Keyless entry options

[casurfer911]

when i bought my car it had aftermarket keyless entry, but my roomate lost my only clicker, i was thinking of replacing it with the factory keyless or one from bmwalarm.com (i like their flip key transmitters). But the website only says that their system will work with 92-95. Do the earlier models not have this plug and play option or what?

[pyro]

no you just have to find all of the wires yourself. My 1991 didn't have that little connector under the rear seat but my 92 did.

[Qsilver7]

when i bought my car it had aftermarket keyless entry, but my roomate lost my only clicker, i was thinking of replacing it with the factory keyless or one from bmwalarm.com (i like their flip key transmitters). But the website only says that their system will work with 92-95. Do the earlier models not have this plug and play option or what?
BMW has used several different types of keyless entry remotes...and in the late 80s/early 90s...it used an infrared (IR) system. It was easy to tell if you have this system installed...you will have a small black nub button next to the sunroof switch (see pic below). If you have this, more than likely you have all the components to use it once you get the "switchblade" IR remote.

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/1/web/433000-433999/433594_210.jpg

I did a search and typed in "infrared" to pull up this old discussion of the IR keyless entry system that was used from around 1988-1991. In 1992-93 BMW switched over to RF (radio frequency) technology..and in the e34 that would be the rectangular 3 button remote with the BMW/Alpine control unit under the rear seat. (probably the plug-in-play system you refer to)

Click the following link and scroll down to post #4, #5, and #6 for more clarification on how to program and the parts for the IR system:http://www.bimmer.info/forum/showthread.php?p=38026#poststop

[Kalevera]

We installed the factory Alpine system into a euro M5 that came with the factory IR setup. It didn't seem like that much work, but I didn't do the job.

All US spec E34s will have the IR (green) harness under the rear seat, which can be used in conjunction with the Alpine box for keyless entry. But, it'll be much easier to splice in an aftermarket system than cutting the harness and installing the alpine box.


best, whit

[Guapo]

We installed the factory Alpine system into a euro M5 that came with the factory IR setup. It didn't seem like that much work, but I didn't do the job.

All US spec E34s will have the IR (green) harness under the rear seat, which can be used in conjunction with the Alpine box for keyless entry. But, it'll be much easier to splice in an aftermarket system than cutting the harness and installing the alpine box.


best, whit

I wonder if you can point me in the right direction here. My car is a '92 525 with a mfg date of 10/91. This is what I have found under my rear seat:
http://www.guapozx.com/guapozx/d/3573-4/IMG_1681.JPG
http://www.guapozx.com/guapozx/d/3577-4/IMG_1683.JPG
http://www.guapozx.com/guapozx/d/3581-4/IMG_1684.JPG
http://www.guapozx.com/guapozx/d/3585-4/IMG_1686.JPG

I can't seem to pinpoint anything that matches ny descriptions for keyless entry harnesses. Just those two plugs who's purpose I have yet to figure out.

[Kalevera]

Sorry, I was being yelled at by the female/had to run out the door, so I didn't get to complete the thought. All *early* US spec E34s should have the green IR connector. Early meaning pre '92, I don't know the cutoff.

The connectors pictured are for the rear power sunblind (black) and I believe the white one is for heated seats or rear power headrests. The connector you're looking for, if there, may be buried under the distribution block.

best, whit

[Guapo]

Sorry, I was being yelled at by the female/had to run out the door, so I didn't get to complete the thought. All *early* US spec E34s should have the green IR connector. Early meaning pre '92, I don't know the cutoff.

The connectors pictured are for the rear power sunblind (black) and I believe the white one is for heated seats or rear power headrests. The connector you're looking for, if there, may be buried under the distribution block.

best, whit

Ah, gotcha. I wonder if it is possible too that it is behind the glove box? Any insight on what cars may have had it located there?

And ... I can relate to the female issue :)

[Kalevera]

If it's in the front of the car, it'll be behind the driver knee bolster (by the gong), but I've only seen that location used on E32s, when the dealer hacks would install them.

best, whit

[pyro]

no its next to the batrie i just installd one there the other day works like a charm its the 12 pin connector

[Qsilver7]

perhaps...a pic might help? Here's one pic of the BMW/Alpine RF (radio frequency) keyless entry system...note the "green" harness connected at the top of the control unit. The e34 glass breakage sensor & status indicator is usually mounted on the small panel beneath the rear air vent at the end of the ctr console...the e32 had these two items on the dash to the right of the steering wheel.

Click the link to my cardomain website for a few more images and instructions for this system: http://www.cardomain.com/ride/739005/3

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/7/web/739000-739999/739005_30_full.jpg

[Guapo]

After a little more digging, I found the plug. It isn't green, but black, and it is next to the battery. I checked the wiring against the Bentley diagram, and then checked voltage as various doors were opened. Sure enough, everything matches.

For future reference:

http://www.guapozx.com/guapozx/d/3600-4/IMG_1806.JPG

[Ted K]

Good post. I am thinking of doing the same to my 90 535i. Have you picked up the system yet? Where did you get it?

[Guapo]

Good post. I am thinking of doing the same to my 90 535i. Have you picked up the system yet? Where did you get it?

I have not yet bought a system. I just wante to find out if I had the plug before exploring options.

[Gayle]

Good post. I am thinking of doing the same to my 90 535i. Have you picked up the system yet? Where did you get it?

Ted--I have the same car and want keyless remote. Please be sure to post profusely what you learn about our cars on this issue. Thanks.

[jnmip]

when i bought my car it had aftermarket keyless entry, but my roomate lost my only clicker, i was thinking of replacing it with the factory keyless or one from bmwalarm.com (i like their flip key transmitters). But the website only says that their system will work with 92-95. Do the earlier models not have this plug and play option or what?

I got a keyless entry kit from those jokers, followed the instructions on the CD (3 times) and it would only unlock the doors....didn't even flash the lights. When I called & emailed them, a week later they got back to me and said their tech was out of the country. I had to pull the unit out of the car and fight for a refund (which I hope I get) I ave a '93 E34 M50