Author Topic: overhead display replace w iphone? (Read 6661 times)

///m42 sport · « **on:** August 09, 2009, 06:56:57 PM »

Anyone do anything creative with this area? I've seen the retrofits for overhead lights but what about navigation screens etc. I bought a iphone recently and found that it fits perfectly in this slot. Now just have to figure out a way to hook up power and audio. Any ideas?

DesktopDave · « **Reply #1 on:** August 09, 2009, 07:03:10 PM »

You should already have 12v up there, I think it's switched though. Just run an audio cable & battery power up the driver's a-pillar.

HATER-PROOF · « **Reply #2 on:** August 10, 2009, 02:36:44 AM »

Hands free device through your stereo!! If your iphone has the little usb connection, like for most ipods etc.. then you could hook the device up to the ipone that plays off of the radio for magnified reception -I can't remember the name of the thing and I have one-(that's crazy).

JP 91iS · « **Reply #3 on:** August 10, 2009, 08:43:44 AM »

I had always thought that space would be perfect for a radar detector.

longtallsally · « **Reply #4 on:** October 12, 2009, 12:25:18 PM »

I'm totally down with this action. It's a great idea! You could have the GPS (if you have a 3G and up) and it might actually get decent reception, and you could even run Pandora or the like if you hooked it to your head unit as someone mentioned.

I saw someone post the idea on another E30 and they got nailed to the wall about mentioning movies or the like.

///m42 sport · « **Reply #5 on:** November 18, 2009, 08:42:12 PM »

Hey I just noticed something cool tonight. if put the iphone flat on the dash, the reflection will come up on the windshield. Sort of a cheap heads up display. Now if theres a way to eliminate the double reflection then that will be really cool.

longtallsally · « **Reply #6 on:** November 18, 2009, 11:53:00 PM »

I might actually steal your idea- just for a GPS here in the near future. I'm converting the sunroof from manual to power and have removed all use of the- essentially worthless- check panel by putting in an Mtech 1 steering wheel. I'm mounting the sunroof switch in the check panel due to clearance issues with the manual bracket and if I can find a cheapo GPS to fill that spot, then I might put one there.

quinn11m20 · « **Reply #7 on:** November 19, 2009, 04:07:22 AM »

M42. I have an Ipod touch, for the Iphone, isn't there a polarized shield that you can use. Try that to reduce glare.

DesktopDave · « **Reply #8 on:** November 19, 2009, 10:38:36 AM »

I bought a lovely refurb Garmin nuvi 750 that'd be just the thing for that spot. Widescreen, looks like it'd fit nicely. If you buy it at NewEgg then register at MyGarmin.com they'll toss in a 2010 map update for free. Not too shabby for $140/free shipping.

FM transmitter & SD slot but no bluetooth or traffic receiver on this model. An external antenna might be required as well. You could add that with the other versions, but price goes up dramatically.

///m42 sport · « **Reply #9 on:** November 19, 2009, 10:35:23 PM »

hmm I haven't made any progress on the overhead display. I tried it temporarily but found it was too straining on the eyes to have it so high up. This would be ideal for passengers I think. Maybe fit a flipdown screen.

I did see a app called asmart hud which does speed and GPS or sorts. It works at night where you can see the reflection on the windshield of the iphone. Better still it has a mirror option so numbers are facing the right way.

As for the double reflection, I read you can fix this by using a piece of tint. this reduces the reflection of light from inner and outer surfaces of the windshield.

I guess I see what you guys come up with. I have other issues with my car at the moment.

longtallsally · « **Reply #10 on:** November 20, 2009, 12:26:03 AM »

Quote from: DesktopDave;81778

I bought a lovely refurb Garmin nuvi 750 that'd be just the thing for that spot. Widescreen, looks like it'd fit nicely. If you buy it at NewEgg then register at MyGarmin.com they'll toss in a 2010 map update for free. Not too shabby for $140/free shipping.

FM transmitter & SD slot but no bluetooth or traffic receiver on this model. An external antenna might be required as well. You could add that with the other versions, but price goes up dramatically.

Yeah I'm trying to figure out which model I'd like to get. I've already got a really nice GPS on my GS, but don't want to constantly remove it to put in the car. I'm not sure all the options I want or need on the one in the car as I think just basic navigation is all I'd really need since I can get traffic and the like on my phone, and the new head unit I'm putting in does all the music stuff I'll ever really need. Also, I probably don't need sophisticated routing capabilities as I only do fun stuff like that on the bike. Stay tuned...

m42 brings up a really good point- except that the iPhone screen is a good bit smaller than the GPS screen I'd use.

///m42 sport · « **Reply #11 on:** December 27, 2009, 08:03:18 PM »

what about fitting it in one of the ac vents?

Derrith · « **Reply #12 on:** February 12, 2010, 02:45:37 PM »

If you want to put an ipod or iphone anywhere, I'd recommend [/url=http://www.techforless.com/cgi-bin/tech4less/IS75?mv_pc=google_base&tts=20100208023701]this[/url]. I just picked one up for my e23 and my brother's m535i. Very nice units.

4banger · « **Reply #13 on:** February 13, 2010, 02:13:57 AM »

ive got the checkpanel from a e30 325 up there atm but the wiring dosnt match. ive been thinking of what to put in that spot but ive came up empty. i like my gps on the dash moreso than up high. not sure i want my iphone or ipod up there either.

Author Topic: overhead display replace w iphone? (Read 6661 times)

Derrith