, I will do a quick write up of my install.

1) You will need to remove the mirror housing. It is a two piece assembly. If you give one side a squeeze and firmly tug it, the housing will come off. You will need to take both halves off.
2) You will notice two connectors, you will be using the 10 pin connector to hardwire your power. Take the red pin of the MirrorTap and push it into the same hole as the green/black wire(+12V). I believe this is pin 3 on the connector. Take the black pin of the MirrorTap and push it into the same hole as the black/brown wire (GND). This is either pin 6 or 10 depending on how they number their pins, it is right below pin 5 of the connector. Make sure both pins are pushed in as far as they will go and ensure they are firmly in the connector. (see pic 1)
3) Before you do anything else, I highly recommend you connect the cord to your radar detector and test to make sure you are getting power. Turn on the AUX power to your car and turn on the radar detector. Verify the detector turns on.
4) If the detector turns on, take one of the supplied zip ties and secure the cord to the wire bundle. This will be a good strain relief in case the cord accidentally gets yanked. After you attach the zip cord, test power again.
5) You need to make a slight modification to the housing to accommodate the power cord. You can use tin snips or wire cutters. Make a snip on each corner of where the bottom of the mirror stem would go. (see pic 2)
6) Reassemble the plastic housing and position the cord to fit in where the cut out is. (see pic 3)
7) Install your Blendmount to the mirror stem.
8) Install your radar detector, connect the power cord and test.
9) Admire your work

[zweebach]

Thanks for sharing this. I've been planning to get a blendmount and seeing it installed helps make me certain. Sounds like we have the same vehicles, X5 and S4.

[NVRfollo]

Originally Posted by zweebach

Thanks for sharing this. I've been planning to get a blendmount and seeing it installed helps make me certain. Sounds like we have the same vehicles, X5 and S4.

You have good taste

[patrikr]

OP, you don't find that the Passport is too low and is in the way? I had a Blendmount in my previous car and it was great and wanted to go the same route in my X5 but didn't like how low it was. So I ended up putting up over the mirror instead.

[NVRfollo]

I don't think it is terribly low or obstructs my view. It is also easier to reach the mute and lockout.

[stewy604]

Patrikr, I like your install...a little cleaner IMO...less heaty, even for theives. It IS visible, but not so "in your face".

[dsold335i]

Both appear to be good options. Hey Patrikr, where are you running your power from?

[Xeno]

I put my hardwired V1 or my RL in my BM in part because so many on the ERF and RDF report GPS issues when their Max is in a BM.

[patrikr]

@dsold335i The previous owner had power hard wired, I think it's being tapped from the cigarette lighter and then run up the right a pillar. On be picture you can see actually see the cable, just above the airbag logo.

[dsold335i]

Ok I see that thanks. I just got my max today and I am leaning toward the same spot you have yours but think I will hard wire to fuse box since my power source is in the middle console in my 335. Do you have any issues with gps reception with it up at that position? Have heard some people on forums mention that below the rvm and high up on windshield that can occur.

[Detailers Domain]

which model number blend mount was this?

[NVRfollo]

Originally Posted by DetailersDomain

which model number blend mount was this?

Mirror ID-BMW-007, this is for the one with the front facing camera for the LED headlights.
the -008 is the one without the camera in the housing.

[atomic80]

Originally Posted by NVRfollo

Mirror ID-BMW-007, this is for the one with the front facing camera for the LED headlights.
the -008 is the one without the camera in the housing.

Thanks very much! I just ordered the Blendmount and MirrorTap using your friend promo code.

Jason

[MrJayhawk85]

I know this is older post, but I just installed Valentine 1 today using it and all went well. Couple of tips, it was really easy getting the 2 cover pieces apart using a nylon pry tool. I used the blendmount tap cord and the toughest thing was getting the taps all the way in so they would stay. First attempt to power up after zip tie the black wire came out halfway. One change I made was the ‘vents’ down at bottom, cut one open at bottom and ran powercord out it. Working like a charm and very neat install instructions.

[NVRfollo]

About to do this again to our new 22 45e.