Can I add cruise control?

[clex2]

Steven,

Here is the pdf for the cruise control.

http://bimmerboard.com/members/clex2...%20Control.pdf

[L84THSKY]

What's the odds of finding a wrecked 318ti with OBC!

Probably end up buying all new, if I do it.

Originally Posted by clex2

You could probabaly get the stalk and OBC off a wrecked ti, but the kit and cable I would get new.

[1996 328ti]

Originally Posted by clex2

Steven,

Here is the pdf for the cruise control.

Thanks. I had a friend pdf me a copy too.
Sounds like a big job. Parts are probably around $475.00

[L84THSKY]

I'm considering retrofitting cruise control. It seems I can get the control box, and the motor actuator on Ebay. Both for under $100.00 used. Add on a cable and a few brackets, and the total is probably under $200.00. That is for the stock cruise control system. The add on upgraded system looks much simplier on the REALOEM website.

The question is, is it worth buying the upgrade for $500.00, or piece the system together? Will adding cruise control be easier if I buy the complete retrofit, or is buying all the stock parts just as easy?

Originally Posted by clex2

There is a factory retrofit kit for the 318ti, BMW part# 65.71.1.469.707. It lists for $593. I would give Pacific BMW a call, ask for Jared in the mail order department. They give a good discount to CCA members. I'm estimating they would sell it for $400. Worth it? I guess it depends on what type of driving you do.

[itzyoubob]

I'm going to go with the audiovox system at around $100 and add a used stock cc switch. I will wire from the cc switch harness to the cc brainbox. The ccs100 is fully programmable and customizeable to a given switch. It also comes with a small switch set that looks "aftermarkety" but doesn't take up much visual space. I was told this is the easiest and most reliable kit to use.

[96cali]

do you have a pic of the audiovox system or a link?

[itzyoubob]

Search eBay; froogle; yahoo... Search audiovox criuse on Google for product info. My main issue is the rewiring to the stock BMW steering column mounted control stalk. I don't expect to have time for this install until sometime this winter after my upcoming move to Raleigh/Durham.

[racepad]

BMWs come with pretty specific wrining harnesses and they are generally not modular. CC is one of the exceptions, OBC is not. While you can buy a used display unit you will find that the car is not wired for one. Lots of folks on the various E36 digests have gone down this path of getting an OBC only to find that there is no wiring to support it.

[itzyoubob]

I was referring only to the cc install. I'd eave the computer installations to the factory...

[clex2]

racepad,

just to clarify, you are right about the wiring not being there on non-OBC cars, BUT, you can retrofit the OBC and wiring harness on the 318ti. I have done it, but I can't comment on other e36 models although many people do upgrade from the 11 button to the 18 OBC in the sedans and coupes.

[robcarync]

raleigh durham...nice place....hope you like it! im at school in raleigh at NC State right now

[John Firestone]

Originally Posted by clex2

I have done it, but I can't comment on other e36 models although many people do upgrade from the 11 button to the 18 OBC in the sedans and coupes.

Only the latter, 18-button unit is an OBC.

A traditional body E36 OBC is not that hard to retrofit. You need to add a connector, move two wires, add 5-6 wires and change the turn stalk if you want to control it that way. It's an easy weekend project if you can use solder and heat shrink, plus perhaps 10 minutes at a BMW dealer coding the OBC to match the car, if the OBC is new or came out of a significantly different car.