E90 Head Unit Question

gerbil_b · 12-25-2009, 04:56 PM

Ok, i have been searching for a while now and although there is a lot of information here it still doesnt answer the question i have. I am 90% sure i am going to install my pioneer DVD player into the 318i. I have the facia plate, the adaptor plug but dont know how to get the permanent live to the DVD head unit. Is there an easy place (in dash) to take the supply from, ideally i would want the DVD player to have the permanent live so that the settings would not be lost from the head unit once i lock the car. I saw a few things about a bus conector or somethig, i have know idea what this is. I will be doing this as a DIY if i have the info because of where i live its not worth getting a garage to do it. I have the base model cd head unit at the moment and was just going to replace the BMW head unit when service time comes around. Anyone with experience on this, it would be greatly appreciated if i could get some advice on where to take this live from and that it will in fact work as once it is in my sub/amp system will be put in.

thanks all in advance

MEGA · 12-26-2009, 09:28 AM

You need BUS adapters for the steering wheel connections, the radio, and the parking sensors. The data system in this car is fully optical. You might not even get speaker output without the basic BUS connectors although I'm not certain.

I'd say its not a DIY job mate especially if you don't know what a can-bus system is. No offense intended!!!!

It is possible though.

As for the perm. live. however.. The wire that goes down to the cigarette lighter would be fine? the one in the ash tray as its in the same section of center console.

ElegantSpoon · 12-26-2009, 10:50 AM

From what I have seen I think you beed to go straight to the battery because everything else in the cabin gets turned off 15mins after the car locks.

MEGA · 12-27-2009, 02:05 PM

True there is the comfort circuit.. But I didn't think the cig lighter was part of it. You might well be right thought ES.

Theres definitely a live feed from under the ignition barrel as well, fwiw.

gerbil_b · 12-28-2009, 05:57 AM

Cheers, well there is no sound system places on the island so maybe wait till am on the mainland haha....will see....thanks though!!

ElegantSpoon · 12-28-2009, 06:23 AM

There is someone on the american part of this forum that has fitted a double din head unit and moved his standard head unit to the boot but I can't seem to find the thread. He knows loads about it. Maybe you will have more luck searching for it!

gerbil_b · 12-29-2009, 07:30 AM

Thanks a lot mate, will have a proper scout once i am back home mid january. All the other jobs are getting done then. Hopefully by the end of January the car exterior will be finished.....

12-25-2009, 04:56 PM	#1
gerbil_b First Lieutenant 8 Rep 307 Posts Drives: Skoda Octavia DSG TDi Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Tong, Isle Of Lewis iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 318i [0.00] 2006 Hyundai Coupe [0.00]	E90 Head Unit Question Ok, i have been searching for a while now and although there is a lot of information here it still doesnt answer the question i have. I am 90% sure i am going to install my pioneer DVD player into the 318i. I have the facia plate, the adaptor plug but dont know how to get the permanent live to the DVD head unit. Is there an easy place (in dash) to take the supply from, ideally i would want the DVD player to have the permanent live so that the settings would not be lost from the head unit once i lock the car. I saw a few things about a bus conector or somethig, i have know idea what this is. I will be doing this as a DIY if i have the info because of where i live its not worth getting a garage to do it. I have the base model cd head unit at the moment and was just going to replace the BMW head unit when service time comes around. Anyone with experience on this, it would be greatly appreciated if i could get some advice on where to take this live from and that it will in fact work as once it is in my sub/amp system will be put in. thanks all in advance
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12-26-2009, 09:28 AM	#2
MEGA Dieseasal 209 Rep 6,881 Posts Drives: LCI E92 335d M-Sport Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Harrow, London iTrader: (2)	You need BUS adapters for the steering wheel connections, the radio, and the parking sensors. The data system in this car is fully optical. You might not even get speaker output without the basic BUS connectors although I'm not certain. I'd say its not a DIY job mate especially if you don't know what a can-bus system is. No offense intended!!!! It is possible though. As for the perm. live. however.. The wire that goes down to the cigarette lighter would be fine? the one in the ash tray as its in the same section of center console. __________________ Previously: 2003 Peugeot 206 1.6 8v \| 2006 E90 320d M-Sport, 19" BBS CH, Full Ice-cold JL audio install, August 2010 Total BMW 6 page feature car. \| 2003 Nissan 350Z GT Coupe 286BHP Now:2010 E92 LCI 335d M-Sport
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12-26-2009, 10:50 AM	#3
ElegantSpoon There I was balls deep in a... 29 Rep 1,470 Posts Drives: BMW E90 320D Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Devon, UK iTrader: (0)	From what I have seen I think you beed to go straight to the battery because everything else in the cabin gets turned off 15mins after the car locks. __________________ BMW E90 320D Sapphire Black, Angel Eyes, BMW Performance Extras, Carbon Fabric Trim
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12-27-2009, 02:05 PM	#4
MEGA Dieseasal 209 Rep 6,881 Posts Drives: LCI E92 335d M-Sport Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Harrow, London iTrader: (2)	True there is the comfort circuit.. But I didn't think the cig lighter was part of it. You might well be right thought ES. Theres definitely a live feed from under the ignition barrel as well, fwiw. __________________ Previously: 2003 Peugeot 206 1.6 8v \| 2006 E90 320d M-Sport, 19" BBS CH, Full Ice-cold JL audio install, August 2010 Total BMW 6 page feature car. \| 2003 Nissan 350Z GT Coupe 286BHP Now:2010 E92 LCI 335d M-Sport
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12-28-2009, 05:57 AM	#5
gerbil_b First Lieutenant 8 Rep 307 Posts Drives: Skoda Octavia DSG TDi Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Tong, Isle Of Lewis iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 318i [0.00] 2006 Hyundai Coupe [0.00]	Cheers, well there is no sound system places on the island so maybe wait till am on the mainland haha....will see....thanks though!!
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12-28-2009, 06:23 AM	#6
ElegantSpoon There I was balls deep in a... 29 Rep 1,470 Posts Drives: BMW E90 320D Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Devon, UK iTrader: (0)	There is someone on the american part of this forum that has fitted a double din head unit and moved his standard head unit to the boot but I can't seem to find the thread. He knows loads about it. Maybe you will have more luck searching for it! __________________ BMW E90 320D Sapphire Black, Angel Eyes, BMW Performance Extras, Carbon Fabric Trim
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12-29-2009, 07:30 AM	#7
gerbil_b First Lieutenant 8 Rep 307 Posts Drives: Skoda Octavia DSG TDi Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Tong, Isle Of Lewis iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 318i [0.00] 2006 Hyundai Coupe [0.00]	Thanks a lot mate, will have a proper scout once i am back home mid january. All the other jobs are getting done then. Hopefully by the end of January the car exterior will be finished.....
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