Thread: 2000 BMW 328Ci (e46) - laptop install

I think it was this one - bought it at Best Buy because I had a gift card.

I'm glad my write up helped someone. Good luck with your install.

I use a "shutdown controller" that's wired to the laptop's docking station switch. The car's ignition is sensed by the controller, and sends a pulse to the docking station switch, which turns on the laptop.

Originally Posted by Stevo759

What is the scoche wiring harness?

http://www.cardomain.com/item/SCOBW01B

Update - added XM direct, with cable bought from WebDog. I gave up on the headunit, since I would only do it if I could remote-mount the faceplate in the ashtray area and have the rest of the headunit in the glovebox/trunk. I tried doing this with an Alpine CDA-9855 with no luck. Decided I didn't want FM radio that badly and just got XM .

Next on the list is to add an AudioControl Overdrive line driver, new speakers, new amp, new sub, and figure out a way to put in a Parrot CK3100 bluetooth kit for my Treo650 (won't work with PhoneControl unfortunately). I'm thinking about having BavarianSoundWerks here in Atlanta do the speakers/amps, they seem to know their stuff when it comes to E46s. I sold my stock Nav/GPS equipment on eBay, and will do the same for the stock HK speakers when they come out, to pay for the new speakers/amps.

The problem I'm working on now is getting the XM radio to work from a USB port rather than serial (IBus adapter uses the serial port). Searching for a serial to USB adapter, hopefully it will allow XM to work on resume from standby/hibernate - my other USB components do, so I'm optimistic.