DIY - E36 window switch retrofit

[carmv4]

Aptyp, thanks for the wiring schematics. It was a quick and painless mod :D

[Wh33lhop]

Awesome. I was going to do a pin-out of my switches, but you took the cake.

I've got one-touch small white base switches though, the main difference is that it has a roll-down one-touch feature (secondary "down" switch position) where both up and down signals are asserted. It's annoying as unless I want to make a logic circuit for each switch I can only use the first "down" position.

[Aptyp]

Thought, I'd contribute.

This DIY covers installations of e36 window switches into e30. Purpose? You’ll no longer will be popping your fingers in attempt to open or close windows. As an added bonus, they look great.

Parts Needed

1. e36 window switches with harnesses. (Blue or White base)
2. Ten (10 or 1 pack) of 14-16ga weatherproof butt connectors. $3


Tools Needed

1. Multimeter (optional)
2. Wire Cutters, Wire Stripper, Wire Crimp Tool
3. Dremel Kit or Files
4. Lighter
5. Flathead Screwdriver
6. Phillips Screwdriver
7. Marker

Let’s begin.

1. Removal
Personally, I enjoy working on things with enough space around work area, so there are a number of pieces I remove. Removing everything is not necessary.

1. Remove both ashtrays by opening them and lifting them straight up by the lid.
2. Remove rear part of center console by removing parking brake handle (pull and twist)and Parking Brake Boot. Then unscrew plastic 10mm nut located inside of rear ashtray location and remove center console.
3. Remove shifter console by removing shift knob (pull, away from your face) and unclipping shifter boot. With a flat-head screwdriver pull window switches and unplug them. Under dash center console is connected by two (2) clip-in flat-head screws (one on each side), turn them 90 degrees and pull them out. Under right side of HVAC panel, center console is held in by an 8mm self-tapping screw, remove it. Remove front ashtray holder by removing two (2) Phillips head screws behind assembly. Push it in and pull it up, unplug cigarette lighter and light. Remove 10mm plastic nut that sits right behind shifter. Pull center console up, and pull it back.


Removal of all this is UNNECESSARY. I had to do it, because I was relocating my window switches.

2. Preparing Center Console

1. Whether on or of the car, you’ll need dremel or files. Place e36 windows switch trim (black trim piece surrounding switch itself) against center console and with a marker draw an outline around it in places of your original switches (or in my case, anywhere you’d like your switches to be).
2. Dremel or file center console to outline and make sure switch trim fits in and covers hole.


3. Wiring

1. Cut original switch plugs off one wire at a time and space them out not to short out fuse.
2. Strip ends of each wire on the car and on e36 window switch harnesses.
3. Follow my hand written diagram bellow to color match wires. Test each switch before crimping them in.
4. Crimp and with a lighter shrink butt connections. Wrap wires with electrical tape.



Test switches. If switches nor sunroof respond, replace your Fuse 17, because you’ve blown it. Also note how long my wires are, that was done on purpose because I was relocating my switches to hand brake console.

4. Installation

1. Put everything back together in reverse process of removal. Enjoy not breaking fingers.

[Kingb]

Guys, once again: 2 relays per window and a switch (yes, you can do the sunroof too) and you CAN use the small base (green) window switches.

You know I was just searching this thread for this info cause I just got some green based one. Now these came off a 2 dr so they won't fit flat right.

[StereoInstaller1]

Guys, once again: 2 relays per window and a switch (yes, you can do the sunroof too) and you CAN use the small base (green) window switches.

[stormspike]

Anyone selling a pair of switches that will work for this conversion (with wires)? I have 2 dr, so just need 2 good condition switches. PM me. Can you buy these at stealership with wires attached? If so, part number please. This may make a good xmas break project.

[franco90]

there is no need for one touch ..Just think putting an E36 switch on your E30 looks great and you know you show them off..................

[Mohammed_A]

But no 1-touch operation, eh? (that's my Canadian accent...)

Thats the only problem, no one touch

[Cha Ching]

They're awesome. I have them. Looks cool. Light up and oh do they feeeeel nice.

But no 1-touch operation, eh? (that's my Canadian accent...)

[Mohammed_A]

They're awesome. I have them. Looks cool. Light up and oh do they feeeeel nice.

im with you on that.... i think it gives the e30 interior a much better look and feel

[Nicademus]

I hate looking like the d-bag, but what is the benefit of running these switches? I'd really like to have a 1-touch mode for mine. What the hell were those engineers in Munich thinking?

They're awesome. I have them. Looks cool. Light up and oh do they feeeeel nice.

[Cha Ching]

I hate looking like the d-bag, but what is the benefit of running these switches? I'd really like to have a 1-touch mode for mine. What the hell were those engineers in Munich thinking?

[Mohammed_A]

thanks, he certainly has a talent

[Aerton]

George is an amazing guy, keep an eye on his products and be patient as he is now producing some great gauges, have a look.

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?p=1292437#post1292437

[Mohammed_A]

EID Mubarak Mohammed, nice work and thank you for reminding me that I need to do this. I will do it in preparation to George's one touch window switch module.

eid mubarak to u too.... what u mean about the one touch module? is he gonna make it work ?