BMW 2004 330i Project (any input welcome)

**eazyrog** · 07-08-2004, 03:43 AM

Originally Posted by Jackboot

Have you looked in the software forum for the "phonecontrol" software? I am in the same boat as you with the BMW bluetooth kit, but the chap that developed the phonecontrol software has made essentially the same thing running off of your carputer...looks great!

hi mate, i have tried the phonecontrol s/w on my computer and must admit its very very good, however i will still be using the bluetoothe of the stereo as i dont relly fancy removing it.

**eazyrog** · 07-08-2004, 03:44 AM

Originally Posted by JustWaiting

I have a carputer in the trunk in South Florida(been over 100 degrees lately) and no problems. I also made a custom bezel from the BMW aftermarket navigation piece...on my 2003 M3.

below are a few pics if you want to check them out. I'm currently cleaning up the truck and making it cleaner.

www.embrazza.com/m3

Justwaiting,

Your screen setup is what i need, its wicked, dont suppose you have and instructions on how you did it and what you used.
Roger

**jedi7001** · 07-10-2004, 12:20 PM

iniquity:

have you tried the car 12v travel cooler idea? i think this is a good option for me and I think it might just work. Any thoughts on using a PC in one of these things?

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....4&type=product

**Pudge** · 07-10-2004, 01:43 PM

I'm in AZ, and I've got one in the trunk. Haven't had any problems yet. I have a hatchback, so air can pass through the panel (behind the seats). But, I haven't parked it outside for long periods of time.

**Plinkey** · 07-11-2004, 09:52 AM

Originally Posted by jedi7001

iniquity:

have you tried the car 12v travel cooler idea? i think this is a good option for me and I think it might just work. Any thoughts on using a PC in one of these things?

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....4&type=product

The only problem that you may have with that is making the mobo/cpu too cold. If these things get too cold or too hot fast enough they will develop condensation...this = fried mobo. Just make a case (or buy) that has good ventilation and a few fans the cpu will take higher temps that you think. Thet hing to be the most worried about at high temps is the HD.

-Plinkey

**detz** · 07-19-2004, 07:57 PM

Nice car...Just got mine a few months ago. I'm planning on the CarPuter but since I spent so much on the car my funds are low. I'm building a custom Sirius Sat. interface right now in the dash with fiberglass. Keep us updated when you start...and you definatly want to check out the IBUS.

**ayclens** · 08-06-2004, 02:32 AM

continuing on from this post:

http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/show...571#post247571

your simplest solution for using an aftermarket amp with your stock speakers would be to grab a set of 3-way crossovers for the fronts. This is not a perfect solution though as the crossover won't be matched to the speakers exactly. Maybe it would be better to ditch the "mid" in the front doors and just use a 2-way crossover for the tweets and woofers in each door. Then you could use crossovers that are crossed at only high/low instead of trying to find an appropriate 3-way crossover. Getting a set of 2-way crossovers for the rear will work fine. If you are adding a sub, I would ditch the "subs" in the rear deck (I did) as they will just muddy up the sound by reproducing the same bass frequencies twice. Try ebay to get some crossovers.

A better solution will be to replace your stock speakers, at least up front. I've replaced the stock 3-way setup with a 2-way MB Quart 6.5" setup. This also solves the crossover problem as any aftermarket components come with matched crossovers. Then simply use the factory rear speakers for some rear fill. Any other Q's, go ahead and ask! Looking over your system specs AND your car, we have a very similar setup going on!!!

**jedi7001** · 08-06-2004, 10:24 PM

Thanks for the speaker input. I think your right about replacing the speakers. I originally was going to replace them but the dealer messed up and gave me the HK system (no charge). I'm glad i didn't pay fo rthem because they are crap and real muffled sounding. not worth an extra dime (but free was nice). Anyway, I may as well but some nice components in there. I had 6.5 Sony ES components in my old ride and loved them. I may go Infinity Kappa or some other brand. Not too picky, just want some mid-high end speakers. I will just not use the mid speakers in the front of the car. So, my thoughts would be 6.5' components in the front and 5.25" in the back (??). Do these sizes fit nice or do I need to mod. I guess tearing into my old car was fine but i really am trying to plan a clean install in the new BMW. I am sure you know what I mean.

I also noticed you were looking for the IBUS program from Gork. If you do not have an IBUS interface yet or do not know how to make one, I have a guy that I bought one from that is fully assembled with a serial port. I think I paid $30-40 complete. Just FYI.

**ayclens** · 08-07-2004, 03:42 AM

I think you are wise to upgrade the front components to a 2-way component system. I had Infinity Kappas in my last ride and was VERY happy with them. You can get some MB Quarts off of Ebay for quite cheap too though. You will have a nightmare of a time getting correct information about what fits and what doesn't though so I'll save you the searching and lay it out here:

Almost all 5.25" woofers will fit the front doors in a sedan. SOME 6.5" woofers will fit the front door, but with minor modifications to the interior door panel. Interestingly, the coupes have more room in the doors and don't have trouble fitting 6.5" woofers at all. I used MB Quart PCE 216 6.5" components. They are very popular in the bimmer scene. Don't get too scared about the modification part - it is no biggy. I had to dremel out a bit of the speaker mount so that the woofers would sit flush and not hit the door. Even with the modification, the magnet still barely hits the metal door.

I used the stock speaker wiring. In my opinion, I don't think the hassle of running new wire everywhere is worth it.

I wouldn't upgrade the rears - they are more than adaquate quality for rear fill. Save the money and run the rear 5.25" woofers and tweets with an aftermarket amp.

Regarding the IBUS: what can you do with it exactly? Can you interface the steering wheel controls with the carputer?

**jedi7001** · 08-07-2004, 07:03 PM

Exactly what i have been going through. It has been tough finding the right specs on what speakers fit what. Thanks for the heads up on this. i would like to go with the 6.5's in the front and I dont mind using the dremmel to make it work. sounds like a good plan.

Your right, I ran all new speaker wire in my last car and man, what a pain. I figure they must use descent wire with the HK stereo.

I think I will leave the speakers in the rear alone to save some cash at first, depedning on how it sounds. I will probably upgrade this in the near future.

Yes, you will be able to uses the steering wheel buttons on your PC. You are suppose to be able to do other things as well but I am more concerned about the volune and track changes. I'll let you know how this goes.