2003 BMW M3 Custom Dash / Overhead Console

**CdRsKuLL** · 08-18-2004, 04:36 PM

ok, stuck my screen in now, and got my i-bus kit.. I have found some software by Franck Touanen, seems to be what i'm looking for. All I need to do now is locate the ibus wire, I asume theres one located in the trunk (boot) where the cd changer goes.. any idea what colour i'm looking for. The kit comes with 3 connectors on it, 12V + 0v and Ibus, I assume I can just stick the 12v and 0v(gnd) either from the car or from my opus.. this right ? Gork v.pleased with my setup so far.. thanks for inspiring me

cheers

CdR

**gork** · 08-18-2004, 06:20 PM

The Ibus wire is most easily available on the 3 wire connector in the trunk that is for the phone module or maybe the cd changer module (i forget which) -- It's in that big taped up bundle. It's small, so it's hard to find, but trust me -- it's in there! The trick is that the color of the wires are not consistent between models of car, well except that the brown wire is GND.

On the 3 wire connector there are the same wires you need: gnd, 12v, and ibus.. You can find and verify GND pretty easy with a voltmeter, but Ibus and 12V look the same to a voltmeter. The best way to find Ibus (the way i did it) is to use an oscilloscope between GND and each of the two wires until you find the one that has data on it.. Ibus will be 12v, but you will see it drop to 0V when it sends a bit. (Inverted signalling logic 12V = 0, 0V = 1) Turn the key to position 1 and leave the door open so that your car 'dings' -- the ding is triggered over the ibus, so this will ensure some traffic on the bus. Then just start probing. You will find it right away with the scope.

If you hook it up backwards, you'll likely lose the 12v line because you will have blown the telephone fuse.

**jedi7001** · 08-18-2004, 11:28 PM

cdrskull:

How did the IBUS software work? How big is the program? Can you post the attachment or email me a copy? I REALLY would like to use it for the exact same setup you have.

**tsingsu** · 08-19-2004, 08:52 AM

@ cdrskull:

The I-Bus has always the same color in all BMW's known to me.

It's a white-yellow-gray cable, and you'll find it almost everywhere in the car, because the complete entertainment system, the MID, the Radio, the CD-Changer, etc. are communicating over this bus.

cu
tsingsu

**CdRsKuLL** · 08-19-2004, 05:22 PM

Thanks for the replys everyone.. I can confirm I had a spare 5 mins today. I installed the ibus interface and connected it all up, ran the software and it correctly informed me when I pressed the steering wheel buttons. I will have more time tomorrow to play further and finish the ibus install. I will of course post the completed software that I will configure so others can use it. I'm using mediacar atm, but will be also trying to map the volume and mute to the main control using another piece of software. will let you know how i get on.

cheers

CdR

**kickercivic1** · 08-19-2004, 05:55 PM

gork you might as well have FAQ going just for this thread.

**gork** · 08-19-2004, 06:06 PM

Yes; it's getting out of hand

And I haven't even posted photos/information of the second-phase of my install yet that include more fun tricks! Well, first I actually have to *finish* the second phase of the install, I guess...

**CdRsKuLL** · 08-21-2004, 06:00 AM

sorry fella, I will start a new topic off.. .wont hog your's any longer :-)

cheers

CdR

**srcstc** · 08-22-2004, 01:58 AM

Originally Posted by gork

Yes; it's getting out of hand

And I haven't even posted photos/information of the second-phase of my install yet that include more fun tricks! Well, first I actually have to *finish* the second phase of the install, I guess...

How about a teaser pic?

**Tomas-** · 09-09-2004, 04:18 AM

Originally Posted by gork

Anyway, my electrical setup is correct I am using an OPUS for power so it's not a ground loop thing. E46 also uses balanced audio to feed the factory amp, and I'm using a Peripheral VEN4 to interface with that properly. The audio problems are due to the crappy onboard audio as I can hear faint HDD noise, etc. Another reason to go to USB audio from the onboard EPIA is that I won't have to listen to the PC speaker "Beep" during POST come through my car speakers. It's rather annoying... I'll probably go to a M-Audio Sonica at some point though it's not really high priority.

Hi, really nice setup!

Where did you find the VEN4 to interface with the factory radio? pin-setup etc?

I have the business rds cd radio in my E46 and I would like to remove the headunit, but is it still possible to use the radio by tuning it with ibus messages?

mp3/cd playback is nice, but sometimes you want to listen to the news or traffic information.