Thread: Bmw Z3 Computer Project

Tooled around with the idea for a while about installing a carpc , then i found some spare time to complete.

The original idea was to make a complete stealth Computer system, That idea was spoilt by a clarion amp i bought with 0 gain control so had to buy a external amp (audiobahn) which is to big to hide unfortunatly .. But the install is still sorta neat and could be good guidance for some 1 doing a e46 install with a cd changer.

System Specifications


Western Digital WD1200BEVS 120GB 2.5" SATA Hard Drive 5400RPM 8MB Cache - OEM

AMD Athlon 64 X2 5000+ Socket AM2 2.6GHz Energy Efficient L2 1MB (2x512KB) Cache Retail Boxed Processor

Kingston 2gb Ddr2 800mhz Hyperx Memory Non-ecc Cl5 (5-5-5-15) Dimm

Jetway JNC62K AM2+ Mini-ITX Mainboard

M2-ATX - 160W Intelligent Car PSU

k90 indash Monitor

Centrafuse 2.0 software


Like i said above my original idea was to go ahead with a bmw stealth install , you have to believe that there isnt a lot of space to work with on a z3 so every cm counted . I had the original idea to mount the computer system inside the old changer as it was no use to me .

Heres the first pics of the changer gutted and the new itx board ready to go in






After gutting the cd changer i drilled holes and screwed motherboard risers/standoffs to the case and cut a whole at the back for the IO plate ( which i didnt use in the end)
The harddrive is mounted at the top of the case and the m2-atx is mounted next to the motherboard with a few mm spare.
heres a few pics of it installed in the cd changer casing






Once that was sorted i had to run VGA/USB and audio leads to the boot of my car , i done this via the middle centre console and through the existing gromit . Luckly on the z3 the battery is in the boot so them cables was quite easy to do.

After completion i screwed back the case onto the existing mount , tucked all the wires neatly behind . i have installed a valet switch and a blade fusebox in a spare compartment in the boot.

Up front i have installed a external shutdown switch incase i want to shutdown windows , and a microphone that is attached bellow my stearing wheel . like the others they run to the back of the pC from the front of my car

The k90 monitor i solderd onto a ISO block , and fitted just like normal . easy peasy.

heres a few pics as it standed last week







the wires you see there are for the amplifier , which i have now installed and i will update this thread with better pictures tomorrow hopefully.