PiBUS Standard Edition
We've put together a package which includes everything you need to connect a Raspberry Pi to your IBUS based BMW. You get the PCB (printed circuit board) and all the electronic parts. You just need to solder and wire it up.Assembly instructions and photos
Tech info and schematic
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- The printed circuit board (PCB) with a quality gold-plated finish.
- All the resistors, transistors, capacitors, diodes, crystal, led, regulator and relay.
- A pre-programmed microcontroller.
- The LM2596S power supply board.
- Connectors, sockets & crimp pins.
- Two steel stand-offs and four screws.
- A 3-pin 60cm cable to connect to the BMW TV module. Diagram
What's NOT included?
- The Raspberry Pi itself - buy it from Element 14 for approx $35.
- A stereo 3.5mm audio cable.
- An RCA video cable (e.g an old VCR cable).
- A case or housing.
Is it difficult to assemble?
Not particularly - you don't need to know how a transistor works to put it together, but some care and attention to detail is needed. If you are reasonably confident with a soldering iron, it is fairly straight forward.
What exactly does it do?
It's an all-in-one solution that plugs right ontop of the Raspberry Pi and it:- Provides a power supply (5 Volts) for the Pi.
- Turns the Pi on at the appropriate time and off again so it doesn't drain your battery when the car isn't in use.
- It has circuitry to talk to the car's bus (IBUS).
- Manages your reversing camera video signal and power supply (optional).
Requirements
- A Raspberry Pi computer, model A or model B (not model B+) with mounting holes. PIs older than ~12 months didn't have mounting holes, making it difficult to attach to the PiBUS board. All new PIs sold today have them.
- An IBUS based vehicle with TV module (e.g. E46, E39). This means if you press the MENU button you must have the TV item in the list. The TV unit should have BLUE and WHITE plugs accessible (usually in the trunk/boot).
- The following two connectors (CD changer cables) must be available in the boot/trunk. You might find them wrapped in foam or if you already have a CD changer, it must be disconnected.
- If your car has a DSP1 (BM24 radio) it will be incompabile, as it lacks analog audio input. This can be solved with more DIY effort. Cars with DSP2 (BM54/53 radio) will be fine, as long as the 6-pin connector (pictured above) is available.
Which cars does it work in?
- BMW E46, E39 and other IBUS based BMWs where you can access the CD-changer cables and TV module.
- Landrover L322 (installation may be more difficult: DYOR).
- Mini: Not yet known, but should work.
- MG ZT, Rover 75 R40: Not yet known, but should work.
Contact: pete@pibus.info