[lkraven]

DIY Procede USB-Serial Cable Through Firewall

This is a DIY that builds on previous DIYs-- I take no credit for this except that I have taken some pictures for something others have already done. There's a DIY for routing a USB-Serial cable adapter around the A pillar. I don't like this for a couple of reasons-- 1, it exposes the wire to pinching, the elements and can look a little unpleasant. Second, it suggests the cutting of a rubber grommet in an area that would be exposed to water-- all the water running off the glass runs right down by this grommet-- if water gets inside the ECU box, to my knowledge, there is no drain, and exciting things could occur. More than likely, this will never happen, but I don't like taking chances.

I will gloss over how to get INTO the ECU box. If you have installed your own Procede, you already know how to do that. If you didn't, then the excellent video on Vishnu Tuning's website will get you up to speed.

This was done an E92. It should be the same for an E90, but I make no guarantees.

In addition to the tools you used to get into the ECU box, you will need a T8 Torx screwdriver or bit.

Step 1 - The ECU Box

The plastic ECU box that holds the ECU (and the Procede) has an opening in its rear that goes directly into the space behind the glove box. The only tricky part is getting to it-- but it's not all that tricky.

Once you have the ECU Box open, remove both of the ECU connectors so that the ECU is no longer connected to any cabling.

Then, gently press the tabs holding the ECU in place and slide the ECU right out. Put it somewhere safe and don't do something silly like starting your car. Once you have done that, the opening through the firewall is easily exposed.

The ECU box itself has a box inside it with a series of dividers that are held in place with tabs like the ECU. You will probably NOT need to remove the dividers and the inner box, but if you do, you will have a little more room to work.

Step 2 - Running the Cable

Once you have access to the opening, stick the cable through the hole and push it gently into place. Feed as much as you can. You should encounter very little resistance. Once you have fed a couple of inches, go into the passenger side seat.

Step 3 - Removing the Panel Underneath the Glovebox

There are two screws holding the panel underneath the glove box in place. These are T8 Torx screws. Remove them and gently remove the panel, it should come away with very little force. If you have run the cable correctly, you will see the USB cable poking out from above. Grab hold of it.

Step 4 - Into the Glove box

Remove the fusebox by turning the two black knobs in the back 90 degrees. Now, run the cable from underneath up into the glove box, then replace the fusebox cover.

Step 5 - Put Everything Back Together

That's it! You now have a cable directly plugged into the Procede for live data logging, or updating from the comfort of your glove box.

Note to Shiv: Please give us a map toggle switch! It would be easy to run it the same way and maybe even mount it in the glove box.

Enjoy!

[D-Rock]

Great stuff man !!!!!

[BoostedBMW]

Very nice write-up. Thanks for taking the time to post this. Would you like to do a write up of getting wires/vac lines through the hole in the firewall on the other side of the engine bay now? J/K, but i'm getting my boost gauge in the mail today so I have this on my mind and I haven't taken a look at where to run the vac line through, if I figure it out i'll post up a DIY I guess.

[Shinchan]

Does anyone know how long the USB cable need to be?

I am going o purchase one soon, but need to know the length of the cable.

THanks

[lkraven]

Don't remember how long it was... my guess is 6ft would work, but for reference, this is the EXACT unit I purchased:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16812149115

Good luck.

[Shinchan]

thanks.. I luv Newegg. But I am going to Microcenter and take a look first.. since I want it tonight to finish this thing.. and also add a boost gauge.

[6Zylinder]

Very nice write up! Haven't done it yet, but will do it after V2 arrives.

[Shinchan]

Got the USB cable installed.... alone with my AA switch..

Thanks for the solution...

[cn555ic]

well a member here is selling a bluetooth feature that is for the Procede V2...For $350...I guess if you want to be always connected to the Procede there is a more expensive solution!!!!!

[scottp999]

Originally Posted by Shinchan

Got the USB cable installed.... alone with my AA switch..

Thanks for the solution...

The hole you put the wire through is big enough for the connector to fit through? No wire splicing involved?

Thanks!

[Shinchan]

the hole is big enough.. to fit though the USB jack... and have enough room to fit the switch cables into the ECU box.

[Panoz]

This is what I was looking for!!!

[335iheLLraiseR]

i told you so.

[Tuned335i]

It was just posted by Eugen that there is a ECU cooling fan in the hole where the USB cable is going through. The cable is going to stop the fan from turning.

Are you guys sure there is no fan inside that hole?

[Tuned335i]

Originally Posted by Tuned335i

It was just posted by Eugen that there is a ECU cooling fan in the hole where the USB cable is going through. The cable is going to stop the fan from turning.

Are you guys sure there is no fan inside that hole?

UPDATE:

There are two holes. One at the bottom with no fan and one above that which is behind the curved plastic. The USB cable is simple to push through. Once you get the ECU out of the way (be SUPER careful with your taped splices to the ECU if you have a piggyback ECU tune) just push the USB end of the cable through as far as you can, then go look underneath where the carpet ends. The tip will be right there...

[cn555ic]

bump

[yahtzee]

anyone know if it is the same for a 2008 535i?

[jahwerx]

this was great - used it to route a boost gauge!

[uuni]

Anybody tried this with E93?

[cwn23]

Originally Posted by uuni

Anybody tried this with E93?

Its the same thing as the E92, no difference whatsover!! To answer your question I have, and it works perfect!!! No worries

[uuni]

Originally Posted by cwn23

Its the same thing as the E92, no difference whatsover!! To answer your question I have, and it works perfect!!! No worries

Ok thank you for your reply, ill do it also.

[loonyzou]

Hello,

I would like to be sure of the use of this DIY, after putting the USB cable, will I be able to plug an USB Key with MP3 and listen to them? Because I don't have USB plug stock, it would be great for me. Do I need to make it work by BMW (with an update of the CIP?)?
Will I be able able to explore the folders of the usb key?
I don't see where the USB must be plug in the ECU, can someone tell me?

Thanx