Update (6/16/2015): I have gotten a lot of PMs and questions on the specifics of this project and lots of people with issues like hiss and crappy audio. This should help you solve some issues. I will also include an Amazon link to a list of major components for this project. KEEP IN MIND, this information may vary year to year, model to model. For example, in 2002 they switched the radio harness on BMWs. Do your own research! First thing first, Lots of people have been asking about the software I used on the tablet. I chose to omit this info because I figured people would want to customize their tablet the way they like. The ROM I was using in that video is called AutoDroid. A ROM is basically like an operating system and AutoDroid is a derivative of android that has been optimized for use as a head-unit. The ROM contains all the software needed to turn the tablet on and off with the key along with power management features to keep the battery over long periods of time. There are SO MANY tutorials on how to flash a ROM on a nexus device alone; Google is your friend here. The interface I use is made up of a custom wall paper and invisible widgets. When you click the widget it brings you to the app that is labeled on the wallpaper. I used an App from the play store called "Desktop Virtualizer" to do this along with a transparent .PNG. There is also a new app that is set out to emulate Google's Android Auto on any android device. Do your own homework here. I've also gotten lots of people with audio issues and I was puzzled until my car developed the same issue. I tried a noise filter but that was total garbage. While it did reduce the noise it also made the audio trash and I began to get humming noise from the alternator and the LCM. I narrowed it down to a crappy pre-amp that was causing all sorts of ground loops. The solution is super simple and it is what I should have done at the start. This DAC: www.amazon.com/dp/B00LP3AMC2/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_S_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=3H9T5P2TAQJYN&coliid=I3E8DG5A9HHLNZ is FANTASTIC for this application. It has a built in pre-amp and the audio quality is so much better than the beringer that it is on a whole new level. Buy this and you make your life a lot simpler. To use this DAC you will also need an adapter to go from RCA to a 3.5mm headphone jack, as this is a headphone amp. It even has a Bass Switch to increase the bass cleanly with hardware, not though software. Adapter: www.amazon.com/dp/B000J1H4VI/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pd_S_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=3H9T5P2TAQJYN&coliid=IX6Z0NLDGT724&psc=1 . Next up is an issue that I faced and only recently conquered. I kept on waking up to a dead tablet in the morning. You have to make sure that you use a charger that can support the amperage requirements of the tablet. I would go 3 amp @ 5v to be safe. Be sure to enable fast-charging in the settings. Lots of people have been having trouble with the Joycon. Please read the manual that comes with it before asking questions. It's OK to ask questions, its not OK to be lazy and expect me to hand this to you when you haven't even read the manual. The gist is that you have to hook up the I-Bus line, configure it with a computer, and then possibly adjust a few switches on the unit itself. I did also learn that it is NOT necessary to provide 12v power to the Joycon, it is perfectly happy running off 5v USB power. And you MUST use a Joycon EXD. It is 2x the price of the EXR for a reason; it is compatible with digital steering wheel controls while the other ones are not. This is my basic parts list: amzn.com/w/3H9T5P2TAQJYN E46 Bezel: www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_sacat=0&_nkw=e46+double+din+bezel&_frs=1 Your experience may vary based on your car, model, and year. Do your homework! You likely WILL have to re-pin the adapter for the wiring harness if you plan to use steering wheel controls. Make sure to verify that ALL pins are in the correct locations before starting this with a correct wiring diagram. Back up cameras are possible with this setup. There is some info on the AutoDroid thread over at XDA Devs and around the web. You basically use the camera and an EasyCap. When you put the car in reverse it launches a camera app and voila. Not quite sure on the specifics of this one but you can check this out on your own. For FM radio you want to get an SDR, or Software Defined Radio, USB unit for a couple bucks. You should receive an antenna with this. I found out the the plug for the antenna matches the plug on the E46 antenna cable. Just cut the cable off of the included antenna, solder the cut end to the circuit board of the SDR unit and plug the end of the cable into the factory antenna connector. Secure this with electrical tape and be sure to solder the cable correctly so you don't get interference. Then you can plug it in to the hub and use the app from the play store. Be sure to test your unit beforehand. Again your experience my vary based on your particular car. SDR Unit: www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_odkw=sdr&_osacat=0&_from=R40&_trksid=p2045573.m570.l1312.R1.TR10.TRC1.A0.H0.Xrtl.TRS1&_nkw=rtl2832u&_sacat=0 Finally, this is not a replacement for something like an Enon or Dynavin on an AVIN unit. This is priced much much lower and as a result lacks the R&D along with some features like Bluetooth integration and a pre-built interface. If you would rather drop $700 on an AVIN then this is not the DIY for you. This build cost me less than $250 and most of that was for the Tablet($50), DAC($75) and Joycon ($85). Be realistic with your expectations. This IS the DIY for someone that wants a cool and cheap replacement for a stock head-unit; be creative and make it your own. This is just a guide and nothing is set in stone. Thanks to all the people that watched, commented, and liked. Be sure to check out my Facebook page and other social media pages! Links are in the description. If you own an E46 BMW check out the forum post in the description. Lots of good info there.
Bavarian and Beyond I wonder if the glue will still hold on when its 40+ degrees Celcius (100+ degrees Fahrenheit) inside the car. I've had some other things glued together but on a very hot day it would loosen. Do you have this problem and/or experience?
Nathan Mathon It's been well beyond that in my car and it has held up for over a year now. No issues with mounting, and it is still easy to remove from the car(as opposed to using something like epoxy).
+Bavarian and Beyond What was the upgraded DAC you replaced the Behringer with? I seen in a few different placed you recommend a different DAC+AMP combo (Headphone Dac/amp), and link it to amazon, but never said the name of the upgraded dac, and the amazon link is dead. Quote from your writeup "This DAC:www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...ilpage_o02_s00 is FANTASTIC for this application. It has a built in pre-amp and the audio quality is so much better than the beringer"
Dude, I can't believe you got the steering wheel controls working as well. That is easily the cleanest and best install of a tablet into a car I've seen yet.
you've never seen Soundman Car Audio, been doing this since 2010 with the first iPad in a car. He's also done cleaner Android tablet installs as well. th-cam.com/video/rSnIXfoSU6I/w-d-xo.html
crap. i had a kid do my radio in one car and it quit working like a year later. this was a hack job. the asshole grounded it with a penny like he was smooth for one hing. let a pro do it or do it yourself but dont let some kid fuck up your unit.
+Roberto Moreno These kinds of mods have been around for a while now. Don't know if he really made this set up all by him self or used bits of other projects..but yeah he's definitely smart
Anyone that says "Kids these days don't have any imagination" Needs to watch this video... You sir, are an inspiration. I don't have a BMW, so most of this isn't useful information for me, but I'm impressed with how you imagined and then built, troubleshot, and refined the system.
in your thread regarding the Bluetooth integration, what i did was use tablet talk. It paired my phone to the tablet and then i can use the tablet to make phone calls from my phone. Then using the Joycon i mapped my SWC to double as android shortcuts on the long presses.. ie Home Button, Back button, screen on/off and Launch Google now, so i had voice commands from my steering wheel.
I just wanted to say I enjoyed watching your video. I had been thinking of installing my Samsung tablet in my car for a while, and now I have a great template on what I'll need to research and purchase for the install. I appreciate the fact that you take pride in your workmanship. You go the extra mile with the sauder and the heat shrink tubing. You don't see many people do such a clean professional looking install even when they're getting paid for it.
Great video. I can tell this was a lot of work. Just a quick comment: twist stranded wire together THEN solder them. I get what you did by tinning then first but tinning is only good for when you're attaching wires to a terminal, as you did. Twisting the two sets of stranded first then soldering makes it actually easier to solder and makes for a better connection.
Finally someone on TH-cam that works to the same standard as me. If it can't go back to original then it's a rubbish job. I see far to many people hacking and splicing wires that can't be replaced.
Is the music that plays while the tablet is being hot glued the same music in MKBHD's intro animation? Bonus: If the car is compatible, you could get a $12 OBDII bluetooth code scanner and link it to the tablet. It would let you read your car's computer error codes for when your check engine light is on and help you find out why, as well as see real-time information, such as speed, rpms, and other things that your car's ECU monitors while in operation.
Love that this is a tech video and the music around 5:30 and 25:00 is the music intro to the MKBHD videos. Very good video, and I might try this myself
Fuck mkbhd I used to love him but now he's gone all far left, like he did a shout-out to gay pride month, and he did an entire video about black lives matter and how he's secretly a victim, and the world is out to get him, and America is a bad country, I hate him now
Wow! That's the most intelligent car upgrade and up-grader I've ever seen. The way you combined simple skills, out of the box thinking, planing and research to achieve such a high lever of attention to detail is inspiring. My hat's of to you!
I'm sorry but even after 20 years I still have to say that the E46 has one of the best looking dash designs ever made! I almost bought a used E46 (2001 328i) way back in 2004 and even back then I was simply blown away by the design of the dash with the nav screen in the middle. The dash also has a really cool 3d effect as the entire black part projects above the dash along the borders (near the windshield), if you know what I'm trying to say. The car I was test driving also had the upgraded Harmon Kardon sound system and I remember it easily being the best sounding stock system I had ever heard back then! While I really loved the look of the nav system in the E46, the actual graphics and software look horrendous by today's standards, so this mod you did really is almost a necessity for anyone buying an old E46 with nav nowadays. Looks fantastic!
I wonder what percentage of people that watched this video actually attempted it. I consider myself pretty technical, and I even have a spare Nexus 7, but I'd never try something this complex.
DiehlGames i have no electrical skills whats so ever but basic soldering skills and I just followed his instructions and I was able to pull it off its just patience and critical listen
+DiehlGames One thing I wonder is how will the tablet screen and battery handle the extreme temperature in the summer and winter, maybe it would be a good idea to use a all-weather certified tablet?
You Sir.. have won the internet for the year. Well done at being so clever, I plan to install an Android OR an iPad into a Renault, can't afford Beamers in Turkey, their service is just too expensive.
what app suite do you use ? also, how do you connect your phone for hand free communication on the tablet ? how is your phone is handle by the tablet, dialing, adress book, answer/hangup your phone ? Could you stream music from your phone to the tablet ?
Props for keeping all the info together. Looking through my service history, way back in 2005 the owner took it to a place car audio shop for a "professional backyard" install of a kenwood 1 din unit. 3 junction blocks used as joiners, exposed wires, weird bootleg duct tape. Rats nest wiring that takes up so much room the headunit can't even push all the way into place lol. Handy having the wire colours listed to their outputs. Thanks :)
I recommend using some small black rubber tubing, split down one side, to line the plastic edge that touches the tablet screen. This makes the trimming a little more forgiving - small gaps become unnoticible, and will eliminate any possible squeaks that might happen with vibration of the plastic against the glass.
Man, it is not only awesome work, but also perfect video editing and amazing music. Everything very accurate, I bed you upgraded dozens of cars already :)
nice build, I did something like this a while ago, I chose to wrap my tablet in tinfoil and fiberglass a holster for it to the faceplate, worked pretty well. couldn't get around the battery dying on me though and requiring manual power up. eventually decided it lacked too many things I wanted
While I agree with other people in that it is a nice looking install, it is very complicated for the average person and more expensive than the cost of a quality head unit that will also give you FM if you still use it. There are simpler and less expensive alternatives. For example, most newer cars have steering wheel controls for volume so you can keep the factory stereo and slide it back a few inches. This will give you room to install the tablet in the same location as in the video or you can find on youtube other videos that have slide out options to make the tablet removable. Since most stereos have an auxiliary port, you can buy on ebay a bluetooth dongle that has auxiliary output for less than 10 dollars. the tablet will connect to the dongle with bluetooth and just run the auxiliary cable to the stereo. If you go with the slideout option, you can access the stereo to listen to FM radio. If you want internet on the tablet, just setup tethering on your smartphone and connect the tablet to the phone. I would go into more detail, but this comment is long enough.
this is brilliant! I bought a new stereo for my E39 and got frustrated with the wiring harness included, that required me to access the nav controls and amp in the trunk. I eventually gave and put the stereo in my Tacoma instead. LOL But I do like this custom install and do have an old tablet lying around that would likely work. thanx for the upload. time to brush up on the soldering skills.
Bodzio W Type "fastboot oem off-mode-charge 0" in fastboot mode. Now if the tablet is completly turned off, it will boot if you plugin a charging cable.
I have been searching for a way to put a tough screen on a headliner shelf in my 85 chevy truck. I think what you have outlined will fit exactly what I am trying to do.
in all honesty, i didnt expect much at first, one the project started coming together, its quite impressive, i night have to give it a shot, thanks for the video and the know how!
That's exactly what I don't understand in these projects. I like it so much and I want to do it myself but do anyone know if it's possible to have the tablet turning on and off with the engine? o.O
Yes +POKLU you can use an app called Automagic, and you can set up to turn on airplane mode when car is shut off, or completely turn off tablet and a bunch of other triggers.
+Mario Delgado Serrano Why wouldn't you be able to use GPS or handsfree bluetooth? The tablet didn't lose any functions when he installed it to his car.
+ISuckAtFlashGames I was refering to use the bluetooht installation of the car. I have the original bluetooth device in my car, and I want to make calls trought it ussing even the steering well buttons with this installation.
Thanks for taking the time to make this video - obviously it doesn't show how to do this for every car - but the fundamentals are there [I'm getting all sorts of mad scientist ideas for my 2004 Scion xB]. NB for watchers: If this is too hard to follow then maybe you shouldn't be tearing your dash apart :)
I agree benajmin, all this work and money is not worth it when it's cheaper to buy a double din radio with app for nav. this project is approx $300+ if it was less than $200 I am working on a prototype to mirror phone directly for less than $200 for any car. Goal price $150.
+jgmacho This young man seems to have a lot of technical know how and talent. This is am praising him for the video was good in its content and subject matter. My only issue is that with all of the nexuses capabilities and the limits of the cars app interface this is a lot of work for nothing when leaving the original stereo in or upgrading to a far better stereo would be easier and less labor intensive. I am not at all faulting this young man in his skills set, just the method of deployment for this application.
your right he is smart for his age about that stuff, I actually have an e46 like his. this is cheaper than the alternative for a bmw platform. for cars in general...no
+Benjamin Williams Obviously all of the other functions of the tablet still work. Google maps navigation can be used offline, Google Music will automatically sync and download songs when connected to wifi, and FM radio via SDR is implemented (just to name a few). Using an open source platform like Android gives you more flexibility than any other solution. You can customize the tablet however you see fit. Not to mention that most aftermarket stereos are laggy, poorly built, look ugly/cheap, and have zero options for customization. Being limited on video run-time made it difficult to do a full demo of what the tablet can do and I have more information available if you follow the link in the video description.
Cool project. I added up the cost of the components and found that in the end the total cost is about 200 dollars. Double din touch screen head units can be bought online for the same price, and purpose built by design.
at 7 mins and 05 seconds i stopped watching because the voice and the music were at different levels and i cant stand having to turn up the volume to hear you and turn it down when music plays
+Dennis Leslie For FM radio you want to get an SDR, or Software Defined Radio, USB unit for a couple bucks. You should receive an antenna with this. I found out the the plug for the antenna matches the plug on the E46 antenna cable. Just cut the cable off of the included antenna, solder the cut end to the circuit board of the SDR unit and plug the end of the cable into the factory antenna connector. Secure this with electrical tape and be sure to solder the cable correctly so you don't get interference. Then you can plug it in to the hub and use the app from the play store. Be sure to test your unit beforehand. Again your experience my vary based on your particular car.
What a great video. Well done. be proud of yourself on this install man. At this point im interested in learning more about the integration on the software end.
Hi, love your setup. I noticed you had torque installed and was wondering if you were able to get the fuel range/level to work. I can't find the PIDs anywhere. 2005 x5 4.4l Thank you.
great video. If you have spare time and spare tablet I would do this but you can simply buy an android car stereo for $100 -200 some. Most of them are loaded with dvd and backup camera.
i loved the way the it looked so factory, i wasn't aware that you could add steering wheel functionality to the tablet, im opting for a grom usb3 for my e90 though because i have the worlds worst soldering skills lol great video, do one for e90 if you get a chance
Hi. great video. I own an E46. I know that you mentioned at the beginning of the video but can you please list all tje items you need to finish the project?
Ya know, I just bought an E92 with regular stock radio. And I thought of doing this to upgrade to a "modernization" of the control of the car stereo, etc. But this looks like much more work than I wished to do. Maybe I'll do a simplified version of this. Also, probably without the steering wheel controls, which I don't even use anyways.
