Dude, I can't believe you got the steering wheel controls working as well. That is easily the cleanest and best install of a tablet into a car I've seen yet.

Is it just me or what cuz this guy is smart as hell

Update (6/16/2015): I have gotten a lot of PMs and questions on the specifics of this project and lots of people with issues like hiss and crappy audio. This should help you solve some issues. I will also include an Amazon link to a list of major components for this project. KEEP IN MIND, this information may vary year to year, model to model. For example, in 2002 they switched the radio harness on BMWs. Do your own research! First thing first, Lots of people have been asking about the software I used on the tablet. I chose to omit this info because I figured people would want to customize their tablet the way they like. The ROM I was using in that video is called AutoDroid. A ROM is basically like an operating system and AutoDroid is a derivative of android that has been optimized for use as a head-unit. The ROM contains all the software needed to turn the tablet on and off with the key along with power management features to keep the battery over long periods of time. There are SO MANY tutorials on how to flash a ROM on a nexus device alone; Google is your friend here. The interface I use is made up of a custom wall paper and invisible widgets. When you click the widget it brings you to the app that is labeled on the wallpaper. I used an App from the play store called "Desktop Virtualizer" to do this along with a transparent .PNG. There is also a new app that is set out to emulate Google's Android Auto on any android device. Do your own homework here. I've also gotten lots of people with audio issues and I was puzzled until my car developed the same issue. I tried a noise filter but that was total garbage. While it did reduce the noise it also made the audio trash and I began to get humming noise from the alternator and the LCM. I narrowed it down to a crappy pre-amp that was causing all sorts of ground loops. The solution is super simple and it is what I should have done at the start. This DAC: www.amazon.com/dp/B00LP3AMC2/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_S_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=3H9T5P2TAQJYN&coliid=I3E8DG5A9HHLNZ is FANTASTIC for this application. It has a built in pre-amp and the audio quality is so much better than the beringer that it is on a whole new level. Buy this and you make your life a lot simpler. To use this DAC you will also need an adapter to go from RCA to a 3.5mm headphone jack, as this is a headphone amp. It even has a Bass Switch to increase the bass cleanly with hardware, not though software. Adapter: www.amazon.com/dp/B000J1H4VI/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pd_S_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=3H9T5P2TAQJYN&coliid=IX6Z0NLDGT724&psc=1 . Next up is an issue that I faced and only recently conquered. I kept on waking up to a dead tablet in the morning. You have to make sure that you use a charger that can support the amperage requirements of the tablet. I would go 3 amp @ 5v to be safe. Be sure to enable fast-charging in the settings. Lots of people have been having trouble with the Joycon. Please read the manual that comes with it before asking questions. It's OK to ask questions, its not OK to be lazy and expect me to hand this to you when you haven't even read the manual. The gist is that you have to hook up the I-Bus line, configure it with a computer, and then possibly adjust a few switches on the unit itself. I did also learn that it is NOT necessary to provide 12v power to the Joycon, it is perfectly happy running off 5v USB power. And you MUST use a Joycon EXD. It is 2x the price of the EXR for a reason; it is compatible with digital steering wheel controls while the other ones are not. This is my basic parts list: amzn.com/w/3H9T5P2TAQJYN E46 Bezel: www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_sacat=0&_nkw=e46+double+din+bezel&_frs=1 Your experience may vary based on your car, model, and year. Do your homework! You likely WILL have to re-pin the adapter for the wiring harness if you plan to use steering wheel controls. Make sure to verify that ALL pins are in the correct locations before starting this with a correct wiring diagram. Back up cameras are possible with this setup. There is some info on the AutoDroid thread over at XDA Devs and around the web. You basically use the camera and an EasyCap. When you put the car in reverse it launches a camera app and voila. Not quite sure on the specifics of this one but you can check this out on your own. For FM radio you want to get an SDR, or Software Defined Radio, USB unit for a couple bucks. You should receive an antenna with this. I found out the the plug for the antenna matches the plug on the E46 antenna cable. Just cut the cable off of the included antenna, solder the cut end to the circuit board of the SDR unit and plug the end of the cable into the factory antenna connector. Secure this with electrical tape and be sure to solder the cable correctly so you don't get interference. Then you can plug it in to the hub and use the app from the play store. Be sure to test your unit beforehand. Again your experience my vary based on your particular car. SDR Unit: www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_odkw=sdr&_osacat=0&_from=R40&_trksid=p2045573.m570.l1312.R1.TR10.TRC1.A0.H0.Xrtl.TRS1&_nkw=rtl2832u&_sacat=0 Finally, this is not a replacement for something like an Enon or Dynavin on an AVIN unit. This is priced much much lower and as a result lacks the R&D along with some features like Bluetooth integration and a pre-built interface. If you would rather drop $700 on an AVIN then this is not the DIY for you. This build cost me less than $250 and most of that was for the Tablet($50), DAC($75) and Joycon ($85). Be realistic with your expectations. This IS the DIY for someone that wants a cool and cheap replacement for a stock head-unit; be creative and make it your own. This is just a guide and nothing is set in stone. Thanks to all the people that watched, commented, and liked. Be sure to check out my Facebook page and other social media pages! Links are in the description. If you own an E46 BMW check out the forum post in the description. Lots of good info there.

