E30 M3 - On-Board Computer?

[davpkav]

Dear all, I have a 1990, E30 M3, which is amazing, everything works, except for the on-board computer.

I have had a look through many of the threads and have not come across this one, so forgive me if have missed it or have not looked back far enough.

Does anyone know where I can get the code (I am presuming that is the problem) for my on-board computer? I have asked at Fritz Bitz, FAB, Quarry Motors (local specialist) and even.....(drum roll) the Main Dealer (flash of lightening and sound of thunder) and still not joy, (they just gave me a website in Germany which didn't work).

The computer comes on when I turn the ignition and simply says 'temp -300' (or something very similar). I can press other buttons that come up with various blank lines. When I press 'Code' I can change the figures using the bottom buttons etc.

I have looked on www.realoem.com (thanks Fritz Bitz) and looked at the parts (see link below). It gives a computer part that is available in many languages and gives the code bit as well but no prices.

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=1005...

I thought I might be able to give the chassis no. to the main dealer and they would be able to find the code from that, or they could get in touch with the BMW in Germany and get it that way, however, they say no!

So just to recap then...Can I get the code? Or do I need a new on-board computer? Or is there another fix? Or am I being too anal in wanting everything to work as it should?

Thank you in advance.


David

[belleair302]

Speak to Phil Crouch at CPC in Marlow Bucks, or drop a line to somebody like Bexley Motor Works or Mosely Motor sports or Chris Warburton near Stoke on Trent.

[davpkav]

Thank you,

I Googled CPC, couldn't find anything that made sense, however, Bexley Motor Works and Mosely Motor Sports look just the ticket, I will contact them tomorrow (03/04). Looking at their websites has inspired me to make the trip down to Silverstone this weekend (05/04) to see them racing.

Thanks once again.


Regards

David

[belleair302]

Phil crouch does not advertise much, he is currently based in Marlow, but will be moving to Park Royal NW London in a few weeks time. His number is Mobile [phone]. He is one of the most respected independents in the UK.

[E30M3SE]

The code on the OBC is a very primative immobiliser that if switched one will stop the car from starting until the correct code has been entered, but this is very easily overridden.

If the OBC reads - 300 and the internal chime sound everytime the ignition is turned on it usually means there is problem with the external temperature sensor, which is located in front bumper below drivers side/ Near side, fog light or brake air intake.
This may be the sensor failed or a wiring problem, sensors are about £15 - £20. Believe there is/ was one for sale here.

http://www.partsauction.co.uk/ (no connection)

Otherwise I think your OBC just needs setting up.... do you have an owners manual as this contains full instructions of how to set one up, if not I may have somewhere the instructions on file that I can dig out for you.


Edit:

Here's a download for the Owners Manual, does not cover M3, but the OBC's are the same.

http://jon.bimmerfest.com/bulletins/e30_manual.pdf

Edited by E30M3SE on Thursday 3rd April 13:25

[evosport]

Have you tried s14.net and e30zone.net. MIght be of help.

Evosport

[derin100]

Check the outside temperature sensor to see if it is loose, disconnected or faulty in some other way.

When I had E30 M3...after it came back from having been resprayed the probe was both disconnected or was loose (as they'd taken the front bumper off during the repaint)...then once re-connected it came out with that ridiculously low temp reading which is its default reading. At the sametime this meant none of the other OBC functions worked correctly.

I discovered the end of the probe had paint over the end of it. Cleaning it and fiddling with the wires brought it back.

Sensor is located low on the passenger side behind the bumper...you'll see the end poking out through the front of the bumper near the fog lamp. You should also be able to reach up under and behind the bumper to get to the wires.

Edited by derin100 on Thursday 3rd April 17:46

[davpkav]

Thank you for all your replies and thanks E30M3SE, I bought the Outside Temperature Sensor from the auction site. I am sure that will solve the problem.

Regards

David