<E30> re: OBC install and related questions

[Christopher Pawlowicz <chrisp@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Jason sez
>Looking for some digest wisdom before undertaking this project.  I happened
>across an OBC while scouting in a junkyard this weekend.  Before I try to
>install this into my car, I want to make sure I have all the relevant
>parts.  I removed three things:  (1) OBC unit, (2) wiring harness that runs
>from OBC to instrument cluster and down to little black box, and (3) little
>black box mounted under dash behind silver box.  (By the way, what is that
>silver box on the driver's side?)  Am I missing anything?
>

putting in the OBC is actually pretty straightforward.. and is a really neat
toy!

parts wise:

OBC unit itself - the clock/time/temp base unit you are removing from
your car is a lot smaller than the OBC.. there is a plate around it that
needs to be removed as well.. which means pulling the radio out and removing
the right side panel for access - no big deal

wiring - I've heard that the wiring *is* there but probably hidden, taped
up etc on all cars... on mine I just used the new harness that came with
the OBC and ran it parallel to the old one (easy)

the plugs are actually pretty easy to figure out.. plug and play!

at the OBC end there is an extra wire that does not connect to anything.

at the instrument cluster it is a big plastic yellow plug (?) that again
 only plugs into one place and replaces the existing plug

at that end of the harness a section also goes down to the chime
 (plastic box attached to panel with speaker that makes noise when door
  open/key in ignition etc) - this is for speed reminder and freezing
  temperature warning

another section goes off to the temperature sensor - (2 wire plug?) mounted
on the firewall

another section :) would go to the turn signal switch (don't need this one)
 - if you get the turn signal switch from an OBC car it has a button on the
 end of it - this will cycle through OBC functions when you press it

another section goes to the 'relay box' which then goes to a horn in the
engine compartment.. (you don't need this either).. this is for when setting
the 'code' feature it will kill ignition and sound horn (like an alarm)
I did not bother with it

ALSO: you gotta make sure the coding plug is correct -

check out my miniFAQ at
ftp://ftp.doe.carleton.ca/pub/chrisp/bmw/e30.obc.txt


hope this helps

chris pawlowicz
'89 325i
'74 2002

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