Author Topic: Active check panel vs. plain m42 panel (Read 4186 times)

Sam Cogley · « **on:** June 19, 2008, 02:23:27 PM »

Is it possible to retrofit the full check panel to a 318? What would be involved? I tried searching for information, but couldn't find much.

BMWManiac · « **Reply #1 on:** June 24, 2008, 08:29:35 PM »

I'm in the same boat....I have just a panel and when I plugged it in, it would flash "SRS." I bought a check panel on ebay and hopefully, it plugs right into the same connector....I'll let you know!

ak96ss · « **Reply #2 on:** June 24, 2008, 10:38:58 PM »

You can fit the panel, but to get it to actually function is a fair amount of work - we don't have much of the wiring that supports the full-blown check panel. Check relays, etc., are not present in our cars.

nomad · « **Reply #3 on:** June 28, 2008, 07:49:45 PM »

I don't feel like doing the wiring work on mine.
If I don't sell my SRS check panel I was going to use I'll just put it in the M42 to make the upper panel "look more interesting'. It always looks like something is supposed to be there...

BMWManiac · « **Reply #4 on:** June 29, 2008, 01:03:40 PM »

Is there a light fixture that can go in its place if the check computer doesn't work there?

gearheadE30 · « **Reply #5 on:** July 06, 2008, 09:17:21 PM »

I took one out of a silverado. Others have done VW dome lights, I believe. Just run a set of wires above the headliner to one of the stock lights. Mine's even got maplights

. The interior subforum has a few more pics. These maplights are even aimed right at the driver/passenger's lap. Pretty good for $5.

BMWManiac · « **Reply #6 on:** July 07, 2008, 09:12:44 AM »

I just got my check panel and the connector is different....anybody want a check panel?

Cobra Jet · « **Reply #7 on:** July 08, 2008, 10:24:15 AM »

What harnesses or wiring would be needed to actually retrofit the fully functional E30 325 check panel into a 318? is it really that hard or complicated to do - even if having to make your own wiring? I often wonder why BMW did not include a full function check panel in the 318's...

Does anyone have a wiring schematic of the 325 check panel to see the wire layouts as to how it operates?

nomad · « **Reply #8 on:** July 08, 2008, 01:17:23 PM »

I have an SRS version of the check panel. Since our 318is has the seatbelt and srs lights standard (there are lights for "airbag" and "overheat" included but not hooked up) I think it can work.

If I don;t sell it then I'll probably take the circuit board out of the 318 one and put it in a gutted check panel. I can solder small wires to the other srs and seatbelt light locations so that they'll light up just like the original.

Certainly all of the lights won't necessarily work but I wonder if you could jump a 12v and a ground to it so that at the minimum the lights could work when you tap the check button?