Obd dash cam query

[Bmw Enthusiast]

Just been fitting a Garmin dash cam to my 08 2.5ise e85. Given lack of usb ports thought genuine garmin obd cable would be easiest. The obd cover has a resistor and connection prongs that go into the obd port when the cover is closed. Anyone know what these do? Any risk if not in place for long periods whilst the camera is connected? All thoughts appreciated.

 

[Bmw Enthusiast]

Done some Googling. Seems to be that pre-2001 BMWs had a 20 pin round diagnostic connector under the bonnet and an obd port. To use the 20 pin the obd cover needed to be closed hence the resistor and prongs on the cover. Despite sounding unBMWish, they continued to use the same obd cover for later cars that only had the obd, including e85/86 Z4s. Hence the resistor and prongs do absolutely nothing on e85/86s. I trust the expertise on this forum the most.....do my findings sound correct? Anyone using the obd to power a dash cam?

 

[Scooba_Steve]

Anyone using the obd to power a dash cam?

No, it was far easier to take a feed from the cabin fuse box behind the glove box and earth on bolts nearby.