Newbie - plans for a '02 BMW 530i

**snikrep** · 06-01-2007, 04:08 AM

The BMW currently has a CD + CD changer in trunk, and I'm wanting to basically get XM radio setup in the car. One option is to buy an external unit and connect it in with some sort of PIE adapter, but I'm wanting to keep things clean. I can also upgrade the stereo to the 2003 version which allows you to connect directly to a XM unit, but that would cost about as much as the CarPC ($400+) and not be nearly as much fun (plus it wouldn't be as flexible methinks).

When I saw this Car2PC thing - my thought is to setup a basic Car PC that's basically just for XM radio controlled through the dash, and maybe some MP3s as well.

This doesn't seem like it should be too big of a project - am I right? My preliminary plans are to get:

Ampie case + M1-atx power supply
VIA EPIA-ML8000A VIA C3 800MHz Processor VIA CLE266 Mini ITX (off Newegg)
Small amount of memory/hard drive
XM direct unit (hopefully use the guide I saw on the forums)

Does that sound reasonable? Is there something even smaller/cheaper I can setup? I'm assuming, using something like Road Runner, I'll be able to customize things quite a bit - is that correct? It'd be great to setup all the steering wheel controls so I can scroll through my presets on XM, have scrolling on the display, etc.

Any help is appreciated - thanks!

**RedGTiVR6** · 06-01-2007, 12:22 PM

FYI - with the ampie case, you can only run the PC and necessary hardware. You cannot fit anything else in that case. No wifi card, no PCI card, nothing else.

You can purchase the XM direct unit from the store here as well as a ready made USB adapter.

Hope this helps.

**sama** · 06-01-2007, 12:43 PM

don't bother with the ampie case. I thought it was a good idea, then it turned out it wasn't!

this is how I've got mine all hooked up now:

since the CD player's not there any more, it works a treat, and you have access to all the wiring there.

There are also two vents in the side of that wall, to make sure it doesn't get too hot.

**snikrep** · 06-01-2007, 01:36 PM

sama - what was the problem with the Ampie case? I looked through some of your old posts, but couldn't find anything that talked about it.

I'm only wanting to do XM and have it interface with the steering-wheel controls, so I don't think I'll be needing any PCI slots

Thanks for the help - I'm sure I'll have more advanced questions once I order things and start installing (don't worry, I'll use the search, I'm sure most of the questions have been answered).