Thread: E46 Install

I would like to do a clean install in my E46 323CI and I have a couple questions for you guys! Been searching all night and just ran out of patients after a couple hours! So instead of sayin search search search, could ya guys post some links!!! thanks!!

ne how!!

I have a E-Machines 5310 Laptop. The screen is broke/comming off on it (it works but its falling off the base, the part that allows it to flip up and stay up is busted). I would like to rip the screen off completely, and just mount the base (the non lcd half) of the laptop into the glovebox and use it as my CarPc. It has a moniter out and a S-video out on it, so I should be fine without the main screen. The computer is a 1200mhz athlon with a 16gb HD w/WIFI and id like it to not go to waste!

My concerns are as follows:

I DONT want to lose the steering wheel functions and the ability to pop n play cds/radio from my business cd player. I REALLY would like to go the route of the bezel for sale on this site, along with a 7inch touch screen, but I would lose both those abilitys as there is only 1 extra din spot, and that is where you have to relocate the AC. So.....Would it be wise to purchase one of those 7inch LCD Rear View Mirrors, and just use a ball mouse mounted on the center console where your arm usually sits. Im VERY iffy about these as I dont know how they would look during the day, but it is very different and rare to see a LCD in a rear view mirror!

My other concern is the annoyance of having to wait for the laptop to start. It takes a good couple minutes and I would like to just hop in my car and have it start as soon as I turn it on. I have seen a E46 Setup with the RoadRunner Front End ( ). I dont know what this is? But is there anyway to totally remove Windows, and this way the pc can turn on instantly and be ready to go once i hop in the car!

Another concern is the power. I dont understand if there is a way to have the pc turn on with the car and off with the car, just as a stock nav. would!

And finally my last concern is How the HELL do I get the audio from my laptop to play through my stock sound system. The only audio upgrading im doing is possibly putting a simple 1 sub system in the trunk to add a lil bass, and a simple amp to upgrade the hi's.

I understand the pricing on the bezel/touchscreen (if my first concern is fixable) or the lcd mirror, but how much is everything else going to run to fix my concerns!

THANKS GUYS!! Any help is GREATLY appreciated!! I would like to have this thing installed and running by next weekend! (Ill more than likely 2 day or overnight the parts)