Retrofit Engine Starter Button

[ryukin]

I found this on ebay which looks like a bit of a bargain, but I reckon it looks a bit tacky in bright red plastic: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Engine-Starter-Button-Push-Start-kit-FITS-ALL-CARS-/120475892171?cmd=ViewItem&pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item1c0cec39cb

It got me thinking if it's possible to retrofit a bmw starter button to the Z4? There are some oem buttons on ebay: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/BMW-E90-E91-330i-325i-320i-IGNITION-START-BUTTON-SWITCH-/180512618014?cmd=ViewItem&pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item2a0763f61e but I'm not sure what else you'd need or even if it's possible.

Has anyone tried it or got any ideas on how it might work?

 

[AlanJ]

I think others may have tried this but i.m.o. the effort involved is just not woth it. The second link takes you to a BMW OEM starter button all things are possible but you would need the specific block connector for the back and an understanding of the wiring configuration and you would still need to use the key....

 

[Taz]

i can't see the point in doing such a mod, the key works fine

 

[Hotride]

in my e90 323 i don't have to get my key out of my pocket. door sensor and starter button means a man as lazy as me can drive off with minimal effort. But the way the z4 is designed still need the key to unlock the car and you need the key in the ignition to start it (electronic chip in key). So adding that button is going to work the opposite way for you, its going to take longer to get in and drive off. (even tho installing such a button may make you feel rather accomplished)

 

[ryukin]

Yeah, I agree with all of that. A starter button isn't going to benefit me in any way other than the fact that I can show off with it occasionally.

I might try buying the cheap £9.99 kit, dismantling it, then buy the oem button and literally just take apart the plastic button and swap it over so that it's as easy to install as the cheap kit but looks oem.

Also, I don't have a sport button in my car so I could put this in it's place so it would look like it belonged there.

 

[JUD]

But why?

 

[ryukin]

Why not? It's a cheap mod, something that not many others will have and will look good. Plus, it would be good fun fitting it/working out how to do it.

 

[JUD]

Fair enough I suppose. My wife's Toyota people carrier has a start button... :wink:

 

[cj10jeeper]

Ryukin - If I were going to do this (and no I'm not) I would get the wiring diagram and find out what the final turn position of the key does and it's colour code

My best guess is it simply grounds out a single bus feed and with the final turn acting as a momentary 'on' switch. All you'd then need to do is track that wire and take a branch to your new start button which while held is itself a momentary 'on' switch replicating the key turn.

Do let me know if ot works :evil:

 

[Taz]

does not seem a hard mod at all, but where would yoou put the switch?

 

[ryukin]

cheers for the tip cj.

taz - my zed is a 2.2i so as I don't have a sport button, I'm thinking it would look good to put it where the sport button usually is. Basically, next to the gear stick on the drivers side.

 

[lamlp640]

ha ha...your all goner love this...I had a starter button fitted to a renault megane :rofl: BUT LISTEN! it wasnt fitted because I thought it would look cool, it was fitted because I could not get hold of an ignition barrel and I had to have the car!
My point is. It can be done and its not a difficult mod.
Also you can buy some really really nice starter buttons, but I cant rember where, sorry ryukin! but I have seen them and i am also very tempted to do it!
so go for, I think it'd be great

 

[Taz]

ok, that would look ok there, check the ampage of the switch, not sure if it needs to be heavy duty