Great video, keep up the good work!I'm still debating whether to put a Tablet, Garmin GPS unit, or some kind of double DIN entertainment/Nav system into my truck. Your video makes me lean toward tablet, although I still have much to learn about their capability. Nice job!
Hello, great video. Could you tell me which apps do you need installed in the Nexus in order to listen to radio, interact with the steering wheel controls, etc?
Great project instructions! Only thing missing is linking an iphone to it for navigation and Pandora. I've tried Mirroring360 on the Android and Mirroring Assist on the iphone, but the connectivity isn't reliable. Any suggestions? maybe some sort of Apple to Android USB gizmo?
Looks great and actually better than aftermarket systems like parrot asteroid smart. Sorry if I missed it but the only issue I can see is what happens when you run out of battery or need to access power button for any reason
Welcome. I am from Poland. I'm sorry for the mistakes but says through an interpreter Google. He writes to ask if you would have made such an installation only taking it to the car Renault Laguna II because they also want to insert the tablet but LENOVO. 3.5mm audio input jack and all the rest've done in the video audio connection to the ankle transition that you must have to install a plug-car factory from which the chip as showed in the video and RCA something there any hubs or what to call it. Hey. Of course, along with shipping and enter the total cost.
Congrats bro you are very talented! I loved your video except for 2 things: image quality and musical choices :D but you did a very good job. Congrats again
![Raspberry Pi carpc [MAKER'S REPORT]](/img/n.gif)
Update (6/16/2015):
I have gotten a lot of PMs and questions on the specifics of this project and lots of people with issues like hiss and crappy audio. This should help you solve some issues. I will also include an Amazon link to a list of major components for this project.
KEEP IN MIND, this information may vary year to year, model to model. For example, in 2002 they switched the radio harness on BMWs. Do your own research!
First thing first, Lots of people have been asking about the software I used on the tablet. I chose to omit this info because I figured people would want to customize their tablet the way they like. The ROM I was using in that video is called AutoDroid. A ROM is basically like an operating system and AutoDroid is a derivative of android that has been optimized for use as a head-unit. The ROM contains all the software needed to turn the tablet on and off with the key along with power management features to keep the battery over long periods of time. There are SO MANY tutorials on how to flash a ROM on a nexus device alone; Google is your friend here. The interface I use is made up of a custom wall paper and invisible widgets. When you click the widget it brings you to the app that is labeled on the wallpaper. I used an App from the play store called "Desktop Virtualizer" to do this along with a transparent .PNG. There is also a new app that is set out to emulate Google's Android Auto on any android device. Do your own homework here.
I've also gotten lots of people with audio issues and I was puzzled until my car developed the same issue. I tried a noise filter but that was total garbage. While it did reduce the noise it also made the audio trash and I began to get humming noise from the alternator and the LCM. I narrowed it down to a crappy pre-amp that was causing all sorts of ground loops. The solution is super simple and it is what I should have done at the start. This DAC: www.amazon.com/dp/B00LP3AMC2/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_S_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=3H9T5P2TAQJYN&coliid=I3E8DG5A9HHLNZ is FANTASTIC for this application. It has a built in pre-amp and the audio quality is so much better than the beringer that it is on a whole new level. Buy this and you make your life a lot simpler. To use this DAC you will also need an adapter to go from RCA to a 3.5mm headphone jack, as this is a headphone amp. It even has a Bass Switch to increase the bass cleanly with hardware, not though software. Adapter: www.amazon.com/dp/B000J1H4VI/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pd_S_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=3H9T5P2TAQJYN&coliid=IX6Z0NLDGT724&psc=1 .
Next up is an issue that I faced and only recently conquered. I kept on waking up to a dead tablet in the morning. You have to make sure that you use a charger that can support the amperage requirements of the tablet. I would go 3 amp @ 5v to be safe. Be sure to enable fast-charging in the settings.
Lots of people have been having trouble with the Joycon. Please read the manual that comes with it before asking questions. It's OK to ask questions, its not OK to be lazy and expect me to hand this to you when you haven't even read the manual. The gist is that you have to hook up the I-Bus line, configure it with a computer, and then possibly adjust a few switches on the unit itself. I did also learn that it is NOT necessary to provide 12v power to the Joycon, it is perfectly happy running off 5v USB power. And you MUST use a Joycon EXD. It is 2x the price of the EXR for a reason; it is compatible with digital steering wheel controls while the other ones are not.
This is my basic parts list: amzn.com/w/3H9T5P2TAQJYN
E46 Bezel: www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_sacat=0&_nkw=e46+double+din+bezel&_frs=1
Your experience may vary based on your car, model, and year. Do your homework!
You likely WILL have to re-pin the adapter for the wiring harness if you plan to use steering wheel controls. Make sure to verify that ALL pins are in the correct locations before starting this with a correct wiring diagram.
Back up cameras are possible with this setup. There is some info on the AutoDroid thread over at XDA Devs and around the web. You basically use the camera and an EasyCap. When you put the car in reverse it launches a camera app and voila. Not quite sure on the specifics of this one but you can check this out on your own.
