Definitive Cruise control Thread

[twinpop171]

Has anyone installed CC in their 318is?  Is it model specific?  There is an '87 325e in a local boneyard that has CC.  What all parts do you need to source?  I've never seen any write-ups on this and was just wondering if it's worth the effort to do.
Thanks, Dan.

Admin edit:
Check here for the details starting on page 3, post 53.
http://www.m42club.com/forums/showthread.php?p=6340&postcount=53

[Zoso]

As far as I can see, no 318i/is from the US came with cruise control.  The ETK reports no cruise option either.

I know one guy who has it but after asking him some questions, it appears a previous owner installed it.  As far as I can tell, the installation should be the same in our car for other cars.  I need to see how the actuator and all that is mounted.  The toughest part will be making a bracket for mounting the cable to the throttle.

I plan to do the retrofit on both of my cars.  If you want to beat me to this project, make a writeup

[twinpop171]

I plan to do the retrofit on both of my cars.  If you want to beat me to this project, make a writeup

But Mike, I rely on all of your write-ups lol.  
How about an e36/m42  CC option for a mounting bracket.  Would all of the actual CC parts be the same other than the mount on the 325e?  More research required.  I need a steering rack before I do anything else however.  
Dan.

[twinpop171]

This info from some of our members may be helpful.

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=60329&highlight=cruise+control+installation

[Zoso]

I was going to get cruise parts from a late model 325.  I'd get:

Bowden cable
actuator/servo
computer
stalk
wiring harness
clutch/brake switch

I think bmwman91 mentioned custom designing the throttle/cable connector

I really think this is a pretty do-able project.  I just don't have the time right now to repair work - nevermind upgrades!

[e9nine]

That's my car that has it. I have never bothered to try and use it and it's disconnected. Let me know and I'll be glad to help you with any questions as I have replaced them on my previous cars so the wiring part isn't too nasty. I had a spare set but no one ever bit when I put it up for sale on other forums so I gave it to the new owner of my eta.

I'd suggest to get the set up from a junk car along with the stalk, the lower column piece to accomdate it and the wiring. If you take a look at a junk car, you will actually see it's not too complicated. I'll compare the non cruise control equipped car as well to see if the harness is there as this would aid in making it plug and play.

--Our TB can accomodate the CC cable with the right hardware.
--The CC wiring into the cabin through the fire wall is a single cable
--Once in the cabin, it plugs into a harness that is connected to the pedals for cut off, power/signal to the actuator and stalk.
--I have my lower bolster off and i'll be doing a dash bulb swap sometime soon. I'll try take pics for you next time.

[twinpop171]

Thanks e9nine for the input.  So if I understand correctly, the '87 325e CC could be used for our cars except for the custom bracket.  Is that right?  

Zoso, you sound as if you've got the same amount of free time that I do....less than zero.

If these CC parts will work on my car I'll pick them up and save the install for a rainy day.
Dan.

[e9nine]

NP @ all Twinpop - I just did a quick dig around on realoem and the m3 and 325 e30 cars use the same actuator for the cruise set up. There however seems to be a slight variation for airbag cars with regards to the stalk.

I simply had an extra cruise unit that I gave away, I never really delved into comparison.

Actuator source cars: http://www.realoem.com/bmw/partxref.do?part=65711373681&showus=on

part # 65711373681

You will notice the simpicity of the whole set up, hopefully your donor car has all you need.

[Zoso]

cgregory (not sure if he registered here yet) also has cruise in his 318is.  He thought it came like that from the factory but I think we figured out that someone retrofitted it.

With regards to the stalk for airbag/non airbag cars, the only difference is the geometry of the stalk.  If I recall correctly, the stalks for the non-airbag equipped cars are bent back a bit compared to ours.  Our huge steering wheels require the stalk to be bent forward so we can reach the stalk.  The turn stalk/OBC requires the same things.

I actually already purchased my stalk and I got the older one because I'm putting the M-Tech II steering wheel on (eventually) and that one requires the  normal (non bent forward) stalk.


.. I wish the local junkyard didn't gut all their cars because I'd love to see how the cruise is installed in a car.

[twinpop171]

Thanks for all the input guys.  This site is getting more f*****g awesome everyday!!
Dan.

[twinpop171]

.. I wish the local junkyard didn't gut all their cars because I'd love to see how the cruise is installed in a car.

I'll try to remember my camera when I harvest the CC at the boneyard.  I guess it would make for a good reference when retrofitting and also for a write-up.  Who knows Zoso, I just might do a write-up yet.
Dan.

[Zoso]

I'll try to remember my camera when I harvest the CC at the boneyard.  I guess it would make for a good reference when retrofitting and also for a write-up.  Who knows Zoso, I just might do a write-up yet.
Dan.

eggcellent

My plan is working perfectly!

[jakeb]

anyone else have any info about cruise in a 318is?

jake

[jonboy318is]

i swear to god that mine came from the factory with cruise, all previous owners were women , and i just cant see them installing it.

 it has the factory bracket on the left fender, and the control stalk on the steering column.....
 prehaps it was a dealer installed item...... Tom Bush BMW rocks!

[jakeb]

and it works?  i am in the process of sourcing the parts frm a 325..

I just picked up my 318is today