Touchscreen, iDrive retrofit for E53?

[TerminatorX5]

Hello.

This thread started on X3 board and I thought I should ask the X5 folks and try to brainstorm this idea.

the basic idea is to use the products that are available on the market and enhance the operating experience of the Ultimate Driving Machine without heavily modifying the machine by splicing wires or installing aftermarket headunits.

Here are some products that are available on the market for the I-Bus vehicles. I would think that the CarPuter option will be the ultimate solution but lets brainstorm this to see if any of these options are doable.

Here is the link to CD changer replacement
CP600BMW

this one is a plug-n-play, uses SD cards upto 32G, so instead of a boatload of CDs, now we would have to have a truckload of SDs. It has advantages of being smaller then a CD changer, the SD card is smaller than CD (probably could use mini-SD with an adapter). Only requires an I-bus car with a pre-wiring for a CD changer (or so it seems). this one runs about 230 euros + 15-20 euros for shipping. VAT probably could be removed for shipping to non-VAT countries. I think this thing is made in Germany.

anyone with experience with this product?


Here is a link to a multimedia box that is supposedly plug-n-play

SBC Multimedia Center BMW

and works with MK1, 2, 3 and 4. It has the video player, MP3 player, it substitutes the regular screen menu with its own, has English interface ( the website is in russian). I doubt anyone had experience with this product outside of Eastern Europe but I hope that someone can come up with some info.

It runs about 430 euros for the full package + shipping and is made in Russia.

Here is a carputer link

AC-Services - Shop - CAR-PC - I-/K-BUS BMW's (E39, E46, E53, E83, E85)

there are not too many details about it so I was wondering if anyone on this board had any experience or opinions about it. Specifically I wonder if it has 3G/4G internet ability. this thing will run about 700 euros + about 40 euros for shipping. Again, same deal on the VAT, it might be removable (or not!!)

the carputer will need some input devices ( the output is fed into the factory screen), so

here is a link for touchscreen panel that might enable touchscreen retrofitting of the factory 16:9 screen.

Touch Screen Panel 7" Flexible - Touch Screen Panels - Accessories - CarSolutions Online Shop


and here is a link to the iDrive retrofit: GREN.RU - - i think it is a bit overpriced at 350 euros but it gives the iDrive "option" for non-iDrive cars. And this "iDrive" is a russian product as well. I think a mousepad would be more appropriate for the carputer.


It seems that the CarPuter would replace the need for the multimedia center and the "CD changer" as it should be able to play the video, the audio, bring the GPS functions, monitor the car vitals and lets you play solitaire!!!

To control the carputer, a touchscreen might be an interesting thing as well and the "iDrive" substitute... or, in place of the "iDrive", a mouse pad from an old laptop might be a good idea...

Any ideas? Thoughts? Critique?

Here are some pictures of the mentioned products: