bimmer questions

jimothy · 11-05-2004, 10:33 AM

Hey guys, I found this site through e46fanatics and now that I'm finally getting my bimmer (e46 325, tomorrow hopefully) I wanted to get a bit of input from gork, srcstc, crdskull and others who have done BMW installs.

First I was wondering if you BMW owners would change anything if you had to do it all over again, like the location of the LCD, bezel construction, etc.

Also, it seems that the wiring can be layed out through the center console (emergency brake) or through the sides of the car - is one method easier\better than the other?

And are there any important lessons learned that would be beneficial to someone doing a new install?

thanks, i appreciate it!

Jim

detz · 11-11-2004, 09:05 PM

I havn't install the screen yet but I've tested places and it's hard to find a good place unless you have the nav screen already installed...if so use that.

ltrain1007 · 01-21-2005, 01:10 AM

First let me say I havent done the install yet, but i have been reading alot of different install and i think the best place for the lcd is where the radio is. just move the climate control to the lower section and remove the popopen storage.

If you are going to keep the radio then your only other option is on the lower section. I dont see any problem with the lcd installation right below the center air vents.

Those of u with the experience i am also interested in hearing ur war stories!

jedi7001 · 01-23-2005, 02:25 AM

I am half way through my project now. I have a 2004 330i. Space is limited in the cab so the trunk and some creative positioning is key. I ran some cables down the right side of the car and into the glove compartment. To be honest, running the cables up the side of the car was simple and the BMW is pretty user friendly when hiding cable runs. I do suggest removing the glove compartment to help gain access to hiding cables and getting behind the LCD that you would mount where the radio is. Also, the battery is in the trunk which made power runs real easy!

tdevil · 01-23-2005, 05:30 AM

whats the problematic areas?

im going to being grabbin parts in about a month.. getting some custom trim done... damn im nervous. i saw someone mount the dvd/cd driver in that sunroof control area which was pretty cool so i think i might do the same.

e46 03 325i here.

jedi7001 · 01-27-2005, 05:17 PM

tdevil. I liked gorks cdrw mount in the roof but it was too noticible for me. I figure that since I am not going to use the drive every time I get into the car, I want it out of the way and hidden but within reach. I mounted mine under the passenger seat within reach if i need to pop a disc in. I am now about 70% done and so far so good. I was real nervous too but you will be suprised how easy it is to do this project in a Beamer. Just take your time. it has taken me a while to get going and it seams that I change my mind on a lot of things mid way through the project. Just plan it out first.

dasbell · 01-27-2005, 05:41 PM

Check these out...

http://shop.store.yahoo.com/eagleday/3te.html

dasbell · 01-27-2005, 05:45 PM

Also, check this out...
This is the Standard DIN Radio Adapter For 3 Series from EagleDay

I am going to mount my in-dash LCD in the 1DIN slot and then the CD/DVD player underneath.

Pretty cool item. I looked a long time to find it.

DIN Adaptor

ltrain1007 · 03-03-2005, 09:22 AM

what size is your lcd?

hannibal · 03-03-2005, 10:39 AM

foldout screen, I'm sure...

ltrain1007 · 03-03-2005, 11:06 AM

doesnt bmw just make a deal with XENARC so we can have custom dashes for like 30bucks

jedi7001 · 03-06-2005, 02:43 PM

no #$%$#5. That would be nice. $350 was a pinch.