The Car Kracker 3 is an open-source addon for your BMW 3-Series, 5-Series, 7-Series, X-Series or Mini that lets you;

• Add Bluetooth, Aux-In or music jukebox
• Remap steering wheel buttons
• Remove the Nav warning screen
• Display text like emails and SMS on your Sat Nav, radio, or dashboard
• Access engine and performance data like air/fuel ratio, oil pressure/temp, and VANOS
• Code retrofit parts like rain sensors, run-flat tires, theft alarms, and keys
• Access the proprietary error logs to troubleshoot engine, transmission, or accessory problems.

Compatibility
The Car Kracker 3 is designed for the BMW 3-series from '98 to '07 (e46), although it should work with several other models;

• 3-Series, 1998 - 2007 (e46)
• 5-Series, 1995 - 2004 (e39)
• 7-Series, 1994 - 2001 (e38)
• X3, 2004 - 2010 (e83)
• X5, 1999 - 2006 (e53)
• Z4, 2002 - 2008 (e85, e86)

Note that model years sometimes vary by region. It should also be compatible with a few other cars;

• Mini One / Cooper / S, 2001 - 2006 (r50, r53)
• Mini Convertible, 2005-2008 (r52)
• Range Rover, 1999 - 2003 (L30)

Features and Hardware

Play Music
In Music mode, the Car Kracker 3 will emulate a standard CD changer. You can either playback audio files stored on the microSD card, use the Aux-in connector to listen to any MP3 player, or connect a Bluetooth audio bridge. The CD change buttons can also be remapped to display artist / album information, the current time, or vehicle data like range or fuel consumption. Here's a video on using a bluetooth audio bridge.

If you have a DSP, grab the '+DSP' option, which includes a DSP connector and 100ksps Analog-to-Digital converter.

Do Advanced Diagnostics
In Diagnostic mode, the Car Kracker 3 acts as an interface between your computer and your car. Applications like NavCoder, INPA, and NCSExpert let you upgrade Engine / Transmission firmware, remove the speed limiter, reset warning lights, and change dealer settings. Here's a demo of some of the diagnostic tools you can use;

Datalog Performance
Data like RPM, speed, fuel consumption, mileage, and coolant & ambient temperature can be logged to the SD card as frequently as you like. The data is stored as a standard CSV file and can be analyzed in Excel, Open Office, or any other spreadsheet program.

Remap Buttons
Steering wheel buttons can be remapped to trigger other actions on your car. For example, the Phone button can be set to open your trunk, or the R/T button can roll down the windows.

You can also trigger actions based on other events - like setting the warning lights to blink when you hit the unlock button on your car key.

Using the Car Kracker 3
Setup

The Kustomizer lets you configure the Kracker to work exactly how you want. Plug your Car Kracker into your computer and click on Kustomizer.exe. It will automatically connect and you'll be able to change the Kracker to suit your needs.

Installation
Nearly all compatible cars are pre-wired for a CD changer at the factory. The cable is accessible in the trunk, on the left-hand side, behind the felt divider;

Lift up the felt and pull out the cables - you need the 3-pin cable to connect to the data bus, and either the 6-pin cable for analog audio, or the DSP cable. The flanges on the connectors go as marked on the Car Kracker circuit board;

If your car doesn't have a CD changer cable, or it's in use, see our note here.

Using the different modes
Music Mode Tips
Diagnostics Mode Tips
Car Customization Tips

The Car Kracker 3 comes programmed and assembled, so it's ready to go out of the box.

Rather build it yourself? The entire project is open-source, Here's the PCB layout (diptrace format) and Sourcecode.

Have the original Car Kracker kit? Complete Assembly instructions are right here.