For FM radio you want to get an SDR, or Software Defined Radio, USB unit for a couple bucks. You should receive an antenna with this. I found out the the plug for the antenna matches the plug on the E46 antenna cable. Just cut the cable off of the included antenna, solder the cut end to the circuit board of the SDR unit and plug the end of the cable into the factory antenna connector. Secure this with electrical tape and be sure to solder the cable correctly so you don't get interference. Then you can plug it in to the hub and use the app from the play store. Be sure to test your unit beforehand. Again your experience my vary based on your particular car. SDR Unit: www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_odkw=sdr&_osacat=0&_from=R40&_trksid=p2045573.m570.l1312.R1.TR10.TRC1.A0.H0.Xrtl.TRS1&_nkw=rtl2832u&_sacat=0
Finally, this is not a replacement for something like an Enon or Dynavin on an AVIN unit. This is priced much much lower and as a result lacks the R&D along with some features like Bluetooth integration and a pre-built interface. If you would rather drop $700 on an AVIN then this is not the DIY for you. This build cost me less than $250 and most of that was for the Tablet($50), DAC($75) and Joycon ($85). Be realistic with your expectations. This IS the DIY for someone that wants a cool and cheap replacement for a stock head-unit; be creative and make it your own. This is just a guide and nothing is set in stone.
Thanks to all the people that watched, commented, and liked. Be sure to check out my Facebook page and other social media pages! Links are in the description. If you own an E46 BMW check out the forum post in the description. Lots of good info there.
Bavarian and Beyond I wonder if the glue will still hold on when its 40+ degrees Celcius (100+ degrees Fahrenheit) inside the car. I've had some other things glued together but on a very hot day it would loosen. Do you have this problem and/or experience?
Nathan Mathon It's been well beyond that in my car and it has held up for over a year now. No issues with mounting, and it is still easy to remove from the car(as opposed to using something like epoxy).
Bavarian and Beyond Thanks for the quick response. Good to hear, i'm going to build the exact same module on my E46 2003 318i. Very good DIY!
+Bavarian and Beyond What was the upgraded DAC you replaced the Behringer with?
I seen in a few different placed you recommend a different DAC+AMP combo (Headphone Dac/amp), and link it to amazon, but never said the name of the upgraded dac, and the amazon link is dead.
Quote from your writeup
"This DAC:www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...ilpage_o02_s00 is FANTASTIC for this application. It has a built in pre-amp and the audio quality is so much better than the beringer"
+TwiTch amzn.com/w/3H9T5P2TAQJYN%0AE46
Its on the parts list.
Dude, I can't believe you got the steering wheel controls working as well. That is easily the cleanest and best install of a tablet into a car I've seen yet.
you've never seen Soundman Car Audio, been doing this since 2010 with the first iPad in a car. He's also done cleaner Android tablet installs as well.
th-cam.com/video/rSnIXfoSU6I/w-d-xo.html
crap. i had a kid do my radio in one car and it quit working like a year later. this was a hack job. the asshole grounded it with a penny like he was smooth for one hing. let a pro do it or do it yourself but dont let some kid fuck up your unit.
This is the best video on the web so far regarding this!!
Is it just me or what cuz this guy is smart as hell
+Roberto Moreno These kinds of mods have been around for a while now. Don't know if he really made this set up all by him self or used bits of other projects..but yeah he's definitely smart
anything another man can do you can do my friend with the right resources and determination
Roberto Moreno ...it's not were all just dumd as fuck
I think the kid did a hell of a diy
Don't even own a car. Still watched complete video. hehe
same
yeah, same here, and the worst part was that I was motivated to get myself a car just to give that one a try xD
Awesome video!
Jajajaja
hehexd
I own one but I'm too lazy to do this so I think I'm gonna stick with my good old push button stereo for now lmao
who says today's youths aren't innovative? nice job man..
Anyone that says "Kids these days don't have any imagination" Needs to watch this video...
You sir, are an inspiration. I don't have a BMW, so most of this isn't useful information for me, but I'm impressed with how you imagined and then built, troubleshot, and refined the system.
in your thread regarding the Bluetooth integration, what i did was use tablet talk. It paired my phone to the tablet and then i can use the tablet to make phone calls from my phone.
Then using the Joycon i mapped my SWC to double as android shortcuts on the long presses.. ie Home Button, Back button, screen on/off and Launch Google now, so i had voice commands from my steering wheel.
This sounds like a good idea. I'll look into it.
+Bavarian and Beyond how can i run the car speakers
I just wanted to say I enjoyed watching your video. I had been thinking of installing my Samsung tablet in my car for a while, and now I have a great template on what I'll need to research and purchase for the install. I appreciate the fact that you take pride in your workmanship. You go the extra mile with the sauder and the heat shrink tubing. You don't see many people do such a clean professional looking install even when they're getting paid for it.
Great video. I can tell this was a lot of work. Just a quick comment: twist stranded wire together THEN solder them. I get what you did by tinning then first but tinning is only good for when you're attaching wires to a terminal, as you did. Twisting the two sets of stranded first then soldering makes it actually easier to solder and makes for a better connection.
Finally someone on TH-cam that works to the same standard as me. If it can't go back to original then it's a rubbish job. I see far to many people hacking and splicing wires that can't be replaced.
Is the music that plays while the tablet is being hot glued the same music in MKBHD's intro animation?
Bonus: If the car is compatible, you could get a $12 OBDII bluetooth code scanner and link it to the tablet. It would let you read your car's computer error codes for when your check engine light is on and help you find out why, as well as see real-time information, such as speed, rpms, and other things that your car's ECU monitors while in operation.
Daniel McMurray it was mkbhd's old intro music
That's what the app called Torque is for. He has it installed on the tablet
not sure what this says about me, if I need to watch more TH-cam videos or not but this is one of the most coolest mods I have ever seen.
MKBHD music :D
ealiev60 Deadmau5 ;)
Dey Anand what song by deadmau5?
I said the same thing
Svmson Oduor slow down, start over (extended)
By far and away, the best tutorial on installing a Nexus 7 as a media headunit. Well done!
