gps bmw 3-series

SEI

Well-Known Member
anyone her fitted a gps system into their 3-series before? and can u controll the music using ur steeringwheel?
 
Re: gps bmw 3-series

Hi ardika, welcome.

I assume you are refering to the E46 and not E90. I had a BMW-Dayton installed (see pix below). But it's kind-of-a funny at that location. For one, the gear-stick blocks the view when you are at Park and wants to input the destination address. Then as you drive, the angle is too low to 'look down'.

System wise, it's very good. Accuracy was impressive. For example, I could 'lock in' into a specific car park lot in a multi-storey car park. Tomorrow, if I park in the next lot, it would not say 'you have arrived'. Only if I park in the exact same lot, then would it say 'you have arrived'. I know that some of the portable ones (those via bluetooth) are not as accurate - in that it sometimes show you on the other side of the road - then tell you you should 'u-turn' back.

I explored with PML extensively on installing the 16:9 wide screen where the current headunit is. They even ordered a full set in to test ($12,000) but our E46 just would not 'communicate' with the GPS brain.

I have since removed the BMW-Dayton (just don't like the location), and is now considering a 2-Din or Carputer. Depending on budget, I believe one can get a carputer running as good as a BMW-Dayton.

2-Din option: Alpine has just launched a new 2-Din HU yesterday. Since Alpine is famous for SQ, I'm waiting to test it out in Singapore. Then input a GPS via video in.

Carputer option: currently in Singapore, only mobycar.com is into this. But they use Apple Mini. I am not very keen with Apple. I'm still very much a Windows guy.
 
Re: gps bmw 3-series

thanks alot, where did you get that done?? and how much did it cost??. also why didnt you just use a different screen like a flip up screen instead of that one and connect the gps unit into a better screen (would you be able to use the steering wheel controlls i'm not sure). tell me how your alpine one goes.
 
Re: gps bmw 3-series

1. I don't want a flip-out screen because it will block 90% of your air-con vent.
2. The BMW-Dayton GPS does not come with a video-out signal, so I cannot redirect it to a different screen.
3. The GPS has voice directions (e.g. 'At the next junction, turn left'. But no steering control).
4. I had it installed with PML (and subsequently removed). Don't know how much, because eventually I did not pay for it. I had wanted the 16:9 version. Listed price was $12,000 but they say can give discount.
5. Siemens-VDO is the OEM manufacturer of the BMW system. I will assess that after I make up my mind on Alpine or Carputer.

Are you driving E46 or the new model?
 
Re: gps bmw 3-series

E46 M3

you should get the alpine i dont like the carputer tried it in wheelocks place its a little annoying...

tell me when if decide to get the alpine maybe if we get 2 it might be cheaper
 
Re: gps bmw 3-series

e46sg (mobycar)

The last time we met, you offered only Apple Mini because Apple was willing to extend the warranty to you. Now that you can also provide PC based, it's good news as well as bad new.

Good news in that your are opening up the market bigger.

Bad news in that ONLY earlier today, after I assessed the new 2-Din Alpine spec, I decided that I do not want 2-Din (mainly due to having to mod the AC vent). I have placed online order for the bezel, Xenarc, I-Bus, start/shutdown controller and some accessories to.... (if it's not shocking to the forum) DIY my Carputer. I will be going down to Funan this weekend to buy a Thinkpad to power it (Thinkpad because it has a replictor port and comes with 3 years warranty). I am also looking into appropriate front-end softwares as well as complementary support like voice control (Imagine telling the system "Play 'Let It Be'")

Phase II is rear-view parking camera; rear-view infra-red windscreen camera; front bumper camera and front night-vision camera with multiple-cam HDD recording.

Phase III : Siemen-VDO GPS.

Phase IV: Proximity control door access with finger-print controlled engine start.

Total cost should still not exceed $10,000. I will build my personal Knight-Rider.

If I need help, I hope to be able to approach you (e46sg). This can be a learning experience for all. (I'm no electrician; I'm no technicial. I'm only a dreamer). But I am another step closer to reality - now that I have ordered the parts (and paid with PayPal).

Anybody here game to DIY Carputer with me? PM me for tea discussion.
 
Re: gps bmw 3-series

SEI, I think the Alpine will only arrive in Singapore in many more months time only. It was launched in US only yesterday.

I don't like the Apple Carpter either. But I like the idea of Carputer. It can do a lot a lot more.... PROVIDED you are ABOVE-AVERAGE computer literate.
 
Re: gps bmw 3-series

If anyone is looking for the centre console that holds the air-con controls, i have 1 brand new which pml have ordered wrongly for me. Why dont you guys try getting the widescreeen gps from ebay.de? I did mine and its not that difficult.
 
Re: gps bmw 3-series

You mean this frame... below? I ordered one from PML too.
What went wrong?
 
Re: gps bmw 3-series

MapleLeaf said:
You mean this frame... below? I ordered one from PML too.
What went wrong?
What is your model? The problem lays with the part you need to switch the buttons over where there is the empty slot right between the ash and air-con control compartment.
 
Headunit Bezel

SEI,

You will need this bezel if you want to install a new HU. Someone hand-make this in US at US$200+. Two versions, one for 2-Din HU and the other for 7 inch LCD panel (for computer VGA screen). I just ordered one for a LCD panel. The touch-screen LCD panel is another US$370.
 
Re: gps bmw 3-series

the bezel... (missed out in earlier main. Hit the return key too fast)
 
Re: gps bmw 3-series

14M3,

Mine is E46 4-door Sports Edition. I have not tried installing it yet, so I don't even know if it fits!!!
I hope it is correct part.
 
Re: gps bmw 3-series

How did you inset your pics into the forum cos everytime i try, its says my pics are too big in pixel size to be uploaded. Whats your email, maybe i can sent you the pic i just took. From there, you will probably can see the difference.
 
Uploading Pix

There is a limit on max file size. So I normally use Photoshop to reduce size and resolution before uploading.

PMed you my contact.
 
Re: gps bmw 3-series

I am aware that there are two versions of the HVAC frame. The version for us comes with a small rect hole for the DSC button and a long slot-cover that blocks out all the other holes.

The other version comes with multiple rect hole for more switches. More for US use, for switches like motorised rear windscreen shade.

I am trying to customise USB hub and AV input points into those unused holes.
 
Re: gps bmw 3-series

Email sent. Hope this might be of some help. Contact sent. CHeers
 
Re: gps bmw 3-series

HI Mapleleaf,

thanks for your frank comment about the mobyCar, we will definitely be keen to exchange ideas, we are firm avocator of the carputer concept and hope to see more carputers on the road.

I believe this will translate into improvements in the mobyCar.

Regards,
 
Re: gps bmw 3-series

SEI said:
E46 M3

you should get the alpine i dont like the carputer tried it in wheelocks place its a little annoying...

tell me when if decide to get the alpine maybe if we get 2 it might be cheaper

Hi SEI,

if you are still open to the mobyCar concept, perhaps we can arrange a meetup to run you through the product?

Regards,
Franklin
 
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