Feasability of fitting a compact dash?

Thu Jan 26, 2006 4:48 pm

Having recently aquiring a crash damaged Z3 I was thinking of ways of using as much of it as possible.

I'm guessing the wiring/plugs/clocks will be compatible with the plugs/controlls/dash binacle of an e36 compact.

Do you know of anyone who's fitted this dash to an E30?

I know dash swaps are a right pain in the ass (I've done both a Polo MK4 dash into a MK2 golf and a corrado VR6 dash into my MK2) but the functionality of the roadster would be a massive improvement on the E30. Think:

The electronic wizardry of the roadster gives ABS and traction controll (I'd have to fit the entire ABS system, sensors (if they fit), pump etc.
Climate controll/air conditioning
I have no 6 pot clocks so could use the flashy roadster clocks
One touch electric windows, things like that...

The list goes on.

Of course you have to ask yourself is the effort worth it? That's why I'm posting: I have no idea how similar the technology of the three platforms are. Obviously they are closely related but how closely? The corrado/polo/golf analogy is a good one. All three share a very similar platform and as such the swap is easy. A few bits had to be fabricated but things like heaters and electrics were simple. Mostly plug and play.

Many thanks for your input/oppinions guys. Can anyone help?

Jai

Thu Jan 26, 2006 5:05 pm

no idea about how easy it would be (spose electrics etc might actually be better this way - EWS etc can actually be properly installed, ASC, digital heater controls??? etc.)
but i know it would be seriously cool

Fri Jan 27, 2006 12:09 am

I have seen an E36 dash in an E30, it was in a magazine I have here somewhere. I will see if I can post some pictures. I have no idea how difficult it was, I think the E36 is a bit wider than an E30? The Z3 might be too?

Aston

Fri Jan 27, 2006 4:12 am

that car, was it a red one by any chance?? if it was i heard that i wasnt too bad to fit, but heater was not a nice job so in the end they junked it!!!

it would be nice to see another dash in an e30, was considering doing it to one of my cars with a compact dash but never got round to it.

Fri Jan 27, 2006 10:53 am

I saw it in the same red car. It's now sat in a breakers (undamaged) waiting for some TLC.. I beleive the guys planning to sell it:

2.8 with E36 dash etc.. Can get the number if people are interested (I don't know him, a friend does)

I think the dash looked a bit rough in there according to my mate.
I'd hope the compact is a bit easier/more suitable but have no idea.

Anyone? Does anyone now where I could get just the dash from a broken car to do a reccy? I could trial fit it an see if it's possible..

Jai

Fri Jan 27, 2006 12:22 pm

jaistanley wrote:I saw it in the same red car. It's now sat in a breakers (undamaged) waiting for some TLC.. I beleive the guys planning to sell it:

2.8 with E36 dash etc.. Can get the number if people are interested (I don't know him, a friend does)

Jai

There was a red E30 with M52 2.8ltr and E36 dash built by a guy near me - it could be the same one??
Last time I saw it he had just sold it (mid 2005 I think) so I could only look through the windows as it was locked and awaiting collection. The dash looked pretty good, but I remember him saying it took a long time to fit.

Fri Jan 27, 2006 7:38 pm

Sounds like it... My friend is from Tiverton, Devon so if that sounds like it, it probably is!

Can't remember when Niel got his bits But I think its more recently.. Perhaps the sale didn't go through?? Dunno. Maybe it did and I'm Waaaaaaaay outta the loop

A friend of a friend just bought a compact. Perhaps I'll sell him the roadsters front running gear and measure up the dash whilst I'm there.......

Jai

Sat Jan 28, 2006 5:37 pm

jaistanley wrote:Sounds like it... My friend is from Tiverton, Devon so if that sounds like it, it probably is!

That could be right - I cant for the life of me remember his name now

but the guy who built it worked at Grants in Wellington, which aint far from Tiverton.

A friend of a friend just bought a compact. Perhaps I'll sell him the roadsters front running gear and measure up the dash whilst I'm there.......

Sounds like a plan

Would be good to see some interior 'mods' to an E30