Cabriolet imobbiliser.

[jmec]

My 1990 325 cabby has an imobbiliser fitted. The one with the ugly key hole just fwd of the drivers side door lock and magnetic key. I understand it was a UK dealer fitted part when the cars were new. Mine works fine so far but does anyone know how to disconnect it? I'm thinking one day it's going to cause problems! I don't really use it relying on an old fashioned Krook Loc on the steering wheel for security. Any thoughts/ advice will be gratefully received. Thanks.

[Brianmoooore]

There is a 2 pin socket with two green wires going to it. located behind the panel above the glovebox. This socket should have a plug in it with one green wire and one green /red wire.
Pull out the plug and examine the loom nearby to see if there is a matching plug fitted with a loop of green wire taped to it. If there is, liberate it and plug it in to the socket. If there isn't, cut the green and green red wires about two inches from the plug, join the ends to make a loop, insulate and plug back in.
Job done, unless you want to remove the excess wire and bits.

[jmec]

Many thanks Brian for the comprehensive instructions.

[MunsterScot]

Question: Does the immobiliser when activated stop the starter engaging or does it act on the ignition circuit. I take it as it is connected into the green wire it acts on the ignition circuit (cuts power to the coil). i.e. if the immobiliser is active and you try to start the car the engine will turn over but just not start.

[Brianmoooore]

On the ignition feed to the engine only. All the BMW branded alarm/immobilisers work on this circuit only, but some of the BMW approved ones act on two, although the second circuit isn't necessarily used.

[MunsterScot]

Thanks Brian. Just trying to figure out if my car not starting could be linked to the immobiliser. You answered me on another thread and agreed with my thinking I could have a faulty ECU - engine turns over but no spark even when I put 12V straight to the coil.

[Brianmoooore]

It's entirely possible to connect an immobiliser on an E30 so that it kills the sparks, and it would provide an effective thief deterrent, but I've yet to see one connected to interrupt anything other than the power feeds to the ignition, starter motor, or fuel pump.
So, I can't say for sure whether your immobiliser is responsible for your lack of sparks, without knowing how it's connected, but I strongly doubt it.

[minesapint]

My 1990 325 cabby has an imobbiliser fitted. The one with the ugly key hole just fwd of the drivers side door lock and magnetic key. I understand it was a UK dealer fitted part when the cars were new. Mine works fine so far but does anyone know how to disconnect it? I'm thinking one day it's going to cause problems! I don't really use it relying on an old fashioned Krook Loc on the steering wheel for security. Any thoughts/ advice will be gratefully received. Thanks.

These were not dealer fitted, but came from the factory so.

[Brianmoooore]

My 1990 325 cabby has an imobbiliser fitted. The one with the ugly key hole just fwd of the drivers side door lock and magnetic key. I understand it was a UK dealer fitted part when the cars were new. Mine works fine so far but does anyone know how to disconnect it? I'm thinking one day it's going to cause problems! I don't really use it relying on an old fashioned Krook Loc on the steering wheel for security. Any thoughts/ advice will be gratefully received. Thanks.

These were not dealer fitted, but came from the factory so.

I wouldn't assume that's the only immobiliser fitted!