E30 carputer install

[code-]

Hello everyone,
I need some advice about a carputer install in my 1984 323i. I am swapping out my current "no-name" 6.5" screen (pic) with a 7" Lilliput, but I don't want it to be mounted the way is now. Any tips on alternate mounting locations, so it looks "cleaner"? Or pics of other E30 installs?

If you guys are interested, I can keep you updated with pics as my project progresses?

Thanks :)

[DSchultz325e]

You're gonna have to check with the DMV for your laws regarding these sorts of things, but I'd say your best bet would be a flip-down screen mounted on the ceiling where the sunroof crank/switch is.

[Addissimo]

or you could get rid of that useless 6 button OBC, move some shit around and make a custom insert for your cd/monitor/heating control.

-Addis

[DarkWing6]

what about where the check panel is? is the screen too big to do that?

[Addissimo]

i'm assuming (dangerous, i know) that he is using it for navagation as well as music... I'd hate to have to look up at the check panel all the time.

-Addis

[DarkWing6]

maybe down below where the coin tray is,

[TimmyBigHands]

Actually, I'm setting mine up where the coin tray is too.

I've already fabed up a piece to fill the entire area in and will begin cutting it out to fit the lilliput this weekend. I'll take some photo's of the progress... but it's going to be SLOW process - I want it to be perfect.

[DEV0 E30]

I really like what Brian Thull did with his M3. Fabbed a piece with bondo fro a 7" screen.

[royalflush313]

^^
It looks like there. But I would imagine that the postitioning would be quite un-practical.

I had a Clarion flip-out screen when it first came out, needless to say, I watched a DVD for about 5 minutes, just once, when I first installed the deck.
Overall, I find it to be a useless feature, and would only really be cool in a Camping car, or Grocery getter if you have kids.

As for navigation system, I live in Canada, i swear the roads here are so simple. No circular roads, often with streets names that are numbered. At least where I live, if you have any sense of direction, it's not hard at all to get around.

It's a cool idea and I'm not trying to discourage you, but you should think about if you are actually ever gonna use it. If not, you are only adding another feature in the car for the thieves to get their eyes on. As far as car mods go, that Clarion deck was the biggest waste of money for me.

[code-]

OK, to answer all the questions/comments.

The screen is too big for the check panel, yes. The size is 126mm x 187mm x 35mm



It will be used for nav and music mostly, and I am making a relay board to control lights and whatnot.

Down in the coin tray ala that M3 looksreally good, but I will have to seal it off somehow, as it gets really hot down there. (Is this normal?). And it will of course have to look better then that. (unless that is an "in-progress" pic)

How much or how little I use it doesn't matter, I have all the parts and have already been using the system for some time now with my current screen.

[code-]

Ok, coin tray it is. Can't think of any other place that would look good and stock-ish.
I have already started sealing the back and to to keep the heat that comes from above out, and will be mounting a fan (40mm mabie) and a couple of vents to pull the rest of the heat out. (Lilliputs hate heat, thats why the touch overlays act up, or so I've been told)

Pics will be posted. :pimp:

[Nathan]

pics yet?

[joshcxcb]

i have a 91 318is and i am doing a mac carputer i have my monitor in the same spot in the console. I have the ibook hacked in half so it fits in the glove compartment with the battery soldered seperately from the computer to save space, the optical drive is removed also as i am adding a bus powered dvd reader. I am using a 7" xenarc touchscreen. I am looking for a way to recess the monitor and look factory like the m3. I ran all of my wires and power supplies behind the console and into the glove compartment. to location isnt as weird as it seems, it is mainly a media center, no different than grabbing your ipod from your consloe to change tracks. I will post pics when i get finished.