New Install '02 BMW 330Ci

Hi guys,

Been lurking for a while and wanted to thank everyone for the great info here.

Just got my carpc installed and thought I'd post the few pics I took.

Stats are:

Xenarc 700TSV
P3-1Ghz
ASUS CUV4X motherboard
GeForce 5200FX
SB Live!
Linksys Wireless-G PCI
120Gig HD
Opus 150
BU-303 GPS Mouse
Peripheral SVEN4
XM Direct
iGuidance
Roadrunner with MC1.0 skin

HU was removed and AC controls moved down. The trim piece for the lowered AC controls is 51 16 7 001 408.

I used gork's how-to on fabricating a bezel here. This was my first time working with bondo so it was a great help.. Thanks Gork!

I ran into problems with the first computer I put in there. Initially, I had a AMD 1.33Ghz with a MSI K7T Turbo motherboard that I had previously been using as a MythTV box. That was what I was using during the OS install and playing with frontends while I waited for the LCD and stuff to come in. Everything works fine with it while plugged into a 400W AC/DC power supply, but when I plugged it into my Opus, the computer would boot.. start loading windows... then either just lockup at a black screen or reboot itself over and over. So after some choice words, I sat down and had some wine. Later that evening, I decided to try to underclock the processor to see if that would help (thinking it might be a power issue). I clocked it down to 1Ghz and bam.. it boots right into windows and everything worked perfectly!... until a little bit later when I was driving it decides to reboot itself. After some googling, I see that AMDs pull a crapload of power compared to Intels. So trying to keep the costs down on the computer for now.. I dig around and find a P3-1Ghz and motherboard sitting in the closet. Install all that and I haven't had a problem yet. Speed is sufficient and bootup time is decent. I haven't timed it yet, but once I set it to hibernate, it boots up before I get out of my driveway in the morning.

I guess I need to add up my power to see how much room I have to spare. I still want to add bluetooth support to interface with my Sony S710A and Blackberry 7520. I'm also tossing around the idea of getting one of those cell data cards and dropping that in.

ToDo:
Bluetooth Support
iBus integration (waiting for kit)
Optimize OS
Run cable for a USB hub in console ashtray
Fabricate plate in front ashtray for valet switch/reset button
Fabricate a cover in trunk to protect/hide computer.

Here are a few pics:

The Car..
http://www.nivek.us/albums/bmw330ci/DSC00061.sized.jpg

Foam sprayed over Xenarc front bezel to shape..
http://www.nivek.us/albums/carpc/DSCN1500.sized.jpg

First glob of Fiberglass Bondo applied. This was my first time using it, so I wasn't really sure how to put it on. After this initial application, I realized that by "combing" it down, it was easier to clean up afterwards. Also, I only had about 3-5 minutes to work with it once mixing the cream hardener in.
http://www.nivek.us/albums/carpc/DSCN1505.sized.jpg

Primed, and SEM texture painted..
http://www.nivek.us/albums/carpc/DSCN1507.sized.jpg

Bad, dark pic of the install. I'll take a better pic later today with my friend's Canon SLR..
http://www.nivek.us/albums/carpc/DSCN1514.sized.jpg

Just realized I didn't take any pics of the trunk. I'll do that later also.

Here's a link to a gallery with a few more pics

Looks nice , pics of pc?

Looks great! Nice job on the bezel!

man the running lights on those new beamers are killing me. i wish i had a good job to afford one like that :(

I like the body kit you put on it, as well as the computer.

Are you saying that you just covered the Xenarc frame in spray foam, trimmed that down, covered the spray foam in bondo, sanded, then painted?

Is that very strong? I'm thinking that the spray foam isn't strong enough to give the bezel a good sturdy base. Correct me if I'm wrong:)

In any case, it *looks* superb! Good work!!!

I knew that looked Familiar. Thanks for re-upping my interest in this. Now I gotta go spend all that dough

Jackboot,

I just used the foam for the initial shaping, and ended up cutting it all out anyway. The foam definately isn't strong enough to provide support. After getting the initial shape, I started cutting the foam out and refilling with the fiberglass bondo. On the skinny parts, I just broke off the bondo/foam and put solid bondo there. So the whole bezel is a core of fiberglass bondo with a thin coat of regular bondo to fill the little holes.

ccla.. get the mini in that f-150.

Just took a few pics.. trunk isn't done since I still need to build a wall or something to protect everything in there. I figure once this computer dies, i'll probably go Mac Mini or MiniITX.

http://www.nivek.us/albums/carpc/IMG_0135.sized.jpg

iGuidance.. still haven't done any mods to it.. just regular iG..
http://www.nivek.us/albums/carpc/IMG_0142_1.sized.jpg

XM on MC1.0 skin..
http://www.nivek.us/albums/carpc/IMG_0136.sized.jpg

New pic of car :)
http://www.nivek.us/albums/carpc/IMG_0145.sized.jpg

more pics Here

Sweet install. That texture paint is really nice! :)