Bro i must say. I salute you. I'm never gona be able to do this. I salute you
erwan tador I agree. I unfortuately does not have his high IQ,
Love that this is a tech video and the music around 5:30 and 25:00 is the music intro to the MKBHD videos. Very good video, and I might try this myself
LOL when the first started, I felt like I was watching an MKBHD video
Fuck mkbhd I used to love him but now he's gone all far left, like he did a shout-out to gay pride month, and he did an entire video about black lives matter and how he's secretly a victim, and the world is out to get him, and America is a bad country, I hate him now
Wow! That's the most intelligent car upgrade and up-grader I've ever seen. The way you combined simple skills, out of the box thinking, planing and research to achieve such a high lever of attention to detail is inspiring. My hat's of to you!
What are you? A wizard?!
For real...
I know right!
Warlock
aaaand now 26 minutes later I have come to realize how long the video is... oh well 26 minutes well spent! Your amazing man.
DUDE I FITTED THIS YESTERDAY
JUST GLUED IT TO MY WINDSCREEN
JOB DONE
I'm sorry but even after 20 years I still have to say that the E46 has one of the best looking dash designs ever made! I almost bought a used E46 (2001 328i) way back in 2004 and even back then I was simply blown away by the design of the dash with the nav screen in the middle. The dash also has a really cool 3d effect as the entire black part projects above the dash along the borders (near the windshield), if you know what I'm trying to say. The car I was test driving also had the upgraded Harmon Kardon sound system and I remember it easily being the best sounding stock system I had ever heard back then! While I really loved the look of the nav system in the E46, the actual graphics and software look horrendous by today's standards, so this mod you did really is almost a necessity for anyone buying an old E46 with nav nowadays. Looks fantastic!
I wonder what percentage of people that watched this video actually attempted it. I consider myself pretty technical, and I even have a spare Nexus 7, but I'd never try something this complex.
DiehlGames i have no electrical skills whats so ever but basic soldering skills and I just followed his instructions and I was able to pull it off its just patience and critical listen
DiehlGames come on its not that complex, he explained step by step
This is why no one will remember your name.
+DiehlGames the hardest part is programming the iBus which isn't even that hard. basic solder skills is all you need.
+DiehlGames One thing I wonder is how will the tablet screen and battery handle the extreme temperature in the summer and winter, maybe it would be a good idea to use a all-weather certified tablet?
You Sir.. have won the internet for the year. Well done at being so clever, I plan to install an Android OR an iPad into a Renault, can't afford Beamers in Turkey, their service is just too expensive.
at 26:33 .. what app is he using to make the tablet display all that?
Derek Colwell It's a ROM called AutoDroid. More info here: forum.xda-developers.com/nexus-7/3g-development/rom-slim-kat-t2826317
ey its not getting direct sunlight so it should be fine
Car launcher pro
Best diy tablet to car install I've seen. Great functionality AND professional cosmetics. well done!
what app suite do you use ? also, how do you connect your phone for hand free communication on the tablet ? how is your phone is handle by the tablet, dialing, adress book, answer/hangup your phone ? Could you stream music from your phone to the tablet ?
Props for keeping all the info together. Looking through my service history, way back in 2005 the owner took it to a place car audio shop for a "professional backyard" install of a kenwood 1 din unit. 3 junction blocks used as joiners, exposed wires, weird bootleg duct tape. Rats nest wiring that takes up so much room the headunit can't even push all the way into place lol. Handy having the wire colours listed to their outputs. Thanks :)
holy youre a fucking genius
+Defined Edits Defined!!!!
Risque hey
+Defined Edits I ruv you!
Risque
great job putting it all together in a way that is easy to understand and apply elsewhere
5:57 I was expecting.... Hey what is up guys....MKBHD here and welcome to anoter video... xD
I recommend using some small black rubber tubing, split down one side, to line the plastic edge that touches the tablet screen. This makes the trimming a little more forgiving - small gaps become unnoticible, and will eliminate any possible squeaks that might happen with vibration of the plastic against the glass.
IIRC All E46s, Harmon Kardon or not, have an amp from the factory.
Bavarian and Beyond question, why is it that everyone is saying use a 2013 model on the nexus and not the 2014?
Anthony Maduri Their is no 2014 model of Nexus 7
only e46 hifi and hk stereo's have factory amp. Default(Cheap base stereo models come without the factory amp)
its great to know that you have improved the way it is installed, but ive been doing it since 2008
What app did you put on the tablet that had the BMW logo?
Its ACUI :) Thank Me Later :P
+Phil Buck thanks Phill, I'm considering this app on my project.
Man, it is not only awesome work, but also perfect video editing and amazing music. Everything very accurate, I bed you upgraded dozens of cars already :)
What's the app your using at then to have the BMW interface gal
nice build, I did something like this a while ago, I chose to wrap my tablet in tinfoil and fiberglass a holster for it to the faceplate, worked pretty well. couldn't get around the battery dying on me though and requiring manual power up. eventually decided it lacked too many things I wanted
It would be good if you could wire up a reversing camera.
Prob could be done
Thank you for great video. I got an idea for my tablet installation. Hot glue unsticks at hot summer days. So I redid mounting using cable ties too.
What is the full name of the parts?
