CAR PC in BMW E53?

[badmilind]

Has anyone tried installing CAR PC in E53? I am interested in feedback as i am seriously considering one of following options:

http://store.mp3car.com/MP3Car_G4_po..._p/sdk-014.htm

Very nice; but expensive (relatively ) and would need to replace factory radio / amplifier unit.


Or combination of this
http://www.xenarc.com/product/MDT-X7000.html

and any CAR PC (including MAC Mini)

with
http://store.mp3car.com/StreetDeck_N..._p/sdk-005.htm
As front end

Has anyone done this before? what would be the downside of removing factory radio / computer (if it really is worthy)?

Appreciate feedback / suggestions.

Thanks
Milind

[Quicksilver]

Never done it before but my question is what is the upside for you?. Once you answer that, then any problem can be solved if you throw enough money at it.

[E5M1R]

Why jusd not buy one of pioneer units with nav and dvd?

[EBCBbaLL]

That is sweeeeet.

[badmilind]

Answer to both questions on this thread:

Why am i doing this?

Sheer convinience: You would have a centralized system for all the functionality you want from your PC, as opposed to multiple gadgets for each function.

A single PC can provide music file playback, DVD playback, satelite radio, GPS navigation, diagnostic information from the vehicle (usuall OBD-II), internet access and hands-free cellphone operation. In order to achieve all that with individual products, you'd need a high-end audio/video system, a GPS system, a satellite radio receiver, a scan tool for diagnostics, and a device capable of internet access such as a PDA or a laptop. The PC will usually be cheaper than all the gadgetry involved for all that functionality, not to mention you'll have central control of all the functions, ideally through a safe driver-friendly interface.


Milind

[pleply]

You can use this software, and you need a I-bus interface

look at this site

http://www.carx24.de/carx.htm

[rp-x5]

I just ordered GNET video module, mini-itx PC, matrox video card (for RGB output) , usb GPS, IBUS adapter. will be using carx or centrafuse for the front end. Check the E39 install http://web.mac.com/jlitko/iWeb/BMW%2...0Car%20PC.html

[acitydweller]

That's great. let us know how it comes along...! I'm a PC builder so im always interested in these types of projects. I mostly service small businesses and friends so carpc's are going to be something similar to an HTPC whereby everything is compact and "all-inclusive" if you will.

Good luck!

[lo_jack]

I have considered building out a micro ATX box and running a full DC powered rig in my X5. There is a fantastic space under the knee bolster/glove box on the passenger side and on top of the transmission tunnel that is begging for electronics to live there. Plenty of space to hide gear. You could put a full functioning PC rig in there easily.

[oztme]

Hi Guys,

I've just bought a 2005 3.0d X5 here in Australia, and would like to do the car pc thing.

I build a carpc for my rally car (evo) but I had trouble with the hard drive dying (as you'd expect!). Now there are solid state hard drives which don't care about bumps, so I will try to get something into the X5 soon.

One question: My car has the analog TV option, which would be ideal to use as a screen for a carPC. 2 problems though (1) how to stop the TV from turning off as soon as the car moves, and (2) how to wire up a composite video signal out of a car PC into the TV setup. I don't want to spend too much $ as the X5 has hit the bank balance hard. I also can DIY a lot of this stuff (and share it if people want). For example, I designed my own circuit boards and built rally computers, so I guess I'm a nerd...

Does anyone have circuit diagrams etc of the X5 TV + CD + etc?

Cheers + thanks,
Scott.