BMW 330ci Planning

**Cecplex** · 08-18-2004, 12:58 AM

I went down to BMW today to order my new BMW 330ci, it's going to take a few months to get here, so I'm in the process of planning my carputer.

I have a $5000 budget set out for this, here's what I would like to do.

Install a top of the line computer in the trunk, have an amazing system in the car and also have a nice LCD in the dash. I want everything including GPS, Radio....EVERYTHING

I figure most of the money will go to the system, but I am curious as to how I should wire it. Like I know how to install a car system complete with subs, I've done it on my Maxima, but I am curious as to how I can get the best connection from the computer to the system? I want to do Kenwood for all the audio components.

For the audio I'm thinking 2 subs, amp, and replace all the stock speakers with top of the line kenwoods.

What do you guys think I should do for the system? What about the lcd? Any kiosk software that intregrates radio, cd, mp3 and gps?

Any help would be great.

-Thanks

**hd54321** · 08-18-2004, 02:29 AM

Dude, don't want to sound like a hater but, $5K is a lot of $ to spend on all this stuff. Most people get by by spending less than 1/5 that amount and end up with a kick-*** complete carputer system. As far as audio is concerned, you could spend the rest of it on buying mb quart components and getting thigs custom fabbed for your dash but, again, is it worth it?

Anyways, read up on this board for tons of ideas (esp. those who have done systems with E46's) and good luck.

-HD

**lgbr** · 08-18-2004, 03:11 AM

$35k is a lot to spend on a car. What's your point? Someone wants to live richly, don't stop em, fuel the economy.

I would recommend a dual battery setup, with a larger battery in the trunk, battery isolator. $5k means you're just going to go all out. Connect the computer directly to the battery's positive and negative terminals for the best sound and least chance of ground loops.

Get a couple rockford amplifiers, one for speakers, one for subs. Two 12" woofers should do you right. System, with speakers, woofers, and two amplifiers, should cost less than $1k to sound incredibly awesome.

Computer should be linked to the diagnostics system, WiFi, GPS. For the GPS, throw in a wifi amplifier for about $300 and a couple antennas.

I still haven't even gotten close to $5k yet.

For the ultimate set up, get a computer controlled fuel chip. Rev your engine with the push of a button.

Also, go for a relay control to control all the heater functions. Maybe some lights too.

**Adam432823** · 08-18-2004, 04:44 AM

I agree with lgbr... The subs/amps should be about 1000 bucks. The mids/tweets/amp should add another 1000. I'm thinking Kicker, just cause I'm a Kicker loyalist, but Rockford is in the same tier. That's only 2G for some good ****. The computer could cost about 1000 bucks. Tack on maybe another 1000 for your electrical connections (wire, caps, blocks, batts, etc...) and any fab work (custom dash, new kick pods, sub boxes, etc...) Now you're up to 4G. Sounds good?

The 'kiosk' software is abundantly available for free. So is most of the information you're going to need. You'll get better answers if you ask more specific questions. Look at all the posts relevant to what you're doing first. Some one else has already asked the same questions you're going to ask.

**Cecplex** · 08-18-2004, 01:13 PM

Ok, I just dropped $37,000 on a car you think I'm going to skimp on the good stuff? I'm curious as to what's the best setup to connect the computer to the car stereo?

**DjBac** · 08-18-2004, 01:25 PM

personal experience!!!!
Alpine PXA-H900... Optical (toslink) inputs + RCA inputs... AND 11 outpus Channels!!
But, around $3800-$4000 only for the processor..

There's also the option of PXA-H700...

http://iweb.alpine-usa.com/pls/admn/...=160&p_main=10

**hannibal** · 08-19-2004, 08:55 AM

you paid $37K for a BMW 3-series?? Hope that propeller badge was worth it. Did you check out the G35, since you used to have a Maxima?? Or is BMW just a 'better' brand?? I'm guessing Kenwood components are better too.

For $5K, give Mark Levinson a call...

**BasicEvil** · 08-19-2004, 09:53 AM

If price is not an issue I would use MB Quartz speakers around the car. 2 kicker solo baric subs (10" L7s) definatley a Fosgate or JBL 1000 watt mono amp I went with a Carion Crossover ($100 bucks) but works great Fosgate has a very nice uit for about $900. Get a 800 watt amp for all internal speakers (more power than you will need) but at the lower power range they will provide very clear mids and highs.

There are alot of great carpc setups on this site I am sure you will want to research and come up with your own ultimate platform. A puter is a very personal thing.

**PIE CJ** · 08-19-2004, 01:21 PM

if i was buyin an half decent bmw why did u just not upgrade the sound system as standard

summit really good like Harman Karden

**Cecplex** · 08-19-2004, 01:43 PM

lol, a lot of haters on here. Actually BMW is a better brand. Obviously you've never driven the 330Ci, anway, the stock upgrades aren't very nice. I got the basic stuff that I couldn't install (moonroof, heated seats) but the rest I'm upgrading myself. The Harman Karden is awesome, but it's expensive from BMW, and I personally thing the Logic7 system is much better, never the less, I like BMW, I chose the Kenwood because I've used Kenwood for everything I've ever had. Anyway, I think I'm going to go with BasicEvil's suggestions.

Thanks