bare bones wiring help

[Andrew L]

So I’ve looked at a bunch of wiring threads but I still haven’t found a solution. I recently bought a 318is and it’s got quite a few wiring issues. First, the whole center console/hvac panel/OBC is pulled out. Also, the left half of the dash cluster is out (fuel gauge and speedo). Finally, there are already a bunch of cut wires and aftermarket wires installed that lead nowhere. Instead of finding replacement parts I want to strip the whole hvac unit and all unnecessary electronics along with wires. Basically all I want is the instrument cluster, lights and window switches. I’m sure people have done this before, but has anyone documented it or made a DIY? Or should I just read the wiring diagram and start cutting wires? (I’m 18 with no automotive electrical experience, but I do understand wiring diagrams and I know how circuits work. I just don’t want to fuck up a good, running car by cutting too many wires). thanks for the help!

Here's what I'm working with




And this is what I want

[TobyB]

It's not easy. Took me a coupla weeks to make that transition.

http://www.wedophones.com/BMWManualsLead.htm

Yup, you get to figure it out for yourself, because everyone wants a different
level of simplicity. My version was a racecar with as compact a "standard"
harness as I could make, reusing as many stock wires as I could.

The hard part is that you have to learn to read the ETM. But once you do, your
electrical system will never strand you again. And you'll have a very
reliable car that you can troubleshoot in your sleep.

Several subsystems (power windows, mirrors, locks, stereo) strip off complete.

Then you have to decide if it's worth opening the main harnesses- I opened the
body harness, made changes, additions, and deletions, then wrapped it in friction
tape- but left the engine harness alone, as it made sense at the time, and is now a
rules requirement.

fwiw.

t