hybrid 1039 Report post Posted July 13, 2010 The goal in this thread is to confirm and create an open document for e30 - e36 Window Switch conversion. attached is the .XLS file, if you add to it, please make sure the information is confirmed as we need this document to be as accurate as possible. Ill start with a write up I did in my build thread Document attached So today thanks to Ray @ Hellbm (http://www.hellbm.com) converted my horrible e30 window switches to then nice 'click' feel of the e36 switches. I first tried some green base switches which as I found out dont work. This is because the later model switches are infact digital encoder switches and only tell the general module (GM) to activate the electric window relays. E30's obviously didnt have such technology so I went for a white base switch. So I decided to include a small write up to help others, this also includes a wiring diagram from the info I had at hand. Green base switches (dont use these! ) Green base digital encoder Green base pulled apart White base switch (Use this or Blue base). Notice the thicker wiring Inside the switch Proper high current switch contacts to deal with the current from the electric window motors. Before starting any of this DISCONNECT YOUR BATTERY FROM THE TERMINALS My brother has had a high current burn before and it burnt a hole right through his hand once, crossing these wires will do the same if you short them So lets get started, Remove the gear shifter boot. and remove the e30 window switches, unplug the e30 loom end and we cut the plug off. Twist the wires on following the wiring diagram carefully. Use electrical tape to shield the wires from each other (make sure you have it all covered) and reconnect the battery, turn the key to postion 2, and test you windows. You should also have the LED light up (you switch should glow) After this, disconnect the battery and tin / solder all wires on the switches and e30 loom end. Right nows the time to enlarge the switch hole in the console to fit the larger e36 switch. I took my time with this and used a half round/flat file. I thought about using my dremel but there is a risk of over shooting the mark and cutting too much off. constantly test fit the switch and surround BEFORE you solder the wires together, run them through the enlarged hole. You dont HAVE to do this .. but it makes it easier to locate the switch. Use heat shrink and a heat gun to shirnk up the tubes.CAREFUL DONT MELT YOU CONSOLE! Repeat all of this for the other side, obviously following the wiring diagram to suit your switch type. My second switch was from the rear e36 switch panel so it had different colours I have included it in the wiring diagram. Put it all back together and reconnect the battery and test. All Done! e30_to_e36_window_switch___wiring_table.zip Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ED1RTY 2 Report post Posted July 13, 2010 Shifter is oh so badass Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Forrest 35 Report post Posted July 22, 2010 (edited) Josh/anyone else, does anyone know if anyone has swapped their E30 electric sunroof switch to E36 also? I have noticed that the E36 switches used for the windows are the same as the ones used for the sunroof, so do you think it would be possible to make that work as well? JW Edit found a guy that has done it, could be good to add to the resource? http://www.e30tech.com/forum/showthread.php?p=1001841 Edited July 22, 2010 by Brams Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hybrid 1039 Report post Posted July 23, 2010 Mean, I only have a manual winder for the sun roof but if you do the wiring chuck it down in the spread sheet and ill sticky it. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Forrest 35 Report post Posted July 23, 2010 Yeap, will bump this once I have done it hopefully within a few weeks Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Simon* Report post Posted July 23, 2010 I heard somewhere that "switches get bitches" How is this aspect of your upgrade working out so far? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hybrid 1039 Report post Posted July 23, 2010 haha .. not too well, its spent more time in the garage chillin with the washing machine than out doing the rounds. The missus likes them cause you dont need a mallet to use the windows now. Does that count ? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Simon* Report post Posted July 23, 2010 It counts mate Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
westy 614 Report post Posted July 23, 2010 I heard somewhere that "switches get bitches" How is this aspect of your upgrade working out so far? Quit whoring up automotive forums with wise cracks and non real car related rubbish. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
antil33t 90 Report post Posted July 23, 2010 Who's got the cheapest switches? I want 6. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hybrid 1039 Report post Posted July 24, 2010 have a chat to ray @ hellbm as usual Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jono51 54 Report post Posted July 26, 2010 keren and I will put some switches (with plugs) into bags for kits for anyone interested, hurry there is limited stock call us and let us know if you have a 2 door or a 4 door E30 and we can take it from there Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