Don't even own a car. Still watched complete video. hehe

who says today's youths aren't innovative? nice job man..

LOL when the first started, I felt like I was watching an MKBHD video

Wow! That's the most intelligent car upgrade and up-grader I've ever seen. The way you combined simple skills, out of the box thinking, planing and research to achieve such a high lever of attention to detail is inspiring. My hat's of to you!

I just wanted to say I enjoyed watching your video. I had been thinking of installing my Samsung tablet in my car for a while, and now I have a great template on what I'll need to research and purchase for the install. I appreciate the fact that you take pride in your workmanship. You go the extra mile with the sauder and the heat shrink tubing. You don't see many people do such a clean professional looking install even when they're getting paid for it.

What are you? A wizard?!

Bro i must say. I salute you. I'm never gona be able to do this. I salute you

By far and away, the best tutorial on installing a Nexus 7 as a media headunit. Well done!

Anyone that says "Kids these days don't have any imagination" Needs to watch this video... You sir, are an inspiration. I don't have a BMW, so most of this isn't useful information for me, but I'm impressed with how you imagined and then built, troubleshot, and refined the system.

DUDE I FITTED THIS YESTERDAY JUST GLUED IT TO MY WINDSCREEN JOB DONE

MKBHD music :D

Man, it is not only awesome work, but also perfect video editing and amazing music. Everything very accurate, I bed you upgraded dozens of cars already :)

not sure what this says about me, if I need to watch more KZfaq videos or not but this is one of the most coolest mods I have ever seen.

Great video. I can tell this was a lot of work. Just a quick comment: twist stranded wire together THEN solder them. I get what you did by tinning then first but tinning is only good for when you're attaching wires to a terminal, as you did. Twisting the two sets of stranded first then soldering makes it actually easier to solder and makes for a better connection.

Great info kid. Good job! Got yourself a new sub. Cheers.

Best diy tablet to car install I've seen. Great functionality AND professional cosmetics. well done!

I`ve been watching a lot of installations and this is the best so far... you keep it easy and simple.

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="357">5:57</a> I was expecting.... Hey what is up guys....MKBHD here and welcome to anoter video... xD

in your thread regarding the Bluetooth integration, what i did was use tablet talk. It paired my phone to the tablet and then i can use the tablet to make phone calls from my phone. Then using the Joycon i mapped my SWC to double as android shortcuts on the long presses.. ie Home Button, Back button, screen on/off and Launch Google now, so i had voice commands from my steering wheel.

most comprehensive tutorial on youtube, well done.

in all honesty, i didnt expect much at first, one the project started coming together, its quite impressive, i night have to give it a shot, thanks for the video and the know how!

what app suite do you use ? also, how do you connect your phone for hand free communication on the tablet ? how is your phone is handle by the tablet, dialing, adress book, answer/hangup your phone ? Could you stream music from your phone to the tablet ?

holy youre a fucking genius

This is such a great mod idea. Give new life to the E46's functionality options.

Very solid and almost perfectionist approach. Love it!

I wonder what percentage of people that watched this video actually attempted it. I consider myself pretty technical, and I even have a spare Nexus 7, but I'd never try something this complex.

Is the music that plays while the tablet is being hot glued the same music in MKBHD's intro animation? Bonus: If the car is compatible, you could get a $12 OBDII bluetooth code scanner and link it to the tablet. It would let you read your car's computer error codes for when your check engine light is on and help you find out why, as well as see real-time information, such as speed, rpms, and other things that your car's ECU monitors while in operation.

extremely professional video. some of the best on KZfaq. great job!

Love that this is a tech video and the music around <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="330">5:30</a> and <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="1500">25:00</a> is the music intro to the MKBHD videos. Very good video, and I might try this myself

What is the full name of the parts?

at <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="1593">26:33</a> .. what app is he using to make the tablet display all that?

Props for keeping all the info together. Looking through my service history, way back in 2005 the owner took it to a place car audio shop for a "professional backyard" install of a kenwood 1 din unit. 3 junction blocks used as joiners, exposed wires, weird bootleg duct tape. Rats nest wiring that takes up so much room the headunit can't even push all the way into place lol. Handy having the wire colours listed to their outputs. Thanks :)

Bro that is some serious work put into that project ! Appreciate your effort definitely subbed 👏

What's the app your using at then to have the BMW interface gal

IIRC All E46s, Harmon Kardon or not, have an amp from the factory.

