BMW iBus / Head unit question

**knave** · 06-29-2007, 02:29 PM

I have the Mk II Nav and DSP system with tape deck. I also have the iBus interface and via laptop was able to change radio stations, volume, etc. The radio and amplifier are in the trunk of the car so the head unit seems to be just display and buttons.

Will the audio system still work if I remove the head unit? I will be able to still generate the iBus commands from a computer.

Has anyone done this? I have seen other installs where the headunit was kept and hidden somewhere like the glovebox or trunk but I'm hoping this is not required.

Thanks!

**sama** · 06-29-2007, 07:41 PM

yes, you will need to keep the headunit to keep the radio functionality. Moreover, you'll probably need it for the OBC functions too!

I'm not sure how it is with the MKII nav and DSP (I'm assuming you're selling those on ebay or something, if you're not, then you should!), I have the Radio and MID. You could get the MID and Radio/cassete player (fairly cheap from ebay) and hide those. That way, you'll get the top quality radio that you can still control via the ibus.

what are you using to fire off the ibus commands?

**knave** · 06-29-2007, 09:51 PM

Just finished giving her a bath, wax, Mother's Back to Black (where appropriate), wheels, tires, exhaust pipes...now beer for me.

Blast - I had hoped to get away without it.

A buddy of mine has a 525i with the MID and he is willing to trade for the Mk II - he already bought my CD Changer. Hopefully (but I doubt it) the hardnesses are compatible and in place to make this a plug and play activity. He does at least have the DSP already so that makes things easier.

I bought Rolf's USB to iBus interface - arrived monday. I was able to confirm a bunch of misc functions like radio, sunroof, wipers (hehehe), etc.

BTW - I PM'd you earlier about your bezel but then I went by a local install shop and spoke to the fabricator there. He showed me some of their work and made me comfortable that they can do a good job...undoubtably better than me. It would not be fun for me either...I like bits and bytes.

I'm really just getting started here so I hope you don't mind if I ping you from time to time since you have the e39 as well (which one btw?). I bought my M5 in April and I am sssoooooooo loving it.

**sama** · 06-30-2007, 01:14 AM

sure thing dude.

I have a 535i, but not for long. I'm looking for the right E31 in the next few weeks

**jump** · 07-13-2007, 04:50 AM

Is the Rolf's adapater compatible with E31 ?
I want to use Centrafuse with my BMW 850.
Is compatible with OBD-II feature ?

I-bus -> Rolf's adapter -> Centrafuse (OBD II)