M3 Cluster Install Steps

[stormspike]

I was looking for a writeup on installing the M3 cluster in an E30 with a S52 conversion. Is there one out there or does anyone have a quick list of parts, and steps needed to get this in and working? I want to get the oil temp working and don't want to mess up anything.

Will my coding plug work on my existing cluster to get the tach correct on the new M cluster?

[Uber E30]

You need the e30 m3 oil temp sender, a place to put it (i recommend the UUC oil center), and wiring is Dependant on your harness. As far as the coding plug goes... the answer is no. You can still run the 8k tach but the coding plug thinks its a 7k tach. If your engine was at 7k, the tach would show 8, 6k would be like 6.8 etc. It doesnt really affect much though because visually redline is still about the same place, and most people listen to the engine instead of stare at the tach.

[stormspike]

I am on UUC's website and do not see it. Do you know the part number or link?

Also, with wiring, I am using the S52 harness spliced into the E30. Any idea on how to get the signal to the cluster?

[Uber E30]

http://www.uucmotorwerks.com/catalog/oil-center.htm

I find it odd that they dont have the picture anymore and it doesnt come up via search from their site. I would call them before making the order. As far as wiring goes i have no idea, i have a THR harness so it was already wired for me.

[herlsy]

Their catalog is a bit difficult to search through at times

Go to the UUC site then navigate to:

Product Catalog > BMW > Styling Line > Oil Center

[jrdeamicis]

Ireland engineering has a nice oil cap with hook-ups for an oil cooler and threaded ports for sensors (Which you can adapt over to a metric thread).

[surebimmer]

In my 88 M3 I ran the oil temp sensor in the oil level senor loction by using the TMS adapter plate.

http://www.turnermotorsport.com/html/detail.asp?PRODUCT_ID=TEN9990001

[Uber E30]

I have read that readings from the pan arent that great since oil pools/cools there alot. I have no personal experience with that though, have just heard readings from the filter area are the most accurate.

[nando]

wherever the factory got their signal is probably best

hint: it's not the oil pan

[jrdeamicis]

I have read that readings from the pan arent that great since oil pools/cools there alot. I have no personal experience with that though, have just heard readings from the filter area are the most accurate.

I have first hand experience with that.

It reads about 20-30 lower.

[nando]

I have first hand experience with that.

It reads about 20-30 lower.

that is similar to my own experience

[deansbimmer]

I wonder if coding plugs are interchangeable between SI boards... Like if a plug from a e28 M5 would work correctly in an e30 M3 tach...

[flyboyx]

I wonder if coding plugs are interchangeable between SI boards... Like if a plug from a e28 M5 would work correctly in an e30 M3 tach...

i have read that it will. i am told the little plastic box the coding plug sits in is a different size and you will have to put the circuit board in your e30 coding plug.

[Schneller 3er]

I wonder if coding plugs are interchangeable between SI boards... Like if a plug from a e28 M5 would work correctly in an e30 M3 tach

The E28 M5 circuit board will not work into the E30 coding plug. The pins are too short, and will not reach the SI board. You have to plug the ckt board directly into the cluster, without the coding plug. That's what I had to do with mine. It should work properly.

[deansbimmer]

The E28 M5 circuit board will not work into the E30 coding plug. The pins are too short, and will not reach the SI board. You have to plug the ckt board directly into the cluster, without the coding plug. That's what I had to do with mine. It should work properly.

Good to know, thanks.