How To Guide M54 Cruise Control - Retrofit

Brian4

Zorg Guru (IV)
British Zeds
East Anglian Crew
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Dec 23, 2011
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Near Grantham
Model of Z
Z3 3.0i Auto
The OBD connector under the dash in Z3's will only access the engine codes, but the 20 pin round connector under the bonnet is used to access the cars computer.
I have the INPA bmw specific software which reads all the modules. I tried it recently and the cruise control module is listed on the menu but will not read it. I don't know if the DIS software will access it as I haven't tried it yet.

Some searching on Google come up with a consensus that there is no lights for the cruise control on z3.

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=467039
 

Iron Rider

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Jun 1, 2015
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The OBD connector under the dash in Z3's will only access the engine codes, but the 20 pin round connector under the bonnet is used to access the cars computer.
I have the INPA bmw specific software which reads all the modules. I tried it recently and the cruise control module is listed on the menu but will not read it. I don't know if the DIS software will access it as I haven't tried it yet.

Some searching on Google come up with a consensus that there is no lights for the cruise control on z3.

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=467039
Interesting, The instrument cluster definitely has the cruise control symbol with a lamp hole in the circuit board like all the other warning lights etc. Maybe this instrument cluster is used in other BMW models?
 

Brian4

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British Zeds
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Points
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Location
Near Grantham
Model of Z
Z3 3.0i Auto
Yes they are fitted to other E36 models and some may have had the function enabled. some more research required I think.
 

Iron Rider

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Jun 1, 2015
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Yes they are fitted to other E36 models and some may have had the function enabled. some more research required I think.
I would have thought since cruise control is very much an American thing, if it is on you would need to know with an indicator to mitigate possible court cases. :)
 

tater82801

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Apr 22, 2022
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3
Hi all, am going through a cruise install myself. Just bought a 99 z3 build date 11-98. Found a great thread in here with great pictures and info, so ordered the part numbers listed off eBay. But some steps I’m unsure about-do switch and module plug into each other, because mine are different connectors (picture attached of both.) Found the small connector to plug into module fine but can’t find the throttle actuator assembly that he attaches module to-mine doesn’t match pictures in the walk thru. His was listed as an 02 3.0 so didn’t know if that was all drive by wire or had the cable from pedal to actuator. I’m very new to BMW, just bought the car 3 weeks ago and am a little lost on terms and systems and models. Link to info I have been following is https://zroadster.org/articles/bmw-z3-m54-cruise-control-retrofit.25/ . I think I’m just missing a step somewhere, but don’t know where. Would really appreciate any help you can give a noob.
 

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tater82801

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Apr 22, 2022
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Starting to think switch my be incorrect. Can see how module connector goes into stack on column, so that’s something…
 

mwpe

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Supporter
Joined
Dec 8, 2011
Points
178
Location
Camberley
Model of Z
3.0
You do not say which engine you have, I wouldn't have thought that an 11-98 car would have the M54 engine. That article is forr the fly by wire throttle as fitted to later cars, the earlier ones need a mechanical cruise control.
 

BuxtonZ3Guy

Zorg Addict
Joined
Jan 3, 2022
Points
56
Hi,

If you have a pre facelift car then chances are you have the correct stalk but the wrong interface. (Based on your pictures.) On the early cars it's not just plug and play. The retrofit is a bit more involved.

I have a 2001 3l Z3. I had the same bits as you and the same issue. However, I had the correct interface and the wrong stalk. I had to get a new stalk.

In conclusion, I think the retrofit guide you are looking at is probably not the one you want.

Hope this helps.

Andy.
 
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