Irrational thoughts

[Dado]

Hi, got a couple of completely irrational thoughts for the Z3 most of you will think probably.
Firstly and not sure why I fancy this, is a 'start' button, has anyone any experience of doing this, fitting in place of the accessory socket maybe.....
And secondly, does anyone know how to prevent the panel lights dimming when the external lights are on, reason for this is the fact I drive daytime with headlights on and when its a bright day I cant see the clock or radio.
Have modified the light switch to remove the reostat so they cant be turned down but they still dim when lights are on.
Any suggestions welcome even from the purists who don't get it.

 

[the Nefyn cat]

Not tried it myself, but something like this https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Car-Engi...=173816977728ff0d2638d0b74dd9bab1372391f89000 with one of these https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/DC-12V-1...=2645206340159883e83484f84728aae791469026f671 to work the turning-on bit may well do. I'm fitting something similar to a motorbike, trying to cut down the visible switching and wiring. If the bu**ers can't see an ignition switch they may not try to steal it. Hopefully.

 

[the Nefyn cat]

And you'll either have to remove the steering lock or cut the key down to keep the lock off and cover it up.

 

[Dado]

Hi
Yes saw that kit on ebay, not sure it's what I want, seems too cheap to be good quality for what it's doing, security wise anyway and also not keen on cutting the key and leaving the steering permanently unlocked.
Thoughts were more along the lines of just a starter button rather than the full monty, a bit of a boy racer type thing I suppose.
But a more pressing problem occured yesterday, dropped the roof to a loud pop, found the rear window had split from top to bottom down the middle, at least I managed to stick it together with black tape to match the roof!
So the next item is to sort that out.
Cheers

 

[mrscalex]

I have a start button on my modern 3 Series. But then it has a proximity key. Not sure there's much to be gained if you need to put the key in the igntion?

 

[Dado]

Yes, my previous 2 cars were 3 series and the other car now is an X1, all push buttons, I think that's part of the reason for putting one in the Z.
I know the key will still have to be inserted, as I said the boy racer is coming out and the act of pushing the button to start the engine just seems part of of it.
The previous 3's both had to have the key inserted in the dash anyway before the button could used.
Probably not what most of the members on here think is worth the effort but then I have always been odd, my mum used to say I was 'different' as a boy........

 

[Lee]

I actually helped someone do this to a Z3. We fitted it in place of the Cigarette lighter felt a little bit pointless because you still had to turn the key to position 2 then you pressed the button. The wiring just tapped into the existing loom.

 

[Dado]

That's probably what I would do, did you use a relay? and what wire did you tap into, have a Bentley manual but the wiring diagrams are well, lets say not what I'm used to, but not clever, me.
Can work out how to fit the thing and even relocate the accessory socket, just don't want to press the button and have to get out and watch the car burning waiting for the fire brigade......

 

[Lee]

I'm by no means an electrical expert, I'm pretty sure we tapped into the ignition ring live to give the button power and the starter signal wire so the button controlled it. The kit was clear and this was going back 5 years.

 

[Dado]

Okay thanks Lee, I read somewhere that an early Honda button is a perfect fit in the accessory socket space but it is just the button not a kit, but what you say makes sense, there must be relay in there already I suppose.
It just needs to have 'start' only on it too.
Might put it all on hold for now and try to sort the roof window out, an American company looks to be the favourite now but not sure how long delivery will take due to the current plague sweeping the planet.
Cheers
Dave

 

[gookah]

look at my journal
I have a start button..

Also fitted my new illuminated start button:

Pointless gadget I know, but simple things.....


also:

then when you get good you can do this:

a remote roof close, which will work from in the house, or up to 100 metres away,

OK it doesn't latch the handles, but if it starts chucking it down, I can remotely shut the roof, while I get my coat.
I just have to get in and clamp up, but now there is no sitting in the rain going through the motions getting soaked..
.....
And I just wanted to see if it could be done.

 

[t-tony]

Removing Steering locks could have MOT implications too.

Tony.

ps. Steering lock part of the test. Not too sure if it's not present though these days. @Stevo7682

 

[g8jka]

Here's my start button. Still have to turn the key to position 2 but it's something I fancied doing.

 

[Dado]

Yes thanks guys, as said simple things......
All look very neat too, might just do it while I'm waiting for the window to arrive.
Don't have a power roof so won't be getting involved with that.
Sod all else to do at the moment except wash and polish it......

 

[t-tony]

Simple things = making it your own.

Tony.

 

[Sean d]

That's it, I want one!!!!!

 

[t-tony]

Did you modify the boot lock like your previous car Sean?

Tony.

 

[Sean d]

Did you modify the boot lock like your previous car Sean?

Tony.

Nah mate, way too much fannying about but something I have been considering whilst I have all this time on my hands