Carputer in a BMW 318ti?

GadgetPhreak · 08-04-2005, 01:14 PM

Has anyone attempted to install a screen in a BMW 318ti? I am interested in getting some thoughts on where to install a touchscreen? I would prefer to relocate the heating controls down lower in the dash and flush mount a screen in the location of the stereo, but I am open to suggestions.

The challenge will be in doing it so that it looks fairly stock.

Here is a link to pics of my car, there are two pics of the dash/center console that show the area that I am interested in placing the screen. Scroll down to see the photos, clicking on the photos will take you to a larger version of each.

BMW 318ti

Enforcer · 08-04-2005, 01:18 PM

E30/E36/E46?

Coupe/Saloon/Compact?

More info required

Oh wait looking at pictures it's an E36 Compact.

Hmm search the board for e36 compact. I know Saloons and coupe's have been done but I'm not sure about the comapct and that has a different dash.

Enforcer · 08-04-2005, 01:23 PM

As you said, you will have to move the heating controls down, but being manual that may not be too easy. Only way to tell is to open it all up and have a look.

GadgetPhreak · 08-04-2005, 02:55 PM

The challenge I will have is in fabricating something to fit in that space and allow me to flush the screen in place. I will take some better pics of the space that I am interested in using and post them...

GadgetPhreak · 08-04-2005, 07:15 PM

Ok, here are some pics:

Center Console

Side of center console

And here is a quick PhotoChop

Mock-up

I would love to hear your thoughts..

Enforcer · 08-05-2005, 04:20 AM

Yep, looks about right.

First you need to get a look at what's behind what's there and then work out what can and can't be done. As I said you main problem is that the heating controls are of the manual variety so it might be diffcult moving them to where you want because the cable lengths will be exact for when they are now with no give. Have a look at that first.

Oh and get yourself down to the Junkyard and pick up a spare heating control and stereo surround. Do the work on that rathre than the one installed in the car, then if you make mistakes, no big deal.