Author Topic: Check computer panel (Read 4271 times)

CoolBlue · « **on:** February 11, 2008, 08:32:18 AM »

Anybody knows if the check computer panel is standard in the E30 318is? I would like to put one in my car, but I ignore if it's standard and if I can buy one from another E30 and make the connections it needs. I might need something extra besides the panel itself.

Vladi · « **Reply #1 on:** February 11, 2008, 11:13:17 AM »

Checkcontrol has been available only on 6 cylinders. Besides the unit and harness you'll need the relay module for the rear lights and windshield washer tank with sensor. The oil level warning will never work because the M20's have a level sensor in the oil pan. The coolant warning can work with an E36 radiator and level sensor.

CoolBlue · « **Reply #2 on:** February 11, 2008, 12:45:40 PM »

Duh, so we're all out of luck with this thing...

DaveM-sport · « **Reply #3 on:** February 25, 2008, 10:01:25 AM »

Quote

Checkcontrol has been available only on 6 cylinders

Wasn't just 6 pots that had the Check control.
M3s had it too;)

It's not impossible really, just a nice bit of work.
The washer bottle is an easy job,
Coolant level is easy enough too if you used an E36 rad,
Brake lights will require the associated wiring as mentioned.

Oil level could be made work too if you got an old M42 sump(In case you fuck it up)

Then put in an M20 oil sensor in to it by drillling out a hole for it and welding a threaded piece in to seal it again around the sensor.

RED IS 91 · « **Reply #4 on:** February 25, 2008, 04:29:52 PM »

This may help you.

http://forums.roadfly.com/forums/bmw/bmw-3-series-e30/1719312-1.html

Cobra Jet · « **Reply #5 on:** February 25, 2008, 06:29:56 PM »

Quote from: RED IS 91;43556

This may help you.

http://forums.roadfly.com/forums/bmw/bmw-3-series-e30/1719312-1.html

Good link, however, that is for retrofitting the 13 button OBC...

The item the OP is referring to is commonly called the "check control panel", which in the E30 325's, it is mounted above the rearview mirror. It has a button which you depress and it "checks" most of the major things like lights, airbag, (some have an O2 check), seatbelts, front & rear lights, low coolant, etc etc etc... If one of those listed components is "out" or has failed the check control, a red LED will remain lit to notify the driver/owner that particular item is in need of attention.

You can get them on eBay, as they are always out there:

Most common unit: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Check-Control-Panel-e30-BMW-325i-325e-325ix-325is_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1638Q2em118Q2el1247QQcategoryZ33598QQihZ012QQitemZ220173033103QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWD1V

The one with the O2 sensor check: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/BMW-318-318i-325i-M3-12V-Check-Control_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1638Q2em118Q2el1247QQcategoryZ33545QQihZ021QQitemZ310023619743QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWD1V

My question with regards to this topic is this - does the harness exist in the windshield frame in a 318 for a check control install? I'm not referring to the individual harnesses that have been previously mentioned, but more so the "main" harness - because the 318 & 325 bodies/chassis were pretty much similar whether a coupe, 4 door or convertible and I would imagine that BMW used common harnesses throughout during the assembly process to save on R&R costs. Of course if the car were optioned out, I could see certain piggy back or "tree" harnesses not being included with the build.

It would be a great add on for the 318's for sure, but so far, it seems that no one has attempted or completed this swap (at least if they have, I have not seen any write ups yet on this forum).