I need the experts!!! How to install this shift light!!!

[LSB_M3]

Hi,
My friend is installing a shift light in his E46 M3, a very nice kind. His mechanic installed it however needs to know what this statement means:
GREEN WIRE - Connect onto the ECU tacho signal Wire or the ECU igniter trigger wire
Can someone say it in arabic??? The shift light is connected, and lights up when the engine starts. but that last green wire is not connected in order to set up the RPM range.
Here are the complete instructions as per manual:

Installation Instructions

Caution: under no circumstances is the DS II’s Signal wire (Green Wire) to
be connected to a high voltage ignition source e.g. the coil negative.

RED WIRE - 12v ignition Positive ECU terminal wire
BLUE WIRE - Negative ECU terminal wire
GREEN WIRE - Connect onto the ECU tacho signal Wire or the
ECU igniter trigger wire
Once installed, when the ignition is switched on, the unit will do an opening ceremony
indicating that it is receiving power and Earth.

Thanks!!!

[Bashar M.]

Well i think that the green wire should be installed to the Speedometer ECU wire :)

As tachometer means a speed meter :D

[LSB_M3]

Well i think that the green wire should be installed to the Speedometer ECU wire :)

As tachometer means a speed meter :D

Can u say it in arabic. We have to tell the mechanic where? lol

[mahmoud_bedewi]

u need to find the tachometer (rpm) signal wire and attach the green wire this should be attached to your dash board from behind or check your ECU pins and know which one is the tacho signal and attach the green wire to the wire attached to that pin
as for the "ECU igniter trigger wire" i think it is the ignition signal coz the ignition signal can still give the rpm figure as u fire once every 2 revolutions
but my recommendation is find the tacho signal easier and safer

[mahmoud_bedewi]

Well i think that the green wire should be installed to the Speedometer ECU wire :)

As tachometer means a speed meter :D

correction tacho means rpm dial (rpm) not speedometer (km/h)

[Bashar M.]

well actually an RPM (rev per. Minute) is a measure of rotational speed, and KM/H is also another measure of speed.... And Tacho Means speed :)

But regarding the wire going where, its make since that it should go to the RPM wire in ur gauge cluster.....since it will need the RPM signal to decide when to illuminate :)

[mahmoud_bedewi]

^ @ bashar ........ok boss :)
but for u LSB_M u need an electircian not a mechanic
if any one has the manual it is so easy to know the tacho wire coz it is usually color coded

[SewerSideUp]

The green wire from your shift light assembly should connect to the RPM gauge for it to understand at what RPM to illuminate.
You need to get the schematic diagram (wiring diagram) and pin configuration of that specific model year E46M3, try using the TIS software. BMW garages should have it.

Then, locate the RPM signal wire and pin on the ECU side. Find some way (mechanic) to connect the green shift light wire to that specfic pin/wire on the ECU side without causing any short circuit or damage. It will cost you a new ECU, not something you want!!!

The above is relevant to your question, but not using the ignitor trigger signal. I do not assume responsibility if you fry anything !

[mahmoud_bedewi]

the wire connection should be "spliced"
meaning that u have a Y connection after u attach the wire

[LSB_M3]

Can someone tell me what i should tell my mechanic in arabic. if u want pm it

[mahmoud_bedewi]

the X16 is the tacho signal it is supposed to be a black wire
NOTE that this is for 2001 M3 so use it for reference only and please make sure this applies on your friend's car

[LSB_M3]

the X16 is the tacho signal it is supposed to be a black wire
NOTE that this is for 2001 M3 so use it for reference only and please make sure this applies on your friend's car

So tell the mechanic to connect it to X16 if this is the same as my friends M3?
I'm lost! lol :please:

[LSB_M3]

Thanks for the PM mahmoud. I will print out this whole thread and take it to the mechanic. Now he is the type that fixes boards (those green mother boards) and other wiring stuff like that. I believe he should know.
To tell you the truth how would i know who is an electrician. they are all mechanics at the industrial area in kuwait! :)

[LSB_M3]

And just so that we both know, if the wire is connected as its suppose to. will this ever have any negative effect on ECU or the car itself???
Would u say, never install such a thing? most probably it will cause problems?

[SewerSideUp]

If you ask me, I'd rather NOT tamper with any wiring in the car unless it were necessary.
And for a shift light I'd pass and not touch the wiring. It could happen that let's say, the shift light short circuits for some reason and fries whatever it's connected to. That's a bad thing, a very bad thing.

It's a risk, but accidents such as a short circuit are rare if installaltion is done properly. But, to feel safe I'd rather not have anything .