I have this crazy idea to hack the 18-button OBC on my E36 and either replace the firmware that's onboard (if the memory is not write-protected) or retrofit a different ECU to the board and write my own firmware.
The source and DIY guide would be released as Open Source for anyone to use.
The real beauty of this would be you could expand the functionality of the unit. Some things I can think to add right off the bat:
1. Automatic 0-60 timer
2. Compass (using external sensor)
3. Built-in OBD-I/II interface for code reading/resetting
4. Ability to adjust other setting such as lighting behaviors, etc.
5. Ability to adjust audio system (amp/sub levels, etc)
6. Add an "Int Temp" sensor
7. Interface to other devices such as garage door openers, radar detectors, etc
8. Interface to iPod/CarPC for control/display purposes.
9. Carsoft-like interface to allow other systems to be diagnosed (airbag, ZKE, etc.)
Any interest out there?
Last edited by m2pc; 01-10-2009 at 02:23 AM.
1999 ///M3 TiAg | Heated Power Vaders | DDM Projector36 5000K 55W HIDs | DDM 3000K 35W HID Fogs
DDM Smoked Corners | DDM Weighted Shift Knob | K&N CAI | Mishimoto AL Rad w/Zionsville AL Shroud
Stewart HiPo Water Pump | Samco Hose Kit | 16" SPAL Puller Fan | Viper 5701LE Security
E36 OBC is now open! Join the effort: BF.C Thread | openOBC Wiki
Sounds interesting. Will you be writing all of the coding?
Well maybe the initial "framework"... but my plan is to make it an open source project so others can contribute. I don't know all the ins-and outs of the OBD-II for example, so I'd need assistance with that from people who know the details of the interface.
1999 ///M3 TiAg | Heated Power Vaders | DDM Projector36 5000K 55W HIDs | DDM 3000K 35W HID Fogs
DDM Smoked Corners | DDM Weighted Shift Knob | K&N CAI | Mishimoto AL Rad w/Zionsville AL Shroud
Stewart HiPo Water Pump | Samco Hose Kit | 16" SPAL Puller Fan | Viper 5701LE Security
E36 OBC is now open! Join the effort: BF.C Thread | openOBC Wiki
that seems like a huge project...
Sounds awesome, but sounds like a REALLY involved project
heck...id buy it
2010 - BMW 335i M-Sport - Lemans Blue Metallic
BMW PPK2, JB4 with NLS, Backend Flash, BMW PP Exhaust, Misc Appearance Mods, Boost Addictions Diff Brace, BMS DCIs, BMS Clutch Stop, VRSF Catless DPs
Previous:
1995 M3
1998 323is
Another application: Digital oil temp & pressure, and coolant temp indicators.
I found a page on Bosch Motorsports that has datasheets on the various sensors used in E36's:
http://www.bosch-motorsport.de/conte.../html/2895.htm
Anyone have a dead OBC they want to "donate" to this project?
I'd use mine but I don't want to ruin a working one.
I'm mainly intersted in the shell with display and buttons.
PM me if you're interested; I can pick up locally (SoCal) or pay shipping.
I'll probably end up using a custom PCB that replaces the one inside the stock OBC since the firmware is probably not very easily upgradeable.
Last edited by m2pc; 01-13-2009 at 06:18 PM.
1999 ///M3 TiAg | Heated Power Vaders | DDM Projector36 5000K 55W HIDs | DDM 3000K 35W HID Fogs
DDM Smoked Corners | DDM Weighted Shift Knob | K&N CAI | Mishimoto AL Rad w/Zionsville AL Shroud
Stewart HiPo Water Pump | Samco Hose Kit | 16" SPAL Puller Fan | Viper 5701LE Security
E36 OBC is now open! Join the effort: BF.C Thread | openOBC Wiki
Not bad. Once the main system is written, adding options and sensors will be the easy part.
Yup, I plan to use one of the giant PIC chips (PIC18F4553) that have onboard USB, analog inputs, etc. That particular chip is only about $6 in qty 1.
