BMW E46 Interfaces?

IceX · 02-13-2008, 03:44 PM

Hi Guys,

I have read some details on the IBUS and KBUS interfaces. I am not 100% sure but I have found a couple of sites listing those USB / RS232 interfaces.

I have tried joining the yahoo groups discussions on the interfaces connected to the BMW E46, but I am yet to find a full comprehensive document / detailed information behind the interfaces.

As I would like to get a KBUS interface connected, the MBUS, IBUS and also the interfaces that BMW supplies with it's electronics.

I want to be able to control most if not everything that can be controlled electronically and the guys does not seem to be able to supply me with much detail behind this. I have googled and yahooed and mp3cared for the threads but they seem to be scares?

Thanks!

trr330xi · 02-13-2008, 10:30 PM

I have the same issue. I am trying to join the Yahoo group, but haven't gotten approval yet, so I am still waiting on that. Let me know if you get anywhere and I will do the same.

jonessc · 02-15-2008, 07:15 PM

Most bmws 99+ use the Ibus, there are plenty of interfaces available, but the one to go for is made by a guy called Rolf Reseller, that has the best compatibility with all of the Ibus commands.

As for the yahoo group if its hack the ibus, the group hasnt had any new members for a while, and people dont get replys from the admins that setup the group, the main site we all used has recently been closed as well, which had all the codes, just do a search for 'ibus' and tons of info will come up, from software (which can control the steering wheel buttons, as well as lights, windows, cruise control etc) to interfaces.

vitecd · 02-16-2008, 11:39 AM

I'm also try to join Yahoo groub, but 2 week ago, no answer

I think, must find the man, who joined to group, and ask him protection.

IceX · 02-18-2008, 03:19 PM

Another question arrose today:

Is these types of interfaces really 'legal'? As I am of opinion you are not allowed to control the cars interfaces while driving, if this is not something done by the manufacture and approved by the (beuro of standards <- this might be SABS or different in other countries)...

Also my major concern is how safe is it to use these interfaces?

upspace · 02-21-2008, 08:40 AM

also interested in any links to more information about i/k bus. especially where to access it in the trunk (wire, pin in harness) for my e46 wagon (built 2003/4)

jonessc · 02-21-2008, 03:01 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by IceX

Another question arrose today:

Is these types of interfaces really 'legal'? As I am of opinion you are not allowed to control the cars interfaces while driving, if this is not something done by the manufacture and approved by the (beuro of standards <- this might be SABS or different in other countries)...

Also my major concern is how safe is it to use these interfaces?

As far as im aware its legal as the ibus doesnt control any critical part of the car its only the accessories like windows, lights etc the same functionality as the buttons in your car, no different to driving and pressing the window switch or a touch screen button.

As for safeness the worst that cud happen is damaging the ibus control unit itself, but its no diffferent to wot a cd changer could do it connected, seen as they plug in the same way and use the same line

jonessc · 02-21-2008, 03:03 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by upspace

also interested in any links to more information about i/k bus. especially where to access it in the trunk (wire, pin in harness) for my e46 wagon (built 2003/4)

e46 in the trunk, left side where the cd changer would be, if you feel around you should see 2 wires stuck together the one small 4 pin connector is the ibus, tge other the connector to power + carry sound to the headunit

IceX · 02-22-2008, 01:53 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by jonessc

tge other the connector to power + carry sound to the headunit

The problem is my head unit is being removed. I have LCD 7" touch screen with carpc in place.

Will this still work without the head unit? And then again I am not just referring to the IBUS interface, I am also referring to the KBUS, MBUS, en other interfaces I read somewhere...

But man these types of interface information is so hard to find, unless you know the guys that do the programming for the chips....

I still had no luck on yahoo groups could not really locate anything else...

jonessc · 02-23-2008, 12:44 PM

Yea it will work normally without the head unit.

This is the only interface to buy http://www.reslers.de/ its compatible with all ibus functions, get the serial version if you got it on your computer...

upspace · 02-23-2008, 05:53 PM

thx jonessc.

i don't have a cd charger in the trunk but business cd radio (hifi system) with amplifier on left side in trunk.

many wires here. the only one that is not documented is a white cable. i assume this is the i bus. since it is serial i only need one cable right?

jonessc · 02-23-2008, 07:11 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by upspace

thx jonessc.

i don't have a cd charger in the trunk but business cd radio (hifi system) with amplifier on left side in trunk.

many wires here. the only one that is not documented is a white cable. i assume this is the i bus. since it is serial i only need one cable right?

Most of the e46's are pre-wired for a cd changer, even if you dont have one, theres a good chance the wires are still there.

Its a small square block with 4 pins. Its only 1 cable, thats wot the interface connects to to link to the ibus.

upspace · 02-24-2008, 03:22 PM

i am going nuts on this.

okay i found a white cable on the plug for the amplifier. but where to connect to the resler interface (which pin).

am i the first one trying this. why is it so hard to find any information on this since hacktheibus.com is down (not allowed to join). trying for days no without success...

IceX · 02-27-2008, 01:28 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by jonessc

get the serial version if you got it on your computer...

I don't have an available serial port. I see the seller also provides a USB version. Is the USB version just as good if not better than the serial?

I am sitting with the same problem as above. It is extremely difficult to find any information on the interfaces.

I have contact the reseller at the link above, and he gave me the yahoo links and the bmw link to follow. But none of the sites actually provides detailed information.

I have asked the seller numerious question and none were really answered according to the information I seek.

Please I am urgently looking for this information if someone can share or someone from the group provide me / the other guys also on this thread with sufficient documentation. I don't even know to which wires I should tape into for the USB interface, ect... should I solder it, do I need an fuse between the wires for the interface to protect it, ect... ???

upspace · 02-27-2008, 02:28 AM

same here. the seller of the interface does not give any support. even the pin layout which unclear on the interface which is unclear to me is not documented nor does he care to explain/anwer emails.

which one is grnd, +12v etc?
what happens if wrongly connected?
risk to destroy module?
what exactly need to be connected? i-bus, 12v, grnd or only i-bus

forums and site are all down.

could anybody who was a member once re-post relevant information. please, please