E30 Zone

Hi people,

New to the forum and need some help please . I want to remove my obc and replace it with a clock. I have no idea how to remove it and how much aggro it is . Will the clock plug straight in and will the wiring need changing at all.
Hope someone can help
Cheers
Phil

The OBC has its own wiring loom, which takes power from a yellow socket on the instrument cluster. The analogue clock takes its power from a 3 (?) pin plug which is part of the main dashboard loom, and should be sitting, unused, somewhere behind the clock area.
The OBC has a 'Code' immobiliser function which should be disconnected and bypassed.
See my post in this thread earlier today: http://www.e30zone.net/modules.php?name ... c&t=194612

Usually it is the other way round!

The OBC unit is held in the heater control panel with 4 tiny phillips screws.Your problem is getting at the little perishers.Perhaps the easiest way is to remove the heater control panel first;
So radio out
Pull off the slider knobs
Ease the backing panel off the slider levers
This reveals 4 phillips screws that hold the panel to the heater unit.
Pop out the push button switches at the top of the panel,to reveal two self tappers hidden in their openings
There are two more self tappers under the panel that you may be able to get to with an angled driver and a mirror to see them,or you may need to remove the centre console and lay upside down ib each footwell to see the little buggers.
Pull off the temp knob
Lift the panel out and remove the OBC.

Going back is not quite Mr Haynes!

First secure the mounting frame for the anologue clock using the 4 screws that held the OBC and locate the orange/brown plug with 4 wires that feeds the clock.
Re-fit the panel
Plug the clock's electrics in and press it into it's mount
Press it's facia panel home.

Cheers guys for that easy step to step guide....seems like you need 4 pairs of small childrens hands, 7 fingers on each hand and a periscope for this job.
I cannot tell whether the obc is working or not as it does not light up. If the sun is shining in the car in the right direction I can see the pixels on the display and they do change when I press different options like mpg etc. The date does not appear to show anything 00.00.00.

Is it the case that it is maybe easier to replace the bulbs on the obc and get some info on how it should work.

Any advice will be well appreciated.

It seems that the obc is desirable judging by the response and the pm,s asking how much would I sell it for.
Cheers

The failed bulbs on the OBC are mounted on a small circuit board with a white plastic end that slides into the RH side. Unfortunately, the board can't be removed without removing the whole OBC, so the work involved is much the same as changing it for a clock.
The other unfortunate thing is that the circuit board is a truly incredible price from BMW, but the two 5 volt bulbs on it are easily changed by anyone who knows the hot end of a soldering iron from the cold.
I've posted the part # of suitable bulbs from CPC Farnell on here several times, or they can be obtained from the likes of RS components as well.

Light bar slider can be removed by first removing your radio,then using a dremel or similar,trim back the web moulding that prevents the bloody light bar sliding out!

Thanks guys for all of your help. What a pain in the arse!