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Thread: Z3 M Mystery connector behind glovebox

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Oct 2018
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    1998 BMW Z3M Raodster

    Z3 M Mystery connector behind glovebox

    Hello,
    Found a connector with nothing attached to it directly behind the glovebox. Its taped around a factory harness with cloth tape. Does anyone know what this connector is for? Its in a 98 Z3 M.
    Thanks,,


    BMW Conn.jpg

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Oct 2003
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    Seattle
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    99 M3

    Z3 M Mystery connector behind glovebox

    Factory Alarm and Keyless Entry System interface?


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    Last edited by bluptgm3; 12-06-2018 at 02:01 PM.

  3. #3
    Join Date
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    1998 BMW Z3M Raodster
    Ahh...makes sense. By keyless entry,,, does that mean that if I retrofit an aftermarket alarm system it can potentially unlock doors?
    Thanks

  4. #4
    Join Date
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    36 Cylinders
    Yes, but find a quality one that plugs into that harness. Don't go to someone that will splice and cut up your wires, when factory already prewired everything.
    -Abel

    - E36 328is ~210-220whp: Lots of Mods.
    - 2000 Z3: Many Mods.
    - 2003 VW Jetta TDI Manual 47-50mpg
    - 1999 S52 Estoril M Coupe
    - 2014 328d Wagon, self-tuned, 270hp/430ft-lbs
    - 2019 M2 Competition, self-tuned, 504whp
    - 2016 Mini Cooper S

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Feb 2016
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    tempe, az
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    1998 Z3M, 2006 330i
    The keyless entry you choose depends on your budget. I've installed 3 of the el-cheapo ones, and all have worked well for years. They are about $17, with 2 fobs with batteries, but they have some disadvantages. First, they do not "double-lock" (I think that's the right term) the doors, so a person could unlock them if he could reach the inside door handle. Second, the instructions are poor, and require some savvy on your part. Still, for the price, they are great. Very easy to install once you figure out the wiring. The trick is to make it simple. Find some +12v, a ground, and figure out which wire "locks" and which wire "unlocks" the doors. I also have a 98 M, so maybe your colors are the same as mine. Here's the one I bought: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
    Also, from my 2 year old memory, I don't think that thing in your picture is the one you need for this job.
    Last edited by zellamay; 12-06-2018 at 02:51 PM.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Aug 2015
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    1999 Z3M, 1999 2.8 Coupe
    Browse eBay...plenty of OEM keyless entry brains. Do your best to find one with the harness cable (green end IIRC) and alarm LED included, or else programming is a bit tedious. When you go thru the steps (comical when you come across them), the LED will tell you when you're in programming mode.

    Finding a reasonably priced fob will be the bigger challenge. From my testing, only the BMW branded fob will work. There are Subaru fobs that look identical and have the same FCC ID. Those don't work.

    Also, there is a connector under the brake booster that will accept the OEM siren. It's zip tied and a bit difficult to see, but it's grey and pretty obvious once you have the siren in hand. I was lucky to have my M Roadster as a frame of reference so found it in no time.

    I bought the one referenced in post #5, but I didn't feel like splicing and wanted OEM.

    Module: 82 11 1 496 445
    Siren:
    82 11 1 469 447
    (others work too...I lengthened the wires and mounted the siren behind front bumper)
    Fob:
    82 11 1 469 448

    Here's one with everything but the fob (black plug connects to the bit in your photo):

    https://www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-E36-OEM...S!-1:rk:3:pf:0
    Last edited by s8ilver; 12-06-2018 at 03:22 PM.
    Nathan in Denver

    1999 M Roadster, VFE V3 S/C, Randy Forbes Reinforced, Hardtop, H&R/Bilstein, Apex PS-7, Supersprint
    1999 Z3 2.8 Coupe, Headers, 3.46, Manual Swap, H&R/Koni, M Geometry/Brakes, M54B30 Manifold, Style 42

  7. #7
    Join Date
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    The fobs are NLA so you'll have to find one on eBay or in the forum classifieds

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Nov 2004
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    San Antonio
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    Z3M Coupe & Roadster
    Quote Originally Posted by z3forlife View Post
    The fobs are NLA so you'll have to find one on eBay or in the forum classifieds
    Expect to pay for it. And don't buy the similar looking Subaru key fob as it won't work (chip is different).

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Oct 2014
    Location
    Rochester, NY
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    231
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    1998 Z3
    I may have a complete setup here with the two button fob if you are interested. I'll have to dig it out which might take a day or two. I also have a spare harness I believe.

    I also have a couple BMW 2 button key fobs extra I would consider selling too.

    Also, be aware that there were 2 versions of the alarm, 2 button round-ish fob, and older rectangle 3 button fob. THe unit looks the same, plugs in to the car the same and uses the same Alarm LED and Siren, but the fob, harness and brain are different. Fob and brain FCC ID need to match (technically, they'll be one number apart)
    1998 Z3 1.9L Dinan Stage 3.

  10. #10
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    Jul 2010
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    00 M Roadster 17 Cayman
    Pm sent.

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Oct 2014
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    Rochester, NY
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    1998 Z3
    just too a quick look. might not have the full kit, as I think I tossed it into an ebay lot of parts I sold earlier this year.
    1998 Z3 1.9L Dinan Stage 3.

  12. #12
    Join Date
    Sep 2017
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    Northeast
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    2001 M Roadster
    Quote Originally Posted by jimmyfloyd View Post
    just too a quick look. might not have the full kit, as I think I tossed it into an ebay lot of parts I sold earlier this year.
    Jimmy, you got any keyfobs laying around? The oval shaped one that looks like Subaru keyfob with two buttons, one larger then the other?

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