Finally someone on KZfaq that works to the same standard as me. If it can't go back to original then it's a rubbish job. I see far to many people hacking and splicing wires that can't be replaced.

Awesome job! It looks and performs great. I want to do the same thing to my 540i. Appreciate the detailed explanation of each step. Great how-to video.

MKBHD Theme Song!!!

It would be good if you could wire up a reversing camera.

What a great video. Well done. be proud of yourself on this install man. At this point im interested in learning more about the integration on the software end.

its great to know that you have improved the way it is installed, but ive been doing it since 2008

MKBHD sound fam

What app did you put on the tablet that had the BMW logo?

great job putting it all together in a way that is easy to understand and apply elsewhere

that was some great work there bro, looks awesome! Congratulations!

Hi! How can you simulate pressing hardware on/off button? Is it possible to turn on tablet plugging power via usb without pressing power button? How?

you should have gotten a cover for the nexus then glued it so you didn't have to actually glue the real tablet to it! 🤔

This is great bro, can't wait to see what else you come out with!

Nice work! Looks great!

How do u turn the tablet on since you can't access power button?

Hot glue and zip ties? That's the jenkiest thing I've seen today.

aaaand now 26 minutes later I have come to realize how long the video is... oh well 26 minutes well spent! Your amazing man.

Super high quality DIY. I learned a bunch about soldering in this.

Wood looking trim i would wrap that shit

Sound Man have a kit

I'm sorry but even after 20 years I still have to say that the E46 has one of the best looking dash designs ever made! I almost bought a used E46 (2001 328i) way back in 2004 and even back then I was simply blown away by the design of the dash with the nav screen in the middle. The dash also has a really cool 3d effect as the entire black part projects above the dash along the borders (near the windshield), if you know what I'm trying to say. The car I was test driving also had the upgraded Harmon Kardon sound system and I remember it easily being the best sounding stock system I had ever heard back then! While I really loved the look of the nav system in the E46, the actual graphics and software look horrendous by today's standards, so this mod you did really is almost a necessity for anyone buying an old E46 with nav nowadays. Looks fantastic!

Solid build man; thanks for sharing this.

after all this cost over $160 you can get android 4.4 car audio stereo touch screen for Less what you pay

Goodbye to AM/FM radio capability.

great video, good skills you have there, got nothing but respect for you. Please keep the uploads coming. I am learning so much from them. :)

Great work man.Really great work.

i rather use silicone, not hot glue

The power of Android :) u won't get nothing close to this performance and posibillities from apple crap

Props man. That is awesome. Very thorough.

Just the tutorial I was looking for. Perfect. Thank you.

That's all very nice but it only shows the stereo working not the nav or any other of the bmw functions. Seems like a lot of skilled time wasted.

at 7 mins and 05 seconds i stopped watching because the voice and the music were at different levels and i cant stand having to turn up the volume to hear you and turn it down when music plays

This was amazing to watch, sat on needles the whole movie. Greetz from sweden!

The best DIY video I've ever encountered....props!

176 Honda civic owners don't like this project.

Thank you for great video. I got an idea for my tablet installation. Hot glue unsticks at hot summer days. So I redid mounting using cable ties too.

Thank you. That was an excellent tutorial. Also, the safety tips using heat at the connections I appreciated also.

Got to say that's a genius bit of work you have done there bro!!!!

Nice work man. I'm going to have to do something like this myself now.

I'm not going to lie. This is amazing. You do some nice work. Great video.

Wow. impressive. One of the best self installs I've seen.

Congrats bro you are very talented! I loved your video except for 2 things: image quality and musical choices :D but you did a very good job. Congrats again

This guy has some skills . Good job.

That was one hell of a video... Thank you for the upload...

Jeez, you are a wizard , young man! Subbed and Liked, thanks.

Magic mate! magic! Well done. Will follow every step

was certainly fun to watch. great work.

Awesome setup dude

Looks awesome! Great work!

Pro job. Great selection in music.

I absolute love it. I'm getting an 05 bmw 330 2-door soon

one of the best videos on KZfaq

Great build! Thanks 4 sharing.

Dude, awesome would be an understatement for you! Great work!

Great video, thank you for taking the time to make and share it.

great build man!

Well done, first time I've seen this idea, thank you

Just the video I was looking for liked and subbed.

Nice video! Looks great!

Great video man. Keep it up.

Have to hand it to the guy.. Awesome piece of work. Impressed!

wow ur work clean man ! good job