Installing engine "START" button in E46 possible?
- Thread starter bmw4life
- Start date
BMWSILVER
Well-Known Member
Re: Installing engine "START" button in E46 possible?
Hi ! Brother.
It will be better if someone can think of how to re-wire the 2 button on the Steering Wheel. The R/T and Speaking button. I understand that if you car has installed car phone you can switch between Radio and Telephone and the Speaking button I think is the volume control.
But in Singapore who will install Car Phone? So far I never come across any E46 who make use of these 2 buttons.
If we can re-wire them to do other function will be swee swee. Example, to switch from Radio to Tape Deck to CD or Air-con circulation control or Aircon up down control etc..........
But it is easy to say then done
bmw4life said:Hi guys, i was wondering if it is possible to install an engine "Start" button in a E46? Has any one tried it? I thought it would be a cool mod!
Hi ! Brother.
It will be better if someone can think of how to re-wire the 2 button on the Steering Wheel. The R/T and Speaking button. I understand that if you car has installed car phone you can switch between Radio and Telephone and the Speaking button I think is the volume control.
But in Singapore who will install Car Phone? So far I never come across any E46 who make use of these 2 buttons.
If we can re-wire them to do other function will be swee swee. Example, to switch from Radio to Tape Deck to CD or Air-con circulation control or Aircon up down control etc..........
But it is easy to say then done
SEI
Well-Known Member
Re: Installing engine "START" button in E46 possible?
erm i make use of that button.... i have a carphone
BMWSILVER said:Hi ! Brother.
It will be better if someone can think of how to re-wire the 2 button on the Steering Wheel. The R/T and Speaking button. I understand that if you car has installed car phone you can switch between Radio and Telephone and the Speaking button I think is the volume control.
But in Singapore who will install Car Phone? So far I never come across any E46 who make use of these 2 buttons.
If we can re-wire them to do other function will be swee swee. Example, to switch from Radio to Tape Deck to CD or Air-con circulation control or Aircon up down control etc..........
But it is easy to say then done
erm i make use of that button.... i have a carphone
Azrielsc
Core Group Members
Re: Installing engine "START" button in E46 possible?
Hello! I too have been toying around with that idea for the longest time. This was quite "hip" in E46fanatics about 1.5-2yrs ago. At that time, the button that most would source for would be the S2000 or the Z8 buttons. As for now, i assume that u can use the E90 button.
Here's a DIY link that u can print out and try: http://members.shaw.ca/banana_bread/S2000DIY/s2000enginestartdiy.htm
Hello! I too have been toying around with that idea for the longest time. This was quite "hip" in E46fanatics about 1.5-2yrs ago. At that time, the button that most would source for would be the S2000 or the Z8 buttons. As for now, i assume that u can use the E90 button.
Here's a DIY link that u can print out and try: http://members.shaw.ca/banana_bread/S2000DIY/s2000enginestartdiy.htm
MapleLeaf
Users Awaiting Email Confirmation
Re: Installing engine "START" button in E46 possible?
If you change your HU to one that has infra-red remote control, you can install an interface that allows you to use all the buttons. Programmable somemore. Supposingly, anything that receives infra-red signal can be controlled.
See this link:
http://www.audiomotivegruppe.com/product.php?do=viewproduct&productid=15
If you change your HU to one that has infra-red remote control, you can install an interface that allows you to use all the buttons. Programmable somemore. Supposingly, anything that receives infra-red signal can be controlled.
See this link:
http://www.audiomotivegruppe.com/product.php?do=viewproduct&productid=15
yendor
Well-Known Member
Re: Installing engine "START" button in E46 possible?
Brudder Mapleleaf,
Need to point out a small difference, the interface that you showed my not work with the BMW system as all the buttons go through a multiplexing unit that sends the commads down just 2 cables (1 for signal, 1 for ground) The system send signals for the Vol control, Prog , R/T, Voice, Cruise, +, - and resume buttons. The horn, ABS and paddle shift use hard wiring through the steering column via a rotation sleeve.
The system that you mentioned connects to each button to signal the unit to send out a programed command. If i remember correctly, Alpine sells a steering control interpretor that connects between the existing harness behind the radio and their H/Us.
Cheers
Brudder Mapleleaf,
Need to point out a small difference, the interface that you showed my not work with the BMW system as all the buttons go through a multiplexing unit that sends the commads down just 2 cables (1 for signal, 1 for ground) The system send signals for the Vol control, Prog , R/T, Voice, Cruise, +, - and resume buttons. The horn, ABS and paddle shift use hard wiring through the steering column via a rotation sleeve.
The system that you mentioned connects to each button to signal the unit to send out a programed command. If i remember correctly, Alpine sells a steering control interpretor that connects between the existing harness behind the radio and their H/Us.
Cheers
Re: Installing engine "START" button in E46 possible?
Sounds like a good idea to have a "START" button for the car but would we still have to put in the key and turn slightly then push the "START" button?
If no need key then if the car is unlocked anyone can just go in and start up the car. Which could pose a security issue.
