Thread: Replacement Head Unit

Mate, all of the available face plates or head units (supposedly to fit) are for the BMW which has a different profile – they all stick out over the trim at the bottom of the panel – they taper out from top to bottom – and look naf.

Unfortunately I haven’t moved on this at all, been tied up with work (lots of travel), sick kid – really sick, Owner Build Reno and a new home build up north all running together. To top it off I was out of action for ages with a spinal disc herniation. 2013 promises to be much quieter and it will happen!

To get anything reasonable looking the face plate needs to be custom made. What screen are you thinking of, double din or a screen with carputer?

Importantly, do you have an Amp in the back? This changes things, no show stopper and there are a couple ways to go – use the factory amp, new amp, or no amp. Either way requires wiring mods, above and beyond a standard Connects2 adapter. The rear amp contains the (speaker) cross overs – this is what causes issues, so at this stage I plan to keep the amp but do have a plan B for it. This is why powerfullUK specify their Chinese unit only works if you have no amp or satnav in the back. I have a 06/2004 HSE with the rear Amp (not the DSP) which I initially didn’t know was there, after a bit of research I know how to deal with it.

I will be producing a 3D CAD model for the face plate to suit a Kenwood Double din, which should work for other brands as well. When done and tested it should be available for others – take it to a 3D laser cutter and have it cut from whatever you like – alloy, stainless, wood, acrylic… I was going to hand make it but the cost of laser cutting is not worth mucking around.

I intend to eventually put in a car pc, I have the non DSP amp in the back, and its fairly simple.

I intend on leaving the entire factory system in behind the dash, and simply remote controlling it through the ibus but also adding in another audio input from the pc through the factory setup.

In the end I aim to have a simple three tab display, one for audio control, one for trip computer/car info and one for gps.

Theres heaps of info you can such out through the ibus, it looks like just about all the stuff you can suck through the obd2 connector with those freebie apps can be read through the ibus, so speed / oil pressure, coolant temp outside temp inside temp fuel usage etc.

I might get around to it eventually, so far I am just at the point of mapping various buttons in the car to keyboard strokes, so I am debating wether to cut up and use the mid head unit for lots of buttons to do things, or just rely on steering wheel buttons and touch screen. I didnt like the touchscreen in the P38 after a while.

Have to find cheapo wreckers in the uk for bits!

Nice one mate. Every time I read a carputer story I nearly get inspired, very cool project.

Pretty much everything is reported or relayed on the iBus. I’ve not looked but the only thought is what commands will the factory audio system receive via iBus?

Hi Harlie,
I'm trying the whole upgrade from mid system to Hi Professional.
Got all the components, plus a BMW X5 loom (few differences as I see).
I have the Rave V15 RR wiring diagrams, which seem to be lacking.
Do you have anything better/more comprehensive? Don

Originally Posted by harlie

Mate, all of the available face plates or head units (supposedly to fit) are for the BMW which has a different profile – they all stick out over the trim at the bottom of the panel – they taper out from top to bottom – and look naf.

Unfortunately I haven’t moved on this at all, been tied up with work (lots of travel), sick kid – really sick, Owner Build Reno and a new home build up north all running together. To top it off I was out of action for ages with a spinal disc herniation. 2013 promises to be much quieter and it will happen!

To get anything reasonable looking the face plate needs to be custom made. What screen are you thinking of, double din or a screen with carputer?

Importantly, do you have an Amp in the back? This changes things, no show stopper and there are a couple ways to go – use the factory amp, new amp, or no amp. Either way requires wiring mods, above and beyond a standard Connects2 adapter. The rear amp contains the (speaker) cross overs – this is what causes issues, so at this stage I plan to keep the amp but do have a plan B for it. This is why powerfullUK specify their Chinese unit only works if you have no amp or satnav in the back. I have a 06/2004 HSE with the rear Amp (not the DSP) which I initially didn’t know was there, after a bit of research I know how to deal with it.

I will be producing a 3D CAD model for the face plate to suit a Kenwood Double din, which should work for other brands as well. When done and tested it should be available for others – take it to a 3D laser cutter and have it cut from whatever you like – alloy, stainless, wood, acrylic… I was going to hand make it but the cost of laser cutting is not worth mucking around.

no sorry Don I don't. And you're right, they are very lacking in the audio dept..

This may interest/help for your project. Ultimate Upgrade

Thanks harlie,
Interesting and gives more hope!
I've requested (better?) wiring diagrams from Colin.
Had helpful previous dealings with Colin and others at BBS; I think I was their 20th customer years ago! I use Faultmate now.
rgds,
Don

There is a unit on ebay,hla6786 e39 BMW x5 ,RANGE ROVER 2002-2004 that does everything but cook your lunch.It looks to be german designed but made in china.There are three wiring harnesses to pick from depending on your vehicles specs,ie sat nav or not ect.Cost is $580 plus $80 postage.Looks a very good unit but is 10 mm deeper than the existing head unit,no satnav.Anyone seen it or bought one?