Starter button mod...

[wolferj-RIP]

I always wanted to do this mod. So I ordered a new 1-series starter button from BMW so it would look OEM. Cost around $50.



However when I got the button and disassembled it, I discovered it is quite different than I anticipated... Uses microcircuitry and microamps to both start and stop the ignition... No actual electrical contacts... Just a magnet that passes over sensors when the button is pressed. This is far too complex to attempt to integrate into an e36's ignition wiring...



So I took out the circuitry and integrated a contact plate and wired the plate and magnet on opposite sides of the circuit...





(side note... The Z8 starter button does not have the complex circuitry of the newer buttons and would not require this modification. However I could not return the 1-series button and the Z8 button now costs over $150. So rather than throw it away and drop 3 times the money on one I didn't like as much, I decided to experiment until I succeeded in making it work.)



Then I chose my final mounting location for the button on the front of the center console and drilled the mounting hole.



Here it is being test fit;

[wolferj-RIP]

Remove the lower dash panels from the driver's side, including the knee protection bolster;



Locate the wire harness that is clipped to the underside of the steering column. The black section of the harness contains the ignition wires. Locate the large green wire and the yellow/black wire.



The green wire is the ignition power wire and the yellow/black is the line to the starter. Tap a line into each of these to run to your relay.



Here is a diagram of how to wire your relay. You will need a 12V/30A relay for this part.


(side note... this diagram has the line to the starter cut, which would eliminate the key starter function completely. I chose to tap the line, not cut it, so I could still use the key to start the car, as well as the button... It's your choice.)

Here is a picture of the completed relay wiring;



Now I chose to run my ground for this to the e-brake circuit;



The reason for this is that the start button will only function is when the e-brake handle is up. Makes for a nice safety feature.

[wolferj-RIP]

This was my original mounting location, but I changed my mind...



and put it here instead... The finished product...



I have always done the same routine when I start a manual shift car... Put the key in the ignition, press in the clutch, put the shifter in neutral, check the brake, then start the car. Not only is the button in the perfect spot for my routine, I like it better in this location as opposed to on the dash... Other people have removed the cig lighter and installed the button there, but I use mine for lighting smokes and for AC power...

Hope you like it and have fun with your own mods!

[tiFreak]

was it necessary to remove the steering wheel? I just noticed it's off in the second to last pic

[wolferj-RIP]

No, it's not necessary to remove the wheel, I had that off for another project at the same time...

[watchd0g]

this is an old post but I wanted to ask if this is what I have to do with a E70-71 Start/Stop button. A friend of mine gave it to me cause he wrecked his X5..

[wolferj-RIP]

Yes, I believe the button modification would be necessary for that style as well.

[pdxmotorhead]

There is no way that location would work for me, my wife drinks coffee and that spot always is getting coffee sloshed on it...

Dave

[spykejones]

That looks really good in that location. I was looking into doing this too but I thought that the wiring would be a pain. Nice job on the install.

[kris318ti]

Does the key have to be in the ignition so that it works?

[wolferj-RIP]

Yes, the relay will not activate unless the key is in the ignition and turned to position 2... No worries about someone being able to start the car w/o the key this way...

[kris318ti]

Oh okay hmmm seems like a fun project I might do in 2 weeks. How long did it take you to do this?

[wolferj-RIP]

Took me a day or two of tinkering to get the switch customized. The install part took less than a couple of hours.

[kris318ti]

you still need to press down on the clutch right?

[wolferj-RIP]

the 95 model year ti's do not have the clutch switch, so no, I do not. But if your car requires the clutch to be depressed, than this does not override it and you will still need to press in the clutch to start it.