Retrofit early type remote central locking problem

[myles]

I'm trying to retro fit the old style (pre 92) factory remote central locking to my car. I'm not interested in fitting an after market rc system.

I've got the ir control module, the ir receiver and the dash led out of a wrecked donor car. I bought a new key fob (the type with the flip out key) as all the donor ones that I could find were totally screwed.

I've plugged the components in - the car is pre-wired for all of it.

When I follow the instructions to initialize the fob nothing happens. The owners manual says to turn the ignition to on and hold the fob above the dash led and hold down the lock button until the led on the fob flashes rapidly. Then turn the car off and thats it. I also found some instructions that say to hold down the unlock button, but that didn't make any difference.

Problem is that the fob won't lock or unlock the car. Is there some trick to doing this? are the instructions wrong? Are there any parts of this system that commonly fail?

I dont think this is a very common option for an E34 to have, but is very common on an E32. (help shogun!)

[rob101]

myles see if this helps
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/739005/3

[myles]

myles see if this helps
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/739005/3


Thanks for the suggestion. I'm trying to avoid the alpine systems. It wasn't an option on the old e34s like mine, it was only introduced on the later models.

My car has the original DWA2 system and I'm just trying to add the ir option to it.

[attack eagle]

i have recently seen little "test your remote" displays at the local parts stores like Aoutozone etc, where you could check that the remote was at least transmitting something. Know you are in OZ but perhaps there is something similar there?

Also wonder if the IR reciever is functional, but no ideas on how to monitor or test it.

[Booster]

I'm curious about this too ? Is the E34 as early as a 5/91 prewired for a transmitter ?? I know mine didn't come with one already.
Cheers,vinny

[myles]

i have recently seen little "test your remote" displays at the local parts stores like Aoutozone etc, where you could check that the remote was at least transmitting something. Know you are in OZ but perhaps there is something similar there?

Also wonder if the IR reciever is functional, but no ideas on how to monitor or test it.


I've never heard of that in this part of the world. Its a good idea, so I will have a look around and try to find something similar.

[myles]

I'm curious about this too ? Is the E34 as early as a 5/91 prewired for a transmitter ?? I know mine didn't come with one already.
Cheers,vinny

I couldn't say for sure, but the cars that I've worked on are. All the cars that I have played with are either 525 or 535 and have check control systems.

The IR control module lives in a slot next to the relay and general modules. There is a blue 26 pin connector mounted at the bottom of one of the slots, so this module just slides into the slot and plugs in when pressed down. The IR receiver connects to a white six pin plug near the sunroof switch. The LED and sync unit mounts in the top of dash fan vent and connects to a 6 pin blue connector.

http://i3.ebayimg.com/05/i/000/ce/63/a258_1.JPG

[myles]

I've got two of each part now and have installed the second parts in my 525 and it works. So I've got some trial and error to do to figure out whats not working in the 535.

[whiskychaser]

I think this is a really great idea. Would love to do the same but alarms are not my strong point. Could you give an idiots guide on what to look for to decide if its possible and whats needed? My car doesnt have a remote key or fob. It does have the LED on top of the dash. Said I knew SFA:D

[doogie]

Johan has got some excellent instructions here (http://bmwe32.masscom.net/johan/remote_locking/remote_locking.html). Personally I fitted an aftermarket alarm because I wanted 2 way paging, remote start etc etc, but I did get one of the switchblade keys because I think they're cool :)

[whiskychaser]

Johan has got some excellent instructions here (http://bmwe32.masscom.net/johan/remote_locking/remote_locking.html). Personally I fitted an aftermarket alarm because I wanted 2 way paging, remote start etc etc, but I did get one of the switchblade keys because I think they're cool :)
Thats a great link. Thanks! Really fancy retro fitting the original remote. Had a look on ebay etc while I couldnt get on here but couldnt find one. Anyone who can help plse let me know

[myles]

I think this is a really great idea. Would love to do the same but alarms are not my strong point. Could you give an idiots guide on what to look for to decide if its possible and whats needed? My car doesnt have a remote key or fob. It does have the LED on top of the dash. Said I knew SFA:D

Johan's writeup is correct for E34's produced up to 10/92. Cars produced after this have the compact remote system which has the receiver and brain built into the rear-view mirror and use a different remote key. The newer system is much easier to fit, but I found it a bit harder to get the parts.

You may find that the led on your dash is for the factory alarm (dwa) which is an independent system to the remote locking. Both systems work together when they are both installed and both share the dash led, but the led is a different part for cars with ir locking. The part numbers are - LED for DWA =...785, and LED for DWA and IR =...255.

[Paul in NZ]

my car already has the ir receiver up near the mirror and the led on the vent...where do you get the parts myles.?(aprt from the dealer?

[myles]

I got my new one from BMA. It was about US$190. The local dealer wanted AU$440. Part number for the fob is 66 10 1 390 263. If you want to use the flip out key (thats part of the fob) then you will need the screw 51 21 1 388 909 and the key blank 51 21 1 950 394. You will need the key code and a good local locksmith will be able to computer cut the blank. The dealer gave me my key code.

Its expensive, but worth it. I also picked up a second fob from ebay for about AU$60 and I will get a new key blank insert for it.

[Paul in NZ]

can you post a pic of the underseat area i am 99.9 percent sure the module isnt there on mine...you can post a pic either withor without modue,as long as you tell me which!
Seems odd that i have the ir receiver and nothing else tho..perhps someone ditched it somewhere along the line.My led always flashes when i double lock the car.(and only when i double lock) then goes on solid

[myles]

Hey paul. To borrow a photo from Johan -
http://bmwe32.masscom.net/johan/remote_locking/ebox_backseat.jpg

Mine is essentially the same. The ir control unit plugs into the blue plug that the arrow points to.

[doogie]

Johan's writeup is correct for E34's produced up to 10/92. Cars produced after this have the compact remote system which has the receiver and brain built into the rear-view mirror and use a different remote key. The newer system is much easier to fit, but I found it a bit harder to get the parts.

Aha, that's why Johan also has this (http://bmwe32.masscom.net/ivo/remote_install/remote_install.html) write up for the newer system, and infact this install is on an E34. :)

[Paul in NZ]

excellent i am gonna have a lok at this...do you get the double lock(or deadlock) and auto close of windows and sunroof?

[myles]

excellent i am gonna have a lok at this...do you get the double lock(or deadlock) and auto close of windows and sunroof?


Yes you can double lock and close the windows and roof with the older system, but I don't think it works on the new compact system. The old style remote has 3 buttons, lock, unlock and double lock(and arm).

The only disadvantage that I can see with the old system is that because it is infrared you need a line of sight from the transmitter on the remote to the receiver in the car. The newer compact systems are radio signal and work through walls.