Datasheet is here: http://ww1.microchip.com/downloads/e...Doc/39887b.pdf
1999 ///M3 TiAg | Heated Power Vaders | DDM Projector36 5000K 55W HIDs | DDM 3000K 35W HID Fogs
DDM Smoked Corners | DDM Weighted Shift Knob | K&N CAI | Mishimoto AL Rad w/Zionsville AL Shroud
Stewart HiPo Water Pump | Samco Hose Kit | 16" SPAL Puller Fan | Viper 5701LE Security
E36 OBC is now open! Join the effort: BF.C Thread | openOBC Wiki
I wonder if it would be easier to replace the OBC with basically a screen in its place with a "CarPC" type setup behind it, that can still be cycled with the BC Stalk. Maybe even a touch screen.
Nice find on the chip though.
Well I'm planning a CarPC installation, but this would be something that can boot up instantly and be used with the CarPC off.
Using the USB port on this "OBC" you could easily feed the sensor data to the CarPC for more detailed display/graphing/logging operations.
1999 ///M3 TiAg | Heated Power Vaders | DDM Projector36 5000K 55W HIDs | DDM 3000K 35W HID Fogs
DDM Smoked Corners | DDM Weighted Shift Knob | K&N CAI | Mishimoto AL Rad w/Zionsville AL Shroud
Stewart HiPo Water Pump | Samco Hose Kit | 16" SPAL Puller Fan | Viper 5701LE Security
E36 OBC is now open! Join the effort: BF.C Thread | openOBC Wiki
i'd buy it depending on features..
More info asap!
ill buy it!!!!!
I would totally buy one. It would be even better if you could do a DIY on the hardware and then distribute the software.
That would be a fun project to be in on. Even with the CarPC part, have bluetooth and wifi.
My current plan is this:
1. Open source firmware (most likely written in C)
2. Open source hardware (schematic and layout CAD files freely available)
3. Kit form (you get a board and all the components, solder it yourself)
4. Retrofit kits (you get a board already soldered, just gut your OBC and use this one instead)
5. "Exchange" program where you send me your OBC and I ship you the "upgraded" one in return.
Firmware updates could be done on the unit via USB/Serial/Wireless to expand the functionality.
Any other ideas?
1999 ///M3 TiAg | Heated Power Vaders | DDM Projector36 5000K 55W HIDs | DDM 3000K 35W HID Fogs
DDM Smoked Corners | DDM Weighted Shift Knob | K&N CAI | Mishimoto AL Rad w/Zionsville AL Shroud
Stewart HiPo Water Pump | Samco Hose Kit | 16" SPAL Puller Fan | Viper 5701LE Security
E36 OBC is now open! Join the effort: BF.C Thread | openOBC Wiki
That sounds like a plan. Looks pretty complete as far as the OBC goes. Would you still keep the original OBC functions with the Check Control, or replace it altogether with the new layout?
I like the exchange program.
1999 ///M3 TiAg | Heated Power Vaders | DDM Projector36 5000K 55W HIDs | DDM 3000K 35W HID Fogs
DDM Smoked Corners | DDM Weighted Shift Knob | K&N CAI | Mishimoto AL Rad w/Zionsville AL Shroud
Stewart HiPo Water Pump | Samco Hose Kit | 16" SPAL Puller Fan | Viper 5701LE Security
E36 OBC is now open! Join the effort: BF.C Thread | openOBC Wiki
I wonder if there is a way to bypass the function of the OBC verifying the Einheit #.
1999 ///M3 TiAg | Heated Power Vaders | DDM Projector36 5000K 55W HIDs | DDM 3000K 35W HID Fogs
DDM Smoked Corners | DDM Weighted Shift Knob | K&N CAI | Mishimoto AL Rad w/Zionsville AL Shroud
Stewart HiPo Water Pump | Samco Hose Kit | 16" SPAL Puller Fan | Viper 5701LE Security
E36 OBC is now open! Join the effort: BF.C Thread | openOBC Wiki
Kinda, Einheit (Unit) # has to be correct for the Check Functions to work and there are 2 Einheit numbers of 4 digits each.
BMW wants $100 to connect mine to their computer to fix it.
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