Cruise Control Retrofit

Had same issue as you after installing all the parts, adjusted the clutch and brake switch position to no avail. In the end opened up the control box (large aluminium box) that is adjacent to the glove box and found the circuit board was burnt out. Purchased new box and hey presto works a dream! Worth a look, just bent the tabs and slide the board out.
 
@cn55 Thanks will take a look at that before buying a new brake light switch
 
I am thinking of fitting cruise control to mine. It is a late 2001 2.2i Auto. Am I right in thinking this is fairly easy. Is it ‘fly by wire’?

Yes, your 2.2 is fly by wire and its an easy Cruise control retrofit. All you need is a controller and cruise control column switch. There are various DIY's on this forum, do a search to find them.
 
@cn55 checked the board this evening. Really easy job, only took 5 minutes to remove everything, fortunately or unfortunately the board looks absolutely fine.
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My airbag light was also on as I have a tendency to put the radio on when removing the seats from my car, didn't think that would cause any issues but I've reset the light anyway, tested it after resetting the light and it still doesn't work.

Next task will be to replace the brake light switch followed by the actuator. I do want to paint the rusty bracket that the existing switch sits in though so it maybe a task for this weekend.
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In other news I've also discovered an issue with my heated seats, the passenger seat which I've not yet had to repair only works intermittently, other times when I press the switch the light comes on for a few seconds and then turns off. Another job on my never ending to-do list. I think I'll fit the after market heaters to the passenger seat when I do have it out. :thumbsup:
 
New switch went in today but still no joy. Becoming quite an expensive venture now :whistle:

Can anyone confirm that the cable I've got going into the clutch switch is the correct one?

Thanks.
 
What's interesting is that I was looking at the connector for the clutch switch on an E36 via the internet and found that the colours of the wires are different... yet the colours for the brake light wires correspond perfectly.
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It may well be the loom in the zed is different but I'm desperately looking for any flaws in the installation now

Beside from replacing each of the components, one at a time I don't really have many options.

Would BMW INPA pick up on any of this and perhaps tell me where the fault is?
 
Does an Ohm meter show that the clutch switch is operating correctly when you press the clutch peddle?
 
Yes. Voltage shows as 12v and then drops down to 0 depending on whether or not the pedal is pressed.
 
Been comparing cruise control wiring diagrams for the various years. 1999 diagrams have the reversing lights switch included. The others do not. Seems that you can use cruise control in reverse unless your car is built to the 1999 spec.

I suggest that you get the wiring diagram for your year of car, make sure that you are looking at the Z3 pages and not the Z3M pages, and start tracing wiring with your multi-meter to ensure that you are getting the correct signals going into the system. It will be harder to test the out puts, as the car will need to be moving.
 
The fly by wire cars are so simple to add CC compared to the older models such as our 97's @Faheem. I'm so glad you are going at this with such vigor and will use this as a resource next spring as I think I have nearly all the items required now but winter has already blown its way in over here and my granddaughter Trinity has already had two snow days where the schools are shut down due to weather or driving conditions in the past week. Good luck and keep up the good work young man, you inspire me! JIM
 
Thanks Jim! Much appreciated.

I have some good news. After hours of research and frustration trying to figure out why the cruise control wasn't working. It was down to my own idiocy unfortunately. It turns out that i hadn't physically secured the bowden cable into the cruise control motor.

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I didn't realise there was a physical cable in that plug and was under the impression for some reason that the motor used an electric signal to pull the bowden cable.

For a better understanding of what my problem was here is the YouTube that i watched before realising my issue. Watch from 2:25
View: https://youtu.be/tTvmp_gYtXc


More than happy to do a full write up if any of you would find it useful? :thumbsup:

P.S Many thanks @Murray Wall for your help with all of this.
 
Glad you managed to get it all sorted. Been following with interest. :thumbsup:

Just need to find the connector plug in my engine bay and I’ll then start getting the bits for my Silver Zed. Might need some advice ;)
 
Excellent news @Faheem, really pleased for you :thumbsup:.
Once again your patience and perseverance has paid off.
 
Well dome mate, I have been checking the thread and quietly rooting for you
 
Well done kid!! A write up would certainly be an advantage as far as I'm concerned or fly over and watch over my shoulder or apply your expertise if you so choose!! Would be glad to host you anytime!! JIM
 
Well done Faheem. I admire your tenacity mate :thumbsup:

Tony.
 
Congratulations on your success just shows that when you stick with it you'll win out in in end.:thumbsup:
A nice mod successfully completed :scorecard:
 
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