M3 Dash swap Help PLZZ!!!

[Bmw318tiGirly]

Well said Imprezzive and honestly like I first posted...I am new to this forum and forums in general. I do not know the ins and outs and Im trying to quickly learn. Thanks for everyone's helps and thanks Imprezzive for standing up for me =)

[HuGo]

I want to apologize for sounding straight forward, but i just hate when people post threads on forums with the "threads" already created of the same topic asked. Here's a link to help direct someone

http://www.318ti.org/forum/search.php

[wolferj-RIP]

Originally Posted by Imprezzive

sometimes the search engine doesn't really help you out.

The vbulletin search function is counter-intuitive for most people. I do not blame anyone for trying to use it and get frustrated. Fortunately, Steve (the founder and Admin guy) put a custom Google search feature box on the site that is really helpful.

That said, there are several threads and DIY's here on the forum regarding dash swaps and similar... I hope Stacy finds all the information here that she needs and more...

I personally would offer all the advice I can, but I have not attempted a dash swap, so I am no authority on the subject...

Marv tried to do a dash swap with a coupe dash, but he was not successful, and he had experienced help, too...

I always try to suggest a thread that will help the member;

http://www.318ti.org/forum/showthread.php?t=27485

It's not complete yet, but it's a start...

[manofgun]

stacer, any update on getting the sedan dash?

[Bmw318tiGirly]

Originally Posted by manofgun

stacer, any update on getting the sedan dash?

Yea I just picked up a 4 door sedan dash this weekend, and am currently in the proceess of getting a cluster. =/ im getting there slowly

[Bmw318tiGirly]

Oh btw guys this is my new ID, I didnt think I was going to like this whole forum thing so I made Stacer quickly but im planning to stay on the forums =) So please contact me here Thanks

[cooljess76]

Originally Posted by stacer12219

Yea I just picked up a 4 door sedan dash this weekend, and am currently in the proceess of getting a cluster. =/ im getting there slowly

M3 cluster won't work in your car unless you have a 6cyl swap. FWIW, I was planning on swapping a E36 sedan dash into my Ti when my engine swap is done, but to tell you the truth, I kinda like the Ti dash now. One thing we don't have to worry about is the sagging glove compartment that most e36's develop. It's still up in the air for me. Sedan dash is last on my list of things to do. Just seems like a big headache getting all of the headlight/foglight and HVAC switches/controls wired up.

[tiFreak]

Originally Posted by Bmw318tiGirly

Oh btw guys this is my new ID, I didnt think I was going to like this whole forum thing so I made Stacer quickly but im planning to stay on the forums =) So please contact me here Thanks

Steven could have changed your username, mine used to be tiFreek

[Bmw318tiGirly]

Originally Posted by cooljess76

M3 cluster won't work in your car unless you have a 6cyl swap. FWIW, I was planning on swapping a E36 sedan dash into my Ti when my engine swap is done, but to tell you the truth, I kinda like the Ti dash now. One thing we don't have to worry about is the sagging glove compartment that most e36's develop. It's still up in the air for me. Sedan dash is last on my list of things to do. Just seems like a big headache getting all of the headlight/foglight and HVAC switches/controls wired up.

Well its a 4 cyl. cluster swapped into a ///M case..and as a far as the wiring im fortunate enough that my boyfriend has a shop and will be able to figure all that wiring stuff out. I made my first mistake of ordering a m3 coupe dash not knowing (pre-forums) so the only thing I can use out of that is the driver side light/vent ( I hope)...

[Bmw318tiGirly]

Originally Posted by tiFreak

Steven could have changed your username, mine used to be tiFreek

Lmao opps, like I mentioned on my very first post..im super new and super dumb =( im getting there slowly..thanks though

[manofgun]

obviously not that dumb you bought a ti

[Bmw318tiGirly]

Originally Posted by manofgun

obviously not that dumb you bought a ti

Aww well Thank You, I luv my Ti to death.

[1996 328ti]

Originally Posted by Bmw318tiGirly

Oh btw guys this is my new ID, I didnt think I was going to like this whole forum thing so I made Stacer quickly but im planning to stay on the forums =) So please contact me here Thanks

I merged both of your usernames. Welcome.

[Bmw318tiGirly]

Originally Posted by 1996 328ti

I merged both of your usernames. Welcome.

aww thank you very much!

[1CivetDei2]

unless you have knowledge of what you are doing you its going to be very very hard to finish this swap.
I did mine about 90% and never finished with days and days of work.
I've mentioned these steps and problems before..

-you need to warp the platic heating tubes under the dash because they dont fit against the firewall or the support that the steering column is attached to.

-The Sides never went down far enough to the side brackets by the door jambs so i had to make custom plates that drilled into the old ones and added a few inches of metal.

- The entire headlight and foglight switches need to be cut and crimped together. So you need to study a wiring diagram and figure out which colors correspond to what in the model changes.

- The support bar on the pass side does not work. I swapped in a non pass airbag one so i just removed the bar completely

-The center console does not bolt into the same points at all so grab a drill and pull the carpet up and mark where you have to drill into the floor to add a point to bolt in the console.

- The clusters fit the same there's no need for a new cluster that wont be acurate you can keep your 318 one.

-And lastly... The heating controls. I NEVER found a way to do this and doubt you will be able to because...the Ti usess metal wires that PULL the vents open and closed where as the sedan dashes use controls with solenoids where everything is electronic.
I tried to make the old Ti panel Fit by dremeling it but the placement made the wires off and it never fit.
I spent hours trying to figure it out so good luck but like i said the TI uses metal wires where as the other controls use electronics.

Good Luck