[Artz 330]

I had this idea tonight. I was looking at where the ash tray pops out. And i know those of us who dont have the i drive system but want something clean and OEM looking inside the car. I am ponpering on the Idea of devoloping a screen. that just like the ashtray when you tap it it pops up and u can use the navi. Heres a quick example below of the placement. What do you guys think?

[shimshimhada]

I think that's been done on an E46 before. It's stealth and all, but if you need to look at it, the shifter blocks the view and makes it harder to set up (if it's touchscreen). Otherwise, I think it turned out well.

[BMW F22]

will this come with voice guidance?? cus it'd be bothersome to have to keep looking down.

[Artz 330]

Originally Posted by BMWE90

will this come with voice guidance?? cus it'd be bothersome to have to keep looking down.

yea in my last carputer project i had gps program with voice guidance.

[Artz 330]

Originally Posted by shimshimhada

I think that's been done on an E46 before. It's stealth and all, but if you need to look at it, the shifter blocks the view and makes it harder to set up (if it's touchscreen). Otherwise, I think it turned out well.

and yea you could be right, when i looked in the car it all depends on positioning of the unit. so it could possible work

[longtran]

wouldnt that monitor be only a 2x4 monitor? that is way too small.

[ksfrogman]

Lots of people who complain about iDrive haven't used it for very long. I thought I would not like it either, but it's convenient to have for several reasons.

First, although you can change stations or CD tracks with your steering wheel button and stereo button, you can also keep your right arm on the armrest and turn the little dial. The Navi screen also displays other info like radio station name, song, artist, etc., in a spot that's easy to see. In other words, you don't have to look down at your stereo or ashtray. The Navi split screen displays your map and other info at the same time.

Second, I've seen a Mercedes that had buttons galore instead of one dial. Although this may seem more intuitive, it also means that you have to lift your arm off the armrest and push away. The same would apply for touch screens.

Third, I don't like the idea of smudging my Navi screen with oily or dirty fingers (in the case of touch screens).

The only complaint I have about iDrive is the time delay from the time I select screens and push the button to the time the display responds. Seems like a delay of a second or two. This is annoying.

[ksfrogman]

One more thing, the size of your little ashtray GPS system will be small, i.e., harder to see than a larger display on the dashboard.

[Kimo]

Originally Posted by shimshimhada

I think that's been done on an E46 before. It's stealth and all, but if you need to look at it, the shifter blocks the view and makes it harder to set up (if it's touchscreen). Otherwise, I think it turned out well.

I did SOMETHING like this in my e46 with a Garmin c330. The view is fine, the angle is not a problem, the shifter doesn't get in the way, and I'm pretty happy with not having to remove it every time I park.
Pics here: http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...ht=garmin+c330

[vladinecko]

i can't even imagine sticking a GPS system in that ashtray. that would be comic looking, not useful. and i also wonder how much cheaper the whole conversion is going to actually be compared to ordering iDrive in the first place.

if you literally HATE the way iDrive looks and just don't want it in the car, even then, i would rather get something that would be more practical than an ashtray GPS.

[Artz 330]

Originally Posted by vladinecko

i can't even imagine sticking a GPS system in that ashtray. that would be comic looking, not useful. and i also wonder how much cheaper the whole conversion is going to actually be compared to ordering iDrive in the first place.

if you literally HATE the way iDrive looks and just don't want it in the car, even then, i would rather get something that would be more practical than an ashtray GPS.

i can def fit the Garmin unit in there. Plus if i were to make the Conversion part i think id sell it for like 50$ so still lot cheaper then the idrive. Plus i hate how the Idrive system does the radio and everything. its in my moms XI and i can NOT stand the damn thing

[vladinecko]

garmins are getting pretty good reviews but i still don't know if i'd wanted positioned in the ashtray. it's just way too out of sight. but hey, if it works for you...

$50 for the conversion part you have to count in the GPS device as well. that's around $700-$800. i guess it's still a grand cheaper, but you're missing all that extra functionality that you get with iDrive.

i see what you're saying about the radio and everything but having a bluetooth phone, i just can't tell you how much i appreciate that big 8" screen and a big-lettered call info or my entire address book in it...

[Artz 330]

Originally Posted by vladinecko

garmins are getting pretty good reviews but i still don't know if i'd wanted positioned in the ashtray. it's just way too out of sight. but hey, if it works for you...

$50 for the conversion part you have to count in the GPS device as well. that's around $700-$800. i guess it's still a grand cheaper, but you're missing all that extra functionality that you get with iDrive.

i see what you're saying about the radio and everything but having a bluetooth phone, i just can't tell you how much i appreciate that big 8" screen and a big-lettered call info or my entire address book in it...

well, i have buletooth phone also, and im perfectly fine with the lettering on the HU its big legible and easy. So i still think the overall functionality of the base system is easier then going through all the Idrive menus. My opinion

[e90rocks]

I like the stealth aspect, too, but it's definitely small. I also still need two power outlets. Hmm. Maybe headseat with monocle....or heads up display to the windshield.....