install LCD screen into BMW E46 sunglasses holder?

bobber99 · 10-08-2006, 03:06 AM

I've been considering putting a carputer into my 2003 E46 330ci with minimal effort.

I think the easiest possible way to install a carputer is to take out the sunglasses box and install a retractable touchscreen LCD screen. Then take the USB+VGA inputs and run them to the glove box.

I already have an AUX input in the glove box so I can install a mac mini into the glove box, put the audio out to the AUX, hack a DC-DC adapter I already have to power the mac-mini

Total project cost:
-$299 mac mini (UCSD special price)
-$500 retractable VGA touchscreen LCD
-$20 dc-dc adapter

The biggest draw of this project is it is so little work. No need to route wires, etc all over the place. The only installation is the LCD screen into the sunglasses box.

Does anyone know if there's some instructions to removing the sunglasses box and installing some sort of mount or bezel to install a screen into it?

If this isn't an option, one can drop the AC controls into the glove box as shown in several Double DIN E46 installs then you have a free DIN below the stock radio but this seems like more work.

Any pointers to people installing single DIN devices into the sunglasses holder?

TheLlama · 10-08-2006, 03:16 AM

There are tons. Look in the Fab forum. Sounds like you are interested in some fiberglass. Not your car in particular but this is the chance to fix the "So little work" problem.

bobber99 · 10-08-2006, 03:20 AM

well I really don't want to do fiberglass work! i can buy the Xenarc bezel from the mp3car store but that's a lot of work to get the steering wheel buttons to work, etc.

This way, all you do is pull out the sunglass holder, install a reactable lcd screen and you are done!

TheLlama · 10-08-2006, 03:37 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by bobber99

well I really don't want to do fiberglass work! i can buy the Xenarc bezel from the mp3car store but that's a lot of work to get the steering wheel buttons to work, etc.

This way, all you do is pull out the sunglass holder, install a reactable lcd screen and you are done!

What do steeringwheel buttons have to do with how you mount your screen? They make a bezel for your car? It sounds like you are set on buying the bezel, so you don't really have a problem anymore do you?

bobber99 · 10-08-2006, 03:49 AM

Basically if I keep the stock radio, I already have an Aux input so don't need to hack the steering wheel for volume, etc.

Key is to install retractable LCD screen, keep old radio.

I pulled out the sunglass holder and doesn't look like there's room so guess I have to drop the AC controls...

TheLlama · 10-08-2006, 10:36 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by bobber99

Basically if I keep the stock radio, I already have an Aux input so don't need to hack the steering wheel for volume, etc.

Key is to install retractable LCD screen, keep old radio.

I pulled out the sunglass holder and doesn't look like there's room so guess I have to drop the AC controls...

OK. You must have misunderstood me. I was referring to using fiberglass to fab a bezel/mount for your screen in the cupholder area. You know, a picture of your dash could come in handy. I have no idea what your car looks like.