I need to add an auxilary 12v power outlet on the driver's side under the dash - somewhere below the parking brake handle (doing this as an outlet for my gps power fm traffic receiver).

Can someone give me some advice on where I can most easily get an always-on 12v source in that vicinity? I pulled the door-jam trim piece and noticed myriad wires in the trough. Are any of those a good place to jump in for the auxilary plug (that source location is optimal).

If not, what dash trim panels should I remove to find power?

Any advice is greatly appreciated!

Anyone? Anyone? Bueller?

On German cars, always-hot wires are solid red.

Cigarette lighter is switched but is an obvious source, too.

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Kent Christensen
Albuquerque
'07 GL320CDI, '10 CL550. '01 Porsche Boxster
Two BMW motorcycles

OK, I guess I will answer my own post since I figured it out this weekend.

After removing a bunch of door jam trim panels I was unable to find a suitable unswitched power wire. Out of frustration I decided to listen to some music as I pondered my situation. I turned on the radio and realized the key wasnt in the ignition. Whamo - unswitched power.

So I pulled the radio, ID'd the 12v power with my tester (red wire, blue stripe) and tapped it with about 5ft of wire. I fished the new power wire under the front side of the center counsel with a clothes hanger then hit it behind the under-steering-wheel panel(s) to the far left side of the cabin. I connected the new 12v socket (PepBoys - $7.99) 'hot' then grounded it to the frame behind the previously removed kick-panel near the drivers' side left foot. A couple of self-taping screws to hold the new socket securely in place and I was wired for 12v!

Plugged in the GPS power/traffic receiver and hid the cord up the left side of the door trim to the suction mount in the lower left corner of the windscreen.

I have to say, it looks pretty slick - no cords to fumble around with and constand 12v power.

Hope this helps someone in the future!