PC Diagnostic tool for carputer installation?

[alliedacademian]

Hi guys, some help required for a concept that I am working on.
I have a 2003 E220 AG and I am working on a design to allow use of my laptop in car, more commonly known as a CARPUTER!
I will be installing a 7 inch Touchscreen monitor and will be running Sat Nav, MP3 (via FM modulator), Digital radio and email (via bluetooth to mobile phone) etc. The laptop will be positioned in the boot when required, in a custom fixture, where all connections from the interior will terminate.
The query I have is whether or not it possible/practical to access the canbus diagnostic system? What software and interface would be required?
Has anyone installed a similar system or have any useful info or warnings about the concept?

 

[Sp!ke]

I think this subject has been discussed before. The cost of the software is prohibitive.

Othr than that, I am very interested in your project having been tempted by the idea myself. I opted for an easier route and just made a laptop mount for the car.

You can see a pic of my laptop mount in my Gallery pics below.
http://mbclub.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=588

 

[smartbrabus]

Great concept, if you are determined to pull it off. There's plenty of free diagnostics s/w available that can interpret the OBD2 signals, but you would need a suitable connector to the car's diagnostics port, as well as build yourself (or buy) an OBD2->Serial interface, which is the prohibitively expensive/effortsome bit for most people. See http://www.scantool.net/ for more info.