CarX/B7 (for I-drive BMWs) Frequently Asked Questions Version 1.
Is there a User Manual available ? Is there anyone out there who really reads print media full of screenshots ? I never do ☺ Seriously: no - just install the software on your desktop PC – use the mouse wheel, play with the keys SPACE, ENTER, and you will see how it works pretty soon. On the main screen click the image and follow the instructions in the options dialogs regarding settings (MP3 directory, COM ports etc.
What are the System requirements? PC: Windows 98, 2000 and XP have been tested. USB2.0 is recommended if you connect a disk drive, the GPS mouse and the CAN-interface to it. 12V PC - small - recommend one with Pentium 1,4 Ghz or more - NOT a "VIA Eden" or so CPU !! – Make sure it has good sound (on board or USB-sound card) and USB 2.
Does CarX24 recommend any PC? No – I am using CALU Intel-based 12V PC from CarTFT.com with a Pentioum 1.4 Ghz CPU – it works pretty nicely, but there other systems out there. Make sure your PC can either run on car power (12V), or you install an inverter (Wechselrichter) in the car, that turns 12V DC into 240V or 120V AC, to use the original power supply that may come with the PC, especially if it is a laptop. The nice thing about the laptop is its battery that keeps the PC alive during power drains (e.g.
When I have the CAN-bus Interface – How do I install it ? First of all we have to understand which pin gets which kind of connection: Where will I find the CAN-bus in the car (7 series BMW, E65) Please note the color notations: GELB=YELLOW GN=GRUEN=GREEN OR=ORANGE GN/OR = GREEN/ORANGE Other BMW may have different locations and colors – you will have to investigate this carefully.
Will tampering with the CAN-bus lead to losing my BMW guarantee ? I do not know – but I would not be surprised if that is the case. CarX24 takes no responsibility for any situations of that kind. Will unlocking the TV (allow screen content while car in motion) lead to losing my BMW guarantee? CarX24 takes no responsibility for that either. Honestly I never asked – and will not Is unlocking the TV illegal ? CarX24 takes no responsibility for that either. I am not sure.
Will temperature be an issue? Things worked out well in both German summers (up to 35 Celsius) and winters down to –12 or so. No problems seen with my PC, only the BIOS battery seems to get empty quicker in cold days – had to replace it every winter. That’s all. Is using a speed trap warning mechanism illegal? CarX24 takes no responsibility for that either. There are other tools out there (Tom Tom navigator with radarfalle.de plug-in etc.) that do the same. In Germany I am afraid it is.
How do I connect all the components? How about all the cabling ? CarX24 recommends to have this done by professionals. In an E65, the Connexx interface will only provide video. To also get Audio into the car, some welding on the radio is required, but it can be done.
What components do I need and where do I get them? CarX24 will not recommend any, but I am ready to outline what I have: PC – for example http://www.cartft.de Video LAN Client software http://www.videolan.org/vlc/ Multimedia Interface http://shop.conexx-video.de/artikel_id_1286_a_Car-Multimedia-Multimediaadapter-BMW-DVD-Multimedia-InterfaceAdapter-zu-BMW-7er-E65.html GPS mouse: Recommend any USB model with a driver that emulates a Virtual COM port.
Are there any Windows guidelines? Some ! If you know your way around a Window PC, you can do this on your own – otherwise ask a friend.
GPS Mouse Most mouses come with a driver that sets up a virtual com port. Make sure you pick the right one and make sure you know its number, e.g. COM3 or COM7…. CANUSB You will have to install the RS232 driver (the one that emulates a virtual com port) In the CarX seetings dialog you will have to tell CarX which virtual port to listen to in order to get CAN data. CarX Setup CarX has an inbuilt menue with detail information as to what to enter there.
