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Ask Slashdot: What's the Most Hackable Car?
An anonymous reader writes: When looking for a new (or used) car, I have readily available information regarding features, maintenance history, and potential issues for that specific model or generation. What I would really like is a car that is readily hackable on the convenience-feature level. For example, if I want to install a remote starter, or hack the power windows so holding 'up' automatically rolls it up, or install a readout on the rear of the car showing engine RPMs, what make/model/year is the best pick? Have any of you done something similar with your vehicle? Have you found certain models to be ideal or terrible for feature hacking?
The Mitsubishi Evo and Subaru WRX probably have the most hacked ECUs around. Loading something like ECUTek onto a BRZ or FR-S gives you equal control. Convenience systems are usually controlled with some kind of aftermarket device, though for Toyotas, you can download Techstream and control a few options via a cheap cable off ebay. A Tesla offers the most toys to play with out of the box, but you can't do a think with the actual drive system. An M-series BMW like an old M5 will give you loads of settings to play with between the engine, transmission, and suspension.
...turn that damned chime off. Why can't I leave my keys in the ignition and the drivers door open at the same time??? Yeah, I know, blah blah blah, people forgetting their keys blah blah blah, but at least give me the option of turning it off without having to start pulling fuses.
You need to find a car that has a strong community of people who like to make these kinds of changes. I have a Prius (actually 2). There is a ton of information on the car. For example, someone posted instructions for ordering parts and wiring in accessories that allow you to unlock the car by touch from the passenger door handle and the rear hatch. That feature was only offered by Toyota on the top models in 2011.
PriusChat is my favorite place for researching maintaining and enhancing my 2 Priuses. Good luck and have fun!
Most of the BMWs from the 90's onward are fairly hackable. You can find copies of the dealer software and production line tools on the web, and tools like NavCoder and similar allow you to control tons of the "convenience" features. Most of the modules have had their options decoded by interested individuals wanting to customize their vehicles.
Some info here.