E46 BMW guys, any thoughts? - Page 2

Jackboot · 09-22-2004, 06:28 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by GeddyT

Now my goal is to run the audio from the PC into the auxiliary input behind the head unit so that when the head unit is set to aux, it'll play what's on the PC. And program the IBUS so that when a CD is in the head unit, the steering wheel buttons control the head unit and when aux is selected, the steering wheel buttons control the PC (I know NOTHING about doing this, so I would need some help--that is, if it's even possible...). Also it would be nice for the skin to automagically turn to the nighttime skin when the headlights turn on through IBUS.

I don't mean to discourage you in this regard, but I think you are wanting to do the nearly impossible (very difficult anyway). I don't think it is possible to have the steering wheel controls do BOTH the PC and factory head unit at the same time. One or the other I think...The nightime skin via headlights would be difficult/impossible to figure out too. For the amount of work it would require, I would just be satisfied with interfacing the steering wheel controls with the PC.

Quote: Originally Posted by GeddyT

Here are the things I'm a little sketchy on (eternal thanks for input):
1.) Has anybody else out there made this work without removing the factory head unit? My main reasons for keeping it are the high quality radio receiver, the ability to easily and quickly throw CDs in, and that it looks good. That and it will allow me to keep the factory amp for now and therefore put off another fat wad of spending.

I know that some peeps have opted to keep the factory head unit. I ditched mine and put the screen in its place. Will you really use the radio and CD player that much if you have all your CDs on your PC anyway? Just a question - maybe it is a better option for you to keep the factory head unit, but I decided it wasn't something I wanted to keep. Especially because I managed to make a custom mount for the screen that makes it look OEM.

Quote: Originally Posted by GeddyT

2.) Is PC audio --> auxiliary input adapter --> factory radio gonna sound like whales crapping?

If you are a music purist at all, I would guess that you wouldn't be happy with it. At the very least, get a USB external sound card - that will clean up the audio some. More than that, use a good quality line driver (www.audiocontrol.com - I use the three.1)

Quote: Originally Posted by GeddyT

4.) Video signal from the trunk all the way to the center console: Long VGA extension the way to go or will that add too much noise and there's a better way that I don't know about?

Xenarc sells an extension for their touchscreen. This is what I have and it works flawlessly. I'm not sure about Lilliput. You definitley have the opportunity to add a lot of noise if you get a poor quality VGA extension and don't run it appropriately by running it next to power lines etc.

Good luck with the project - my advice is just jump in. You will figure out a lot of stuff on your own as you forge ahead but ask questions in this thread thoughout the project. Also, make sure to

a tonne - there is actually lots and lots of E46 info on this board.

GeddyT · 09-28-2004, 11:13 PM

Sorry about the lack of replies for a while, guys. I've been on vacation.

My parts are rolling in about one a day. My plan is to start out by getting the front of the car ready to go because I've got vacation time and that takes the most fabrication/disassembly/assembly time. Then put the computer in the trunk later when I get another chance. So far I've got my axiliary adapter, my slimline drive, a USB adapter for it, and the IBUS interface (which I won't be needing until later). I'm still waiting for my LCD and for some carbon and epoxy that I bought to come in. Both should be here within the next couple days (FedEx is SO much faster than UPS). I'll try posting some pics of my progress if I'm able to get started before my vacation runs out.

Edrock200, I look forward to seeing what you come up with. Thanks for the input. You too Jackboot.

Jackboot · 09-29-2004, 02:07 PM

Good luck

Keep us posted of the progress!

edrock200 · 09-29-2004, 10:44 PM

GeddyT,
I'm on the same path as you. I still can't decide whether I will relocate the a/c unit to the pocket below it and put a touch screen in with ibus integration (effectively eliminating my HU) or integrate with my HU with an aux pack. Someone on these forums is developing a USB radio module that sounds promising, and I found a bracket for the monitor...so it would have a nice stock look and feel.

Only problem is my car has a dsp stereo system, and anytime I had looked for after market HU's in the past no one wanted to touch the system. I'm not sure why, I'm assuming because of built in amps/advanced wiring. Anyone know of where I can find a schematic for a 99 e46 328i BMW with DSP? Before I start ordering parts I have to figure out if I'll be keeping the HU or ditching it.