Sounds like a good idea to have a "START" button for the car but would we still have to put in the key and turn slightly then push the "START" button?
If no need key then if the car is unlocked anyone can just go in and start up the car. Which could pose a security issue.
MapleLeaf
Users Awaiting Email Confirmation
Re: Installing engine "START" button in E46 possible?
Yendor, thanks for the clarification. My info is only from the internet and email correspondence from fellow bimmers. Thank you for the clarification.
Apparently, what the interface do is to receive signal from the steering wheel buttons and then send out a pre-programmed signal to the HU. This way, it is a programmabe device (i.e. can be used for different brand HU). The Alpine interface (also from what I read in the forum), requires the HU to have a r/c input socket on the HU. I thought I also read in the pages that most of the HU that come to this part of the world do not have this input socket.
I actually ordered one (US$59) but has asked them to put the shipping on KIV because I had originally wanted to change to 2-Din HU. I am now going to the Carputer route. If anybody wants to take over the order, I can ask them to proceed with the shipping. I paid US$59.50 + $20 shipping. (Not a problem, they can reverse my Paypal if nobody wants).
Yendor, thanks for the clarification. My info is only from the internet and email correspondence from fellow bimmers. Thank you for the clarification.
Apparently, what the interface do is to receive signal from the steering wheel buttons and then send out a pre-programmed signal to the HU. This way, it is a programmabe device (i.e. can be used for different brand HU). The Alpine interface (also from what I read in the forum), requires the HU to have a r/c input socket on the HU. I thought I also read in the pages that most of the HU that come to this part of the world do not have this input socket.
I actually ordered one (US$59) but has asked them to put the shipping on KIV because I had originally wanted to change to 2-Din HU. I am now going to the Carputer route. If anybody wants to take over the order, I can ask them to proceed with the shipping. I paid US$59.50 + $20 shipping. (Not a problem, they can reverse my Paypal if nobody wants).
Re: Installing engine "START" button in E46 possible?
bmwsilver,
should be doable, i think i will be able to make a module (if time permits) that plugs into the harness and then receive the steering wheel control signal and close a relay or something. the relay then has to be connected somewhere to the starter or something (not familiar with the engine portion of the electrical system).
still its a hassle right? I mean turn the key + press button instead of turn key all the way to start the engine? just a thought.
cheers!
bmwsilver,
should be doable, i think i will be able to make a module (if time permits) that plugs into the harness and then receive the steering wheel control signal and close a relay or something. the relay then has to be connected somewhere to the starter or something (not familiar with the engine portion of the electrical system).
still its a hassle right? I mean turn the key + press button instead of turn key all the way to start the engine? just a thought.
cheers!
bmw4life
Well-Known Member
Re: Installing engine "START" button in E46 possible?
How does the START button in the E90 or any other car with the START button works? Do you still need to insert the key in, turn it to pos 1 and then press the START button?
I agree security is a concern. So prob key insertion is still required.
How does the START button in the E90 or any other car with the START button works? Do you still need to insert the key in, turn it to pos 1 and then press the START button?
I agree security is a concern. So prob key insertion is still required.
MapleLeaf
Users Awaiting Email Confirmation
Re: Installing engine "START" button in E46 possible?
I don't know about the E90 but for other cars like Nissan Latio and Merc, it is based on a proximity card. There is a radio-frequency card that you keep in your wallet. Only when the system in your car senses your card will it allow the start button to trigger.
I've seen such OEM proximity system in car accessory shops here but have no experience with anybody trying it - to verify reliability. If we can find a reliable proximity system, we can also implement door control.
I don't know about the E90 but for other cars like Nissan Latio and Merc, it is based on a proximity card. There is a radio-frequency card that you keep in your wallet. Only when the system in your car senses your card will it allow the start button to trigger.
I've seen such OEM proximity system in car accessory shops here but have no experience with anybody trying it - to verify reliability. If we can find a reliable proximity system, we can also implement door control.
MapleLeaf
Users Awaiting Email Confirmation
Re: Installing engine "START" button in E46 possible?
one more thing, without the key in the key-slot, your steering wheel is locked. Of course this can be permanently disable but would you want to do this. It's amounting to disabling another security feature.
If my previous car (E200), I have a remote control engine starter. I still have to slot the key in otherwise the gear-stick is locked.
A remote-control engine starter would be more meaningful because you can then start your engine from within you house, and by the time you reach you car (HDB house quite a distance away fro car park leh), your air-con would have cooled your car interior. Also very useful when you go out in the hot afternoon sun for lunch.
one more thing, without the key in the key-slot, your steering wheel is locked. Of course this can be permanently disable but would you want to do this. It's amounting to disabling another security feature.
If my previous car (E200), I have a remote control engine starter. I still have to slot the key in otherwise the gear-stick is locked.
A remote-control engine starter would be more meaningful because you can then start your engine from within you house, and by the time you reach you car (HDB house quite a distance away fro car park leh), your air-con would have cooled your car interior. Also very useful when you go out in the hot afternoon sun for lunch.
