BMW E46 Display – Real-time Vehicle Data Monitoring
Designed for BMW E46 models, this display brings the vehicle's key information directly into the driver's field of vision. The display reads data from the car's CAN bus and presents it on the MFD28 Gen2 display. The included model-specific bezel allows for a neat installation that blends seamlessly with the original dashboard.
The CAN bus protocol, optimized for the BMW E46, enables fast data reading and real-time monitoring. The display is suitable for daily use, fault diagnostics, and more precise monitoring of tuned engines.
Features
- Integrated installation into the BMW E46 dashboard
- Support for up to 128 sensors
- 10 customizable display views with DSS (Display Setup Software)
- Pre-configured display views for quick setup
- Plug & Play installation with the included wiring harness
- 4 analog inputs for external sensors
- Support for ethanol content sensor (Flex Fuel)
- Monitoring of diagnostic data directly on the display
- Datalogging continuously or user-initiated
- Page switching using the original cruise control button
- Anti-glare protective film for better readability
Performance Meter
The display's Performance Meter function allows acceleration measurements without separate devices. Available measurements include:
- 0–100 km/h
- 100–200 km/h
- 0–200 km/h
The results can be used to compare car performance before and after modifications.
Datalogging
All data read by the display can be saved to an internal SD card for later review. Recording can be started manually with one press or kept continuously active.
Recorded data includes engine temperatures, pressures, lambda values, ignition timing, load, and other information available via the CAN bus.
Customizable Alerts
Alerts can be configured on the display based on selected threshold values. For example, excessively high exhaust gas temperature, low oil pressure, or abnormal boost pressure can be prominently brought to the driver's attention.
Pre-set alert templates are available, but users can also define their own thresholds.
Fault Code Reading and Deletion
Engine control unit fault codes can be read and cleared directly from the display. Fault information is presented clearly without a separate diagnostic device, facilitating troubleshooting and maintenance.
Customizable Views
The display's home screen and widgets can be customized according to individual needs. Users can create views for performance monitoring, track driving, tuning, or normal daily driving.
With the DSS software, up to 10 different display pages can be created, which can be switched between while driving.
Data Read from CAN Bus
The display comes with a pre-configured TRI file that contains all available CAN bus signals for the specific vehicle.
Temperatures
- Engine coolant temperature
- Intake air temperature
- Exhaust gas temperature
- Transmission oil temperature
Pressures
- Boost pressure
- Ambient air pressure
- Oil pressure
Lambda and Fuel System
- Target and actual lambda value
- Short Term Fuel Trim (STFT)
- Long Term Fuel Trim (LTFT)
- Mass Air Flow (MAF) value
- Engine load
- Torque
Driving Dynamics
- Vehicle speed
- Brake pressure
- Accelerator pedal position
- Throttle opening angle
Other Information
- Engine speed (RPM)
- Gear information
- Battery voltage
- Total ignition timing advance
- Cylinder-specific ignition timing corrections
Note: Not all engine control units may provide all of the above information for all engine versions.
Connecting External Sensors
The display has four analog inputs to which various 0-5V or NTC-type sensors can be connected.
Typical applications include:
- Oil temperature
- Oil pressure
- Fuel pressure
- Exhaust gas temperature (EGT)
- Exhaust back pressure
- Other temperature and pressure sensors
An ethanol content sensor can be connected to one of the digital inputs, allowing the display to monitor and record the fuel's ethanol content and temperature.
Additional Extensions
Support for CANchecked sensors is pre-integrated into the TRI/TRX files. The sensors only need to be connected to the system.
Supported sensor types:
- Temperature sensor
- K-type exhaust gas temperature sensor (0–1250 °C)
- 0–10 bar pressure sensor
- 0–5.5 bar absolute boost pressure sensor
A CANchecked SLM08 shift light with eight LEDs can also be connected to the display. The LED colors and operating modes can be set directly from the display settings, for example, according to engine speed limits.
Advanced Functions
Mathematical channels allow combining multiple sensor data into new calculated values. User-definable 2D and 3D maps can be used to create custom virtual sensors and calculation functions for more demanding applications.
Package Contents
Delivery includes:
- MFD28 Gen2 display pre-installed in the dashboard bezel
- BMW E46 model-specific wiring harness
- Quick installation guide
- USB data cable
- SD card (pre-installed in the display)
- SD card adapter
- Anti-glare screen protector
Compatibility
Compatible with BMW E46 model series vehicles. Versions available for both left-hand drive (LHD) and right-hand drive (RHD) cars.
A pictorial installation guide is available for installation, ensuring quick commissioning without modifications to the car's original wiring harness.