Author Topic: WTB: Cruise control parts (Read 3711 times)

alanhigh · « **on:** February 04, 2012, 02:56:55 PM »

I have a '91 318i with an airbag, and I'm trying to find cruise control parts, or even just the part #'s I need to swap it in.

DesktopDave · « **Reply #1 on:** February 04, 2012, 04:17:23 PM »

That's a tough one. I'm not sure which BMWs shared the same stalks and had an airbag. The airbag stalk is slightly longer (closer to the driver) to maintain the proper distance from the deeper airbag wheel. There were unfortunately not many airbag e30's produced.

Perhaps later model convertibles? I have seen similar controls on later 88-89 653CSi's though.

Alternatively, you can delete the airbag & use the wheel/stalks/spacers from a non-airbag car. That's what I did. Just make sure you grab the spacer and that it's a fine-spline wheel.

As far as the parts you'll need:
e30 parts:
Cruise wiring harness
Cruise control computer & screws (above the glove compartment)
Cruise stalk & retaining screw
Cruise actuator
Clutch disable switch & bracket
Gauge cluster green plug (digital speed output)
e36 cruise cable
e36 actuator bracket

alanhigh · « **Reply #2 on:** February 04, 2012, 08:23:01 PM »

Thanks for the info, I believe I have an airbag cruise control stalk from when I put the Mtech2 wheel on my 325is.

monko141 · « **Reply #3 on:** February 05, 2012, 08:38:11 AM »

Nice comprehensive list Dave. I just want to add that the CC harness and stalk need to match. Earlier versions had four functions and later versions had five functions making the connection under the steering wheel different. I believe 1986 was the transition year. One other thing is the actuator cable for the throttle body needs to come from a 93' or 94' 318 e36.

DesktopDave · « **Reply #4 on:** February 05, 2012, 10:28:58 AM »

Quote from: monko141;110006

Nice comprehensive list Dave. I just want to add that the CC harness and stalk need to match. Earlier versions had four functions and later versions had five functions making the connection under the steering wheel different. I believe 1986 was the transition year. One other thing is the actuator cable for the throttle body needs to come from a 93' or 94' 318 e36.

Good info there, I never knew why one of my sets has a larger connector at the end. I wonder if the cruise computer has to match as well? That date is also very close to the coarse spline/fine spline wheel changeover.

From what I've discovered, that VDO harness, cruise computer and actuator are shared between a lot of BMW models. My '89 e34 had the same setup, as does the facelifted E24/2, e28 and (I'll bet) the mid-80s 7-series. The later e34/e36/e38 controller and actuator use a digital signal over iBus and cannot be used. The later cable is required because the throttle plate linkage is different between the early M10/20/30 motors and the M42/M50/etc. The earlier motors have the cable adjuster nut after the plate - the later ones in front. The little plastic retainer remains the same, however.