Just got my first BMW

Hi, I did my homework before buying and picked the 3 series over the Audi A5 even though I think the A5 is sexier looking. Picked BMW cuz I've read too many issues with the audi engines (a few co-worker who have audis told me to stay away too!).

I bought a used 2009 328xi with 20k miles, first used car I've purchased in 12 years but it was a great bang for the buck.

Anyway, I got one without the nav. unit because I planned on adding a tablet for my GPS & audio to what ever car I got.

I've been looking around this forum a lot and have a good idea of what it looks like behind the radio & heat control. My plan is to move the heat control to where the ashtray is. I wanted to have a pro. move the radio to the globe box but that might a lot of work? So, I was thinking of just removing it from the fixture and strapping it down inside the cubby hole so it does not rattle.

I would then create some sort of panel that I would strap my ipad3 to, or maybe I'll buy a nexus 7. Not sure if the ipad would look too big (is there such a thing!). Then I would somehow make it removable or tilt so I could still see the radio if I needed to. I would get power for the ipad from the power in the ash tray (I think there is one, can't remember) and run a cable to the console for the aux in.

I noticed there are 2 holes on the bottom of the center console, I think that is where the plastic radio housing bolts down. Maybe bold a door hinge to those 2 hole then the Ipad panel to the other end of the hinge so it tilts forward?

Just a thought, I'm actually picking the car up tomorrow.

This is a mock up of what I picture it looking like. I'm going to attach a pic. lets see if it works.

Thanks,

Mike

I attached the pic. but don't see it, gonna try again.

I got the same car i love it

nice by

Originally Posted by koptang

Hi, I did my homework before buying and picked the 3 series over the Audi A5 even though I think the A5 is sexier looking. Picked BMW cuz I've read too many issues with the audi engines (a few co-worker who have audis told me to stay away too!).

I bought a used 2009 328xi with 20k miles, first used car I've purchased in 12 years but it was a great bang for the buck.

Anyway, I got one without the nav. unit because I planned on adding a tablet for my GPS & audio to what ever car I got.

I've been looking around this forum a lot and have a good idea of what it looks like behind the radio & heat control. My plan is to move the heat control to where the ashtray is. I wanted to have a pro. move the radio to the globe box but that might a lot of work? So, I was thinking of just removing it from the fixture and strapping it down inside the cubby hole so it does not rattle.

I would then create some sort of panel that I would strap my ipad3 to, or maybe I'll buy a nexus 7. Not sure if the ipad would look too big (is there such a thing!). Then I would somehow make it removable or tilt so I could still see the radio if I needed to. I would get power for the ipad from the power in the ash tray (I think there is one, can't remember) and run a cable to the console for the aux in.

I noticed there are 2 holes on the bottom of the center console, I think that is where the plastic radio housing bolts down. Maybe bold a door hinge to those 2 hole then the Ipad panel to the other end of the hinge so it tilts forward?

Just a thought, I'm actually picking the car up tomorrow.

This is a mock up of what I picture it looking like. I'm going to attach a pic. lets see if it works.

Thanks,

Mike

Congratulations, Mike and welcome to the BMW world and Bimmerfest community!

You definately picked an interesting and unique project for your first modification. I hope you never plan to sell this car...Or if you do plan to sell someday, be prepared to reverse everything that you have done. Good Luck...please post pictures of finished product

Thanks, well I figure if I move the heat controls to the ashtray it would be a minor thing because based on pics I've seen the ribbon cables are long enough, I would need to get a new center console but I'm sure I can find one on ebay or something. The radio, if I simply leave it inside the center dash cubby hole, then no mods need to be done to it. So I could put it back to stock fairly easily.

I'm still not seeing the attached pic. I've done it twice!