Shift Light for 6MT?

[tbucella]

Has anyone installed a shift light on a six speed E9x M3? (Let's not discuss why BMW chose to omit this.) I would really like to install one.

[Genro757]

I have shift lights on my BMW Performance Steering wheel...

[SOARISTO]

Hello, M3 Fighter Pilots!!

My M3 friend (6MT) has succeeded to install Shift Indicator, using the information of my site.

In Japan, some products are sold as follows.



This is DIGITAL type, like BMW Performance Steering LED.



This is ANALOG type.

These Shift Indicator is made by Pivot, and model list is here.



The Tacho Signal (Engine Spark Pulse Signal) can get form OBD-II Port.



Pin 9 is "Tacho Signal" and pin 4 or pin 5 is "Earth" (Signal Ground).



Some information about "Tacho Signal" (OBD-II Port) see here.
(Sorry, This site is written in Japanese.)

[tbucella]

Thanks for the information, I will look for this connector. I'm an Electrical Engineer so I will check out the signal with an oscilloscope.

This is very helpful!

[lucid]

If someone can post a detailed DIY on this, that would be highly appreciated!

[syncros]

Very interesting.

[Mr.Metak2you]

Originally Posted by Genro757

I have shift lights on my BMW Performance Steering wheel...

I think if someone really wants shift lights, the Performance SW is the way to go! Plus you get the other functionallity that comes with it.

[tbucella]

Originally Posted by ///Metak

I think if someone really wants shift lights, the Performance SW is the way to go! Plus you get the other functionallity that comes with it.

I was just about to by a light when I read the above. When you get performance SW what is used as the light? What software would you recommend?

[SlammedM6]

Really? Some of you guys think this is necessary in a 6MT? I don't see why you would need it, and especially not the ones posted above. They belong in Hondas/Toyotas.

If you really want one, then throw the money down for a Performance SW

[lucid]

Originally Posted by slammedm3

Really? Some of you guys think this is necessary in a 6MT? I don't see why you would need it, and especially not the ones posted above. They belong in Hondas/Toyotas.

If you really want one, then throw the money down for a Performance SW

To avoid catching the limiter on the track...I'd rather not spend $1k on a new steering wheel I don't need if I can find an alternative solution for much less.

[Mr.Metak2you]

Originally Posted by tbucella

I was just about to by a light when I read the above. When you get performance SW what is used as the light? What software would you recommend?

The shift lights are on the steering wheel(see picture) Just check out this thread, PencilGeek did a nice write up.

http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=163635

[tbucella]

Originally Posted by lucid

To avoid catching the limiter on the track...I'd rather not spend $1k on a new steering wheel I don't need if I can find an alternative solution for much less.

I agree. I misread the previous posts with performance SW as "performance software", hence my question about which SW. With all deference to those who have installed the performance wheel, I don't like the look of it, I prefer the standard wheel. In addition, the installation looks like a full days work for a pro, more if you are an amateur tinkerer. And... it does cost a $1000 bucks.

I have found two shift lights that look like winners and have made some paper tube models to try and figure out where to mount them. Right now I am leaning toward an A-pillar mount. But there are options within the tech screen recess, on top of the dash between the humps and also within the instrument cluster on the right side. I am also considering a single super bright LED mounted so it's completely out of sight when unlit. The solutions cost between $100-$150 and should be able to be installed in a couple of hours. It'll probably still take me some time to get around to it, but I'll post my install once I have it done.

Here are the shift lights I have been looking at:

http://www.raptorperformance.com/pro...hift_light.htm

http://www.speedhut.com/product_deta...NUMBER-737.htm

Or this one with an external lamp for a more stealthy install:

http://www.raptorperformance.com/pro...RPM_Switch.htm

[lucid]

Originally Posted by tbucella

I agree. I misread the previous posts with performance SW as "performance software", hence my question about which SW. With all deference to those who have installed the performance wheel, I don't like the look of it, I prefer the standard wheel. In addition, the installation looks like a full days work for a pro, more if you are an amateur tinkerer. And... it does cost a $1000 bucks.

I have found two shift lights that look like winners and have made some paper tube models to try and figure out where to mount them. Right now I am leaning toward an A-pillar mount. But there are options within the tech screen recess, on top of the dash between the humps and also within the instrument cluster on the right side. I am also considering a single super bright LED mounted so it's completely out of sight when unlit. The solutions cost between $100-$150 and should be able to be installed in a couple of hours. It'll probably still take me some time to get around to it, but I'll post my install once I have it done.

Here are the shift lights I have been looking at:

http://www.raptorperformance.com/pro...hift_light.htm

http://www.speedhut.com/product_deta...NUMBER-737.htm

Or this one with an external lamp for a more stealthy install:

http://www.raptorperformance.com/pro...RPM_Switch.htm

Thanks for the info/links.

I would like to have the light right above the dash so that I don't have to look down or to the side. But if it is bright enough, it might not matter all that much as it would get your attention.

Please let us know how you end up setting this up. If you post a DIY for the wiring, that would be great; I'll add it to the DIY index.

[Factoy Pilot]

Shift lights, REALLY? Why buy a MT? IMO I'd spend the $$$ on another mod.

[janeym3]

This thread may have already answered your steering question, but I'm jazzed that this ties in perfectly with something I was listening to yesterday

http://stitcher.com/s?ABoAAKnyu=refid&twsn

Embedded in the steering wheel is a display embedded that features Gforces, with shift lights, an accelerometer, & a 1/4 mile mode, with red, yellow & green start. The audio specifically about the wheel is in the final 5 minutes of the clip linked above.

[Mike Benvo]

I tried for a week getting the DCT shift lights to work in a 6MT and I'm sorry to say that it seems impossible using the factory modules... I believe the DCT control unit is what sends the command to the cluster to make the lights go on, so without the DCT control unit in there there is nothing telling them to turn on ;(

I was really disappointed by this, but am going to look into adding a module which will make the shift lights work in manual cars.

[S65NAPWR]

Originally Posted by Mike Benvo

I tried for a week getting the DCT shift lights to work in a 6MT and I'm sorry to say that it seems impossible using the factory modules... I believe the DCT control unit is what sends the command to the cluster to make the lights go on, so without the DCT control unit in there there is nothing telling them to turn on ;(

I was really disappointed by this, but am going to look into adding a module which will make the shift lights work in manual cars.

Good man, make it happen. I'll buy the first one.

[ruff1017]

Originally Posted by Mike Benvo

I tried for a week getting the DCT shift lights to work in a 6MT and I'm sorry to say that it seems impossible using the factory modules... I believe the DCT control unit is what sends the command to the cluster to make the lights go on, so without the DCT control unit in there there is nothing telling them to turn on ;(

I was really disappointed by this, but am going to look into adding a module which will make the shift lights work in manual cars.

That will be great! I will get one also.Keep it up!

[kaiv]

Originally Posted by SlammedM6

Really? Some of you guys think this is necessary in a 6MT? I don't see why you would need it, and especially not the ones posted above. They belong in Hondas/Toyotas.

If you really want one, then throw the money down for a Performance SW

100% agree.

And if you need a light to tell you when to shift at an hpde that's kinda sad :X

[whats77inaname]

[Z K]

Originally Posted by whats77inaname

That is pretty dumb.. The temp gauge looks like it is indicating boost? What if you actually want to use the temp gauge? That is probably the most valuable gauge when you are on track.

[whats77inaname]

Originally Posted by Z K

That is pretty dumb.. The temp gauge looks like it is indicating boost? What if you actually want to use the temp gauge? That is probably the most valuable gauge when you are on track.

Actually, it's programmable, and it's AFR.