I've been doing tons of research over the last few weeks...if I've learned anything from these forums it's to plan, and plan well.

GeddyT · 09-29-2004, 11:13 PM

From everything that I've read and from the people at installers that I've talked to, if you ditch the HU, you're ditching the amp and usually the speakers as well (because at that point why wouldn't you?). The reason being is that BMW uses "twisted pair" wiring between the HU and amp which allows a lot of noise in and the electronics in the amp cancel out that noise and distribute clean signals to the speakers (anyone can feel free to correct me if this is wrong). So there's no way to get a signal from any aftermarket HU or from the computer's sound card into the factory amp.
Buying a new amp isn't necessarily a bad thing, though, because it would certainly sound better than the one that's in there. But you'd have to build your own crossover network as well. And with the amp and the time and everything... I'd just rather keep what's there.

edrock200 · 09-29-2004, 11:18 PM

Hmm..thanks for the info, I'll let you know if I find out anything different on this topic. Which aux pack did you use? I will probably get mine from Blitzsafe.

Tomas- · 09-30-2004, 04:23 AM

Hi,

I'm in the startup phase om my installation.

BMW 318 E46 99' with standard business rds cd, so no dsp or fancy stuff.

Parts lists:

Xenarc/Gain 7" TS - Bought
USB GPS - Bought
RS232 IBUS Interface - Bought
VIA Epia MII 10000 Nehemiah - Ordered
Opus DC-DC 150W ATX - Ordered
GAS (Swedish make) 4ch AMP - Buying from a friend

My plan is to ditch the HU, move the AC controls down to the sunglass-compartment and install the screen in the 2-din space.

As for the sound I intend to connect the epia bord directly to the AMP (any software solutions for fader/balance?)

I'm going to use the stock speakers in phase 1 but I plan to change them later on since they are crap

Jackboot · 09-30-2004, 11:59 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by GeddyT

From everything that I've read and from the people at installers that I've talked to, if you ditch the HU, you're ditching the amp and usually the speakers as well (because at that point why wouldn't you?). The reason being is that BMW uses "twisted pair" wiring between the HU and amp which allows a lot of noise in and the electronics in the amp cancel out that noise and distribute clean signals to the speakers (anyone can feel free to correct me if this is wrong). So there's no way to get a signal from any aftermarket HU or from the computer's sound card into the factory amp.
Buying a new amp isn't necessarily a bad thing, though, because it would certainly sound better than the one that's in there. But you'd have to build your own crossover network as well. And with the amp and the time and everything... I'd just rather keep what's there.

This is not correct. You can certainly use an aftermarket HU with the factory amp. You simply need an interface between the new HU and the factory amplifier. Many many people have done this. I would go to e46fanatics.com and check out the mobile electronics forum there and do a lot of searching. I can't give you any specifics myself because I opted to use an aftermarket amplifier.

djn04 · 09-30-2004, 01:58 PM

I have an E46 also a 01 330cic and am beginning to plan a carpc. My goal is to have something similar to what Rich has. I first saw his car on E46fantics. edrock200 you said you found a bracket is it similar to what Rich is making does it go where the HU is? How much was it? I'm thinking I'll go with a Lilliputt LCD in the dash replacing the HU move to ac controls to the sunglass holder and run a EPIA MK11 10k in the trunk. To start I just want audio and eventually I'll add nav DVD etc. Does mediacar support AAC/MP4? I've already ripped my collection to AAC for my Ipod it would be a bummer to have to do it again to mp3. This forum is great and I can't wait to get started.

GeddyT · 10-06-2004, 09:05 AM

Okay guys and gals, I finally started working on my project. Didn't want to post anything until I had some good pics of actual progress occurring. Well I've got a pretty cool carbon fiber LCD bezel cooking right now, so thought I would finally post something. My project post is in my sig.

otihas330 · 03-09-2007, 09:08 AM

b4 anything....may anybody tell me the e46 coupé started witch year?