91 318is OBC Swap

[bebes2k]

Hi there,

This is my first post considering I just bought my first e30. I love the car, but would like to change out the stock 6 button OBC for the 13 button OBC.

What parts do I need?

I figured I need the computer, harness, and a controller of some sort. Is it plug and play? Basically, if I unplug my stock controller, with the 13 button controller plug in or are more sensors needed throughout the car?

Thanks in advance, Bill.
91 918is

[Fuggly Stick]

There is an article on this in the tech section.

http://www.r3vlimited.com/Tech/OBC.htm

[bebes2k]

Perfect!

AWESOME!!!

I thought I searched enough, but apparently not!

Thanks, that essentially answers ALL my questions.

[Court M3]

Welcome!! Show some pics of your car :)

[Jand3rson]

I thought a 13 button OBC wouldn't work on a 318i.

[TIATO]

bebes2k,

From one 318is owner to another...Welcome!

[bimmerphile]

I thought a 13 button OBC wouldn't work on a 318i.

None of the functionality will, such as mpg, range, etc.

[Spencer]

So 91 318is cars only came with the 6 button unit? I thought all "is" cars had the full OBC?

Spencer

[bebes2k]

No 13 button OBC for 318is' eh? Ya, I'm Canadian, what can I say...

Well, that answered my question about where I can find a 13 button OBC that would work.

Looks like I'll have to get an analog clock from Europe, I think those look retro in the dash.

Pics will be posted as soon as my digital camera is charged.

[Fred]

You could use a coding plug from an M3. Won't exactly be 100% accurate, but these things are never that precise anyway.

[bebes2k]

I don't need the dash display from an M3, just the computer box and harness right?

[Fred]

Yup. But you'll need another horn, the black box with relays, and some additional brackets if you want the CODE feature to work (most of us don't, so I omitted it).

You can actually use any OBC you want (325es, 325is, M3, 528e, 535is, 635CSi, etc) so long as the white coding plug in the back corresponds to your car. The coding plug is about $55 from the local BMW dealer, so if you find an OBC for another car someplace for cheap you could always just buy another plug for it.

Fred

[uberpanzer]

Fred I think I'm going to have to pic your brain about this at some point. I've got a 13 button OBC from another M42 guy that was going to try the swap, but sold his car before he could do it. I'm going to do it to my 318iS, but wasn't really sure if everything was going to work. I'm in no rush though, since I've got an e21 that needs to get track ready.....unless of course you COVER the 318/M42 issues on your site....haven't checked lately.....