miDrive
02-23-2013, 07:12 PM
#1
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My Ride: 2007 530xi: Sport, NAV, PDC, HUD, Cold Wthr, CA, Logic 7, HD Radio, SAT, Custom NCS coded options 2008 535xi: Sport, Night Vision, NAV, PDC, HUD, Cold Wthr, CA, Logic 7, SAT, Custom NCS coded options, Rear Seat Heat Retrofit, Passport 9500ci
Model Year: 2008
Engine: N54
miDrive
This project thread is a continuation of my first thread located here --> OBD on iDrive
Because I am no longer using OBD, a new thread with a new name
Summary:
miDrive is a computer module I have custom made for my 2008 535xi. It connects directly to the computer network in the car (called the canbus) and displays things like oil temp, water temp, etc on the iDrive screen. I can control the interface with the iDrive knob and a simple menu system. Below is a pic that shows one of the screens.
I have 2 units assembled and will be ready for beta testing after I give them a thorough testing in my own car. The third one in the pic is my own
For testing I will be looking for someone that
1) Has a good track record here of getting through mods on their car
2) Is capable of tapping into the k-can and pt-can bus
3) Connecting to a switched 12v power source
4) Has or will install a video input module. You need a video module that takes a normal, RCA video plug input like those used for camera systems, DVD player inputs, etc.
5) For software modifications, bug fixes, etc. you may want to plan on connecting a PC to the module to upload new code if it comes to that (we will deal with that when the time comes.
6) I will sell the hardware at cost and will discuss $$ issues in PMs not here.
If testing goes well we will decide what to do about additional units and how it will be supported. The project could use someone that is a better programmer than me, and a better fabricator for the packaging. I suspect open source hardware/software will be the best approach and it will get to the point where a novice DIYer will be able to order a turn-key package. Some really smart people on this forum - we should be able to have some very cool features.
First candidates I am looking for are 2008 535 owners.
Because I am no longer using OBD, a new thread with a new name
Summary:
miDrive is a computer module I have custom made for my 2008 535xi. It connects directly to the computer network in the car (called the canbus) and displays things like oil temp, water temp, etc on the iDrive screen. I can control the interface with the iDrive knob and a simple menu system. Below is a pic that shows one of the screens.
I have 2 units assembled and will be ready for beta testing after I give them a thorough testing in my own car. The third one in the pic is my own
For testing I will be looking for someone that
1) Has a good track record here of getting through mods on their car
2) Is capable of tapping into the k-can and pt-can bus
3) Connecting to a switched 12v power source
4) Has or will install a video input module. You need a video module that takes a normal, RCA video plug input like those used for camera systems, DVD player inputs, etc.
5) For software modifications, bug fixes, etc. you may want to plan on connecting a PC to the module to upload new code if it comes to that (we will deal with that when the time comes.
6) I will sell the hardware at cost and will discuss $$ issues in PMs not here.
If testing goes well we will decide what to do about additional units and how it will be supported. The project could use someone that is a better programmer than me, and a better fabricator for the packaging. I suspect open source hardware/software will be the best approach and it will get to the point where a novice DIYer will be able to order a turn-key package. Some really smart people on this forum - we should be able to have some very cool features.
First candidates I am looking for are 2008 535 owners.
02-24-2013, 05:16 PM
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My Ride: 2008 550I LOADED, all options except HUD and NV
EXTREMELY insteresting, you sir, are THE MAN!!!! Very nice build you got here and I am subscribed. Can't wait to see the consumer version
02-24-2013, 05:26 PM
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My Ride: 2007 530xi: Sport, NAV, PDC, HUD, Cold Wthr, CA, Logic 7, HD Radio, SAT, Custom NCS coded options 2008 535xi: Sport, Night Vision, NAV, PDC, HUD, Cold Wthr, CA, Logic 7, SAT, Custom NCS coded options, Rear Seat Heat Retrofit, Passport 9500ci
Model Year: 2008
Engine: N54
Need to clarify the pic above, That image of the screen is from an early protoype - boost, EGT and AFR are not enabled yet because I have not figured those values out.
Here is a video:
Here is a video:
02-25-2013, 08:54 AM
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My Ride: 2007 530xi: Sport, NAV, PDC, HUD, Cold Wthr, CA, Logic 7, HD Radio, SAT, Custom NCS coded options 2008 535xi: Sport, Night Vision, NAV, PDC, HUD, Cold Wthr, CA, Logic 7, SAT, Custom NCS coded options, Rear Seat Heat Retrofit, Passport 9500ci
Model Year: 2008
Engine: N54
More recent pics
02-25-2013, 04:34 PM
#6
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My Ride: 530i
Model Year: 2004
Engine: M54
Bravo, can't wait until this is available commercially. I'll happily buy one.
How incredible is it that with BMWs infinite wisdom something like this wasn't included in iDrive...
How incredible is it that with BMWs infinite wisdom something like this wasn't included in iDrive...
