e36 options?

[NiceCupOfTea]

Hi folks,

It seems there was no real standard spec for e36s - I was just wondering how easy it is to fit some of the options if you get them on ebay? I see that the full OBC is plug and play, but how about things like heated mirrors, heated washer jets, headlamp washers, cruise, heated seats, etc.?

Is the wiring all there and just a case of buying the bits?

[TheEnd]

NiceCupOfTea said:

Hi folks,

It seems there was no real standard spec for e36s - I was just wondering how easy it is to fit some of the options if you get them on ebay? I see that the full OBC is plug and play, but how about things like heated mirrors, heated washer jets, headlamp washers, cruise, heated seats, etc.?

Is the wiring all there and just a case of buying the bits?

some stuff is easy, some is pretty hard.

Cruise control can be retrofitted, and there was kits on ebay turning up a few years ago.

Heated mirrors are simple, they use the existing wires and are always on.
heated washer jets need a temp sensor in a brake duct. The 18 button OBC can be retrofitted, but it needs a few plugs and I'm not certain it works fully if the car didn't have check control on it originally.

[NiceCupOfTea]

Sorry, what's check control?

[TheEnd]

Check control is the bulb out warning.
It uses a different loom, with some extra sensors and wires such as coolant level, external temp and different rear lights so it can spot if one of the tail lights goes out.

[NiceCupOfTea]

Maybe a silly question, but how can I tell if the car's got it? Presumably either version of the OBC needs it so if I buy a car with an OBC I'm OK?

[TheEnd]

There's a few different dash bits.
The basic one is an analogue clock, next step up is a digital clock and outside temp (about 4 buttons on it)

Above that is check control which is 7 buttons, an 8 button version which is check control + outside temp, and the top is the 18 button OBC which is check control plus all the other stuff like MPGs

You can retrofit the 18 button full OBC to any E36, but it's a lot easier if it already has the check control, and it'll then tell you if a bulb is out, or more commonly, put warnings up to check coolant from a dodgy level sensor.

[NiceCupOfTea]

Brill, so anything with 7 buttons and up has check control. Thanks!

ETA: is there any way of getting the full list of factory options? Like Porsches with the codes on a sticker? I know you can ring a dealer with the VIN and they will give you the codes for a price, just wondering if there was an easier way!

[TheEnd]

You can pull up the rear seat, and you'll usually find a build sheet stapled underneath.

[GreatGranny]

Mines a late 318is, 1999 on a T reg. and has full leather, climate and 6 CD changer in the boot.

I would have thought it would have the 7 button one but its only got the analogue clock. Pity because the full 18 button looks heaps better.

Getting ahead of myself though as there's a leak on the climate, the ABS doesn't work and it needs an inspection, oh and the remote has given up this week.