How to fix my cruise control??? E30

[R1ckM]

I have a nice e30 89 325i, I noticed it has a cruise control lever integrated into the steering column. Also under the hood has the module running to the throttle body control.
I may be trying to engage it incorrectly while on the hwy but I've tried pushing the lever up, down, back, forward, inward, you name it. The cc just won't kick on.
I have never fixed cruise control on any car, and would like to know where to start.
Any comments and suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks

[Todd Black 88]

You need to push it forward, and hold it for a few seconds for it to kick in. It surprised me as well, as to how it activates.

[MoreMayhem]

Mine activates with just a push forward, no need to hold it.

One thing to check is that the cruise control switch on the clutch pedal is being engaged, if your car is standard transmission. When you want to try the cruise control, put your left toe on the underside of the clutch pedal and pull toward you a little, then press the cruise stalk while holding the pedal. If cruise engages, but shuts off when you stop holding the pedal, simply adjust the switch. When you are not driving the car, of course.

[R1ckM]

Ah, yeah, it is a manual. Will try all the above!

[R1ckM]

Still not working tried holding it until it kicked in, nothing. The is no switch/button/lever under the clutch pedal or gas pedal that I can noticed.
Idk, might just start pulling it apart and see what happens.

[JixE30]

I've had 3 e30's, each one I had to "double tap" forward to make it engage, hold forward to accel, then click down to disengage.

[nando]

it's double tap forward to activate.

[vpilarrt]

The clutch switch is not under the clutch pedal. Its up top of the clutch arm right next to the brake light switch.

[MoreMayhem]

Just checked how to engage cruise on my car, on two separate short drives. For my car it is definitely one single, momentary push forward to engage.
Maybe different model years had different setups.

[AndrewBird]

Clutch switch or brake switch are likely culprits. Even if your brake lights function correctly, a bad switch can cause it to not engage.

[R1ckM]

Clutch switch or brake switch are likely culprits. Even if your brake lights function correctly, a bad switch can cause it to not engage.

Yeah, possible. It has the check brake light on when I start it up but after the 1st time i tap the brake pedal it goes off. Always done it, all brake lights works tho. I see a lot of stuff going on around the upper clutch assembly and under the dash. I would need a diagram maybe to assist with things, or sit under it and look around long enough.
I've tap'd it every which way, I will try the 2x tap specifically but i don't feel it will work.

[Todd Black 88]

Yeah, possible. It has the check brake light on when I start it up but after the 1st time i tap the brake pedal it goes off. Always done it, all brake lights works tho. I see a lot of stuff going on around the upper clutch assembly and under the dash. I would need a diagram maybe to assist with things, or sit under it and look around long enough.
I've tap'd it every which way, I will try the 2x tap specifically but i don't feel it will work.

All e30's do that with the brakes, it's a check panel check every time you start.

[nando]

the brake light switch doesn't do anything to the cruise control. only the clutch switch does - and you don't actually need it. all it does is turn off CC when you push in the clutch, otherwise the CC will peg the redline.

[AndrewBird]

Hitting the brake should cancel the cruise control.

[nando]

right, I forgot about the extra switch there. I think the ix has something like 4 switches - two for the brakes, two for the clutch.. ugh. I only have the brake ones installed.