BMW with a hint of ferrari, come check it out!

[redduck]

Yeah I know I just posted this but I titled it "push button start" and I figured someone would look at and go stupid noob use the search and never open the thread. and since I actually want help and not just a link to the diy for a push button start I decieded to try again.


So I love the Ferrari F430 [COLOR=blue ! important][COLOR=blue ! important]steering [COLOR=blue ! important]wheel[/COLOR][/COLOR][/COLOR] more so the push button start in the steering wheel. So what I was thinking of doing is buying a newer [COLOR=blue ! important][COLOR=blue ! important]BMW[/COLOR][/COLOR] steering wheel with the buttons on it and fiberglassing over them and putting in a push button in there place.
So try to imagine a push button start on the left where the buttons are.

now that you know what I want, how hard would this be to pull off? Is it even possible? what are somethings I will need to consider if it is possible?

Thanks.

[richbarn2]

Sure its possible. Not practical IMO, Im sure you dont want to hear that but with the starter button on the steering wheel, unless you wire in protection from activating the starter while its running, you could accidentally hit it while driving...

Im sure you could use, say oil pressure signal to prevent starter operation but it seems this is a bit much work to relocate and redesign a starting system.

I had a push button start on a modded 73 Super Beetle when I was in high school but it was mounted on the dash..

[bimmermane30]

I agree.. practicality is somthing that really needs to be concidered. I know right now if your looking to buy that stearing wheel you will be paying a pretty penny. I myself wouldnt get that wheel and mess with it. It is actaully a very impressive steering wheel. But as mentioned above, if you can over come the risk of hitting it while runnning, it would look good. That is if you are looking to keep it as sleak as this one above.

[Bris328is]

why in the world would you want to do that mod????


whats wrong with you ignition switch

[e36panda]

you would somehow have to work around the clock spring... which is kinda important, airbag and all that jazz. Unless of course you don't have an airbag. But you'll still have to figure out some kind of way to prevent the wires leading to the button from twisting and what not. I suppose if your real good you could modify a clockspring if your not worrying about the airbag. Alot of wiring to do there, but anythings possible with time and money.

[digitalsolo]

Wiring isn't really that tough. Use a relay actuated setup to keep the current low and utilize the wiring for the radio control buttons on that wheel.

Hobbs switch that is normally closed at <15 psi and opens >15 psi plumbed into the cooling system (or a normally open reversed via relay) would work to keep the starter button disabled once the engine is running. You'd want a little psi so that it doesn't shut off during cranking cycle. 15 psi would probably work, but an adjustable unit might be even better so you can tweak as necessary.

So, depending on your skill level, not that difficult.

That said, I think it's somewhat silly, and not likely to be done in a particularly sanitary manner. I've been wrong before though.

[richbarn2]

Oil pressure is a better trigger. Coolant pressure doesnt die off as fast. Engine dies, oil pressure dies and you can recrank. Coolant pressure takes a bit to bleed off, you would be stuck...

Seriously though, i have a feeling this is all theory at this point, I cant see the point of doing this mod on anything but a showcar.

[marinm88]

Thats a pretty cool looking steering wheel. Can it be installed in a 99 323is?

Anyone know where I could find one?