While I agree with other people in that it is a nice looking install, it is very complicated for the average person and more expensive than the cost of a quality head unit that will also give you FM if you still use it. There are simpler and less expensive alternatives. For example, most newer cars have steering wheel controls for volume so you can keep the factory stereo and slide it back a few inches. This will give you room to install the tablet in the same location as in the video or you can find on youtube other videos that have slide out options to make the tablet removable. Since most stereos have an auxiliary port, you can buy on ebay a bluetooth dongle that has auxiliary output for less than 10 dollars. the tablet will connect to the dongle with bluetooth and just run the auxiliary cable to the stereo. If you go with the slideout option, you can access the stereo to listen to FM radio. If you want internet on the tablet, just setup tethering on your smartphone and connect the tablet to the phone. I would go into more detail, but this comment is long enough.
MKBHD sound fam
this is brilliant! I bought a new stereo for my E39 and got frustrated with the wiring harness included, that required me to access the nav controls and amp in the trunk. I eventually gave and put the stereo in my Tacoma instead. LOL But I do like this custom install and do have an old tablet lying around that would likely work. thanx for the upload. time to brush up on the soldering skills.
Hi! How can you simulate pressing hardware on/off button? Is it possible to turn on tablet plugging power via usb without pressing power button? How?
Bodzio W Type "fastboot oem off-mode-charge 0" in fastboot mode. Now if the tablet is completly turned off, it will boot if you plugin a charging cable.
Bodzio W USE TASKER
Bodzio W go to developer and select auto turn on when charging
@@dilda48 and what about turning it off :D sry noobs here
I have been searching for a way to put a tough screen on a headliner shelf in my 85 chevy truck. I think what you have outlined will fit exactly what I am trying to do.
MKBHD Theme Song!!!
in all honesty, i didnt expect much at first, one the project started coming together, its quite impressive, i night have to give it a shot, thanks for the video and the know how!
Great info kid. Good job! Got yourself a new sub. Cheers.
most comprehensive tutorial on youtube, well done.
you should have gotten a cover for the nexus then glued it so you didn't have to actually glue the real tablet to it! 🤔
This guy has some skills . Good job.
How do u turn the tablet on since you can't access power button?
always have it on, if it turns off, u could take it out and put it back aigan
That's exactly what I don't understand in these projects. I like it so much and I want to do it myself but do anyone know if it's possible to have the tablet turning on and off with the engine? o.O
It is always on. Don't put a lockscreen on it. When it gets power from the charger, the screen turns on.
when you turn on acces tablet turns on :)
Yes +POKLU you can use an app called Automagic, and you can set up to turn on airplane mode when car is shut off, or completely turn off tablet and a bunch of other triggers.
- Can I use a handsfree bluetooth to make calls?
- Can I use the GPS?
Amazing! Great! Congratulations!!
+Mario Delgado Serrano Why wouldn't you be able to use GPS or handsfree bluetooth? The tablet didn't lose any functions when he installed it to his car.
+ISuckAtFlashGames I was refering to use the bluetooht installation of the car. I have the original bluetooth device in my car, and I want to make calls trought it ussing even the steering well buttons with this installation.
+Mario Delgado Serrano Ohhhh my bad.
after all this cost over $160 you can get android 4.4 car audio stereo touch screen for Less what you pay
Where??? All the ones I have seen (the decent ones) are between $500 and $1000
Go on ebay look for car audio android 6.0
Cast $200 very nice one
www.ebay.com/itm/ATOTO-A6-Indash-2DIN-Android-Car-GPS-Stereo-Radio-2A-Charge-A6Y2721PB-Bluetooth/223144648527?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649
Its $135.(used). Here is the link. Quad core 1.5Ghz, 2GB, 32GB, Android 6.0
The best DIY video I've ever encountered....props!
Sound Man have a kit
maxim vaillant Great kit if you have a spare 1000$ lol
hahaha lol
im prefare sound man
Great video! FYI, when tinning wire ends, twisting and adding a little flux makes it 10x easier!
Ruvim Trofimovich ^^This. But I was all out so I had to make due. Thanks for watching.
i rather use silicone, not hot glue
Silicon would be better
Thanks for taking the time to make this video - obviously it doesn't show how to do this for every car - but the fundamentals are there [I'm getting all sorts of mad scientist ideas for my 2004 Scion xB].
NB for watchers: If this is too hard to follow then maybe you shouldn't be tearing your dash apart :)
That's all very nice but it only shows the stereo working not the nav or any other of the bmw functions. Seems like a lot of skilled time wasted.
I agree benajmin, all this work and money is not worth it when it's cheaper to buy a double din radio with app for nav. this project is approx $300+ if it was less than $200 I am working on a prototype to mirror phone directly for less than $200 for any car. Goal price $150.
+jgmacho This young man seems to have a lot of technical know how and talent. This is am praising him for the video was good in its content and subject matter. My only issue is that with all of the nexuses capabilities and the limits of the cars app interface this is a lot of work for nothing when leaving the original stereo in or upgrading to a far better stereo would be easier and less labor intensive. I am not at all faulting this young man in his skills set, just the method of deployment for this application.
your right he is smart for his age about that stuff, I actually have an e46 like his. this is cheaper than the alternative for a bmw platform. for cars in general...no
+Benjamin Williams Obviously all of the other functions of the tablet still work. Google maps navigation can be used offline, Google Music will automatically sync and download songs when connected to wifi, and FM radio via SDR is implemented (just to name a few). Using an open source platform like Android gives you more flexibility than any other solution. You can customize the tablet however you see fit. Not to mention that most aftermarket stereos are laggy, poorly built, look ugly/cheap, and have zero options for customization. Being limited on video run-time made it difficult to do a full demo of what the tablet can do and I have more information available if you follow the link in the video description.
+Schrödinger Catboy Are you stupid or what? Your wifi question is really a kick on the balls...
Cool project. I added up the cost of the components and found that in the end the total cost is about 200 dollars. Double din touch screen head units can be bought online for the same price, and purpose built by design.
But a 200 buck double din radio won't perform nowhere near as good as an android tablet 😉
at 7 mins and 05 seconds i stopped watching because the voice and the music were at different levels and i cant stand having to turn up the volume to hear you and turn it down when music plays
This is such a great mod idea. Give new life to the E46's functionality options.
Hot glue and zip ties? That's the jenkiest thing I've seen today.
Those zip ties were kicking his ass too
I`ve been watching a lot of installations and this is the best so far... you keep it easy and simple.
The power of Android :) u won't get nothing close to this performance and posibillities from apple crap
Got to say that's a genius bit of work you have done there bro!!!!
Wood looking trim i would wrap that shit
+ragasdapper wrap it paint it christ even puking on it would look better!
Sean Podrats Muwhahahahaah
+ragasdapper It's not wood looking trim. In a BMW it is real wood. Some M series BMW's Have carbon fiber.
+Dan Dixon indeed i would fuck it off and get carbon looking trim
extremely professional video. some of the best on TH-cam. great job!
Goodbye to AM/FM radio capability.
+Dennis Leslie Not true, read the link in the description for more info.
+Dennis Leslie why not use an app for am/fm radio on the tablet
+Dennis Leslie For FM radio you want to get an SDR, or Software Defined Radio, USB unit for a couple bucks. You should receive an antenna with this. I found out the the plug for the antenna matches the plug on the E46 antenna cable. Just cut the cable off of the included antenna, solder the cut end to the circuit board of the SDR unit and plug the end of the cable into the factory antenna connector. Secure this with electrical tape and be sure to solder the cable correctly so you don't get interference. Then you can plug it in to the hub and use the app from the play store. Be sure to test your unit beforehand. Again your experience my vary based on your particular car.
+Dennis Leslie Of course, there's no such thing as Tune-in Radio on android devices
+Lidge1994 Correct, AM/FM all have apps now, so just download and listen to streaming radio... it is 2016 now. No more loss of your Fav Station.
Super high quality DIY. I learned a bunch about soldering in this.
176 Honda civic owners don't like this project.
I'm not going to lie. This is amazing. You do some nice work. Great video.
Have to hand it to the guy.. Awesome piece of work. Impressed!
Wow. impressive. One of the best self installs I've seen.
What a great video. Well done. be proud of yourself on this install man. At this point im interested in learning more about the integration on the software end.
one of the best videos on TH-cam
Hi, love your setup. I noticed you had torque installed and was wondering if you were able to get the fuel range/level to work. I can't find the PIDs anywhere. 2005 x5 4.4l Thank you.
great video. If you have spare time and spare tablet I would do this but you can simply buy an android car stereo for $100 -200 some. Most of them are loaded with dvd and backup camera.
i loved the way the it looked so factory, i wasn't aware that you could add steering wheel functionality to the tablet, im opting for a grom usb3 for my e90 though because i have the worlds worst soldering skills lol great video, do one for e90 if you get a chance
This was amazing to watch, sat on needles the whole movie. Greetz from sweden!
Bro that is some serious work put into that project ! Appreciate your effort definitely subbed 👏
Hi. great video. I own an E46. I know that you mentioned at the beginning of the video but can you please list all tje items you need to finish the project?
Great engineer! If people give you their car info you could make it for them it's still cheaper than a BMW radio
Do you have a link or information on the inline booster you used for this? The info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.
One of the best diy videos iv seen, very informative.
i wouldve gone with a matte screen protector but thats individual preference. very very sick DIY project. thanks for the upload!
Ya know, I just bought an E92 with regular stock radio. And I thought of doing this to upgrade to a "modernization" of the control of the car stereo, etc. But this looks like much more work than I wished to do. Maybe I'll do a simplified version of this. Also, probably without the steering wheel controls, which I don't even use anyways.
jb weld for plastic and some wedges could build back breaching that would lock it in super snug
Great video, keep up the good work!I'm still debating whether to put a Tablet, Garmin GPS unit, or some kind of double DIN entertainment/Nav system into my truck. Your video makes me lean toward tablet, although I still have much to learn about their capability. Nice job!
Thanks for the video, nice install.
FYI, some paste flux will make your solder stick much easier.
this guy made this app for the steering wheel controls, should work I have not tried it yet, but all you need is a odb reader
Hello, great video. Could you tell me which apps do you need installed in the Nexus in order to listen to radio, interact with the steering wheel controls, etc?
Great project instructions! Only thing missing is linking an iphone to it for navigation and Pandora. I've tried Mirroring360 on the Android and Mirroring Assist on the iphone, but the connectivity isn't reliable. Any suggestions? maybe some sort of Apple to Android USB gizmo?
Brilliant tutorial. Do you know if the setup would be the same with an e46 that doesn't have a factory amp?
Looks great and actually better than aftermarket systems like parrot asteroid smart. Sorry if I missed it but the only issue I can see is what happens when you run out of battery or need to access power button for any reason
Awsome bulid, could I somehow add physical buttons to this like a volume button or a button to access apps like GPS?
Welcome. I am from Poland. I'm sorry for the mistakes but says through an interpreter Google. He writes to ask if you would have made such an installation only taking it to the car Renault Laguna II because they also want to insert the tablet but LENOVO. 3.5mm audio input jack and all the rest've done in the video audio connection to the ankle transition that you must have to install a plug-car factory from which the chip as showed in the video and RCA something there any hubs or what to call it. Hey. Of course, along with shipping and enter the total cost.
Congrats bro you are very talented! I loved your video except for 2 things: image quality and musical choices :D
but you did a very good job. Congrats again