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Subject: Rear sunblind switch retrofit below cigar ligher Author: ripp222 : member since January, 2006 : 357 posts Posted on: 2007-09-28 23:22:27

I recently finished the installation of the remote sunblind switch and wanted to share my findings...

Here are the parts I consumed:
61 12 8 362 648 CENTER ARM REST WIRING HARNESS (I stole the 6 pin connector and wiring from this)
61 31 8 360 894 SWITCH, SUNBLIND ($40)
51 16 8 212 381 CENTER CONSOLE SWITCH COVER, BLACK (grey, beige, blue, lavender, etc are available also)
61 13 1 387 140 FLAT CONTACT, FAN CONNECTOR, 0.35-0.50 MM2 (need at least 2)
61 13 0 008 998 CONTACT (need only 1)
Open barrel crimper - I bought the Sargent 1028CT for $25

The wiring harness is overkill as you could just buy the connector housing, insert and contacts for the sunblind switch, but I had plans for some of the other harness pieces, plus I wasn't able to readily find the pin-out diagram in WDS for the switch.

The single socket is run to PIN 20 in your center console switch group. By grounding this lead the sunblind is told to change its status, that's all the switch does, is ground this wire. The switch also takes the illumination signal with its own ground wire. 4 wires in total.
I ran 2 extra grounds, a constant power and extra illumination wire so I could add a different switch to the other side of the SWITCH COVER. That's for a later date.

After pulling the armrest and center console wood piece I don't think it would be too difficult to run your harness. I had the whole center console and HVAC ductwork out--so installation of the harness was easy.

The switch itself is designed to go in a hole with square corners... the SWITCH COVER is designed for switches with rounded corners. I spent about half an hour shaving the 4 corners w/ a box cutter to get them just right. Fortunately you can just turn the switch around to test its fit in the SWITCH COVER.

The FLAT CONTACTS were used to connect the illumination signal and ground wires to the FAN CONNECTORs under the storage box which is attached to you center console wood trim (behind the ash tray). The Sargent tool worked quite well for crimping the contacts.

Another tip: when removing the carpet covered trim strips, remove the center vent and cigar lighter trim first and PUSH the rear most clip out. I tore the clip off trying to pry the carpet trim from the outside.. then had to glue it back together

Happy modding...













My ride...

04/1999 build 740i, Anthracite w/ Black Montana Leather
MODS...
0-006-783 Clear Indicator Set w/ 6-904-837 & 838 Clear Tail Lights
9-115-032 MKIV Computer w/ 6-923-879 Widescreen Monitor
1-422-379 Vavona Wood / Leather Shift Lever
2-265-542 Wood & Chrome black headliner handles
6-964-398 New Gen BM53 Radio and 6-906-082 Antenna Amp
0-303-079 OEM reversing camera w/ 0-303-083 Video switchbox
Rear Seat Sunblind Control
Automatic Rear Headrests
Active Seats
Passenger Seat Memory

• Rear sunblind switch retrofit below cigar ligher (pic) - ripp222 2007-09-28 23:22:27 (3407 views)
  • Great job. U should have looked up my post. I did all the guess work for you. (url) - visionbmw7 2007-09-29 02:44:07 (266 views)
    • My search didn't yield your post, but you are retrofitting the... - ripp222 2007-09-29 21:43:12 (154 views)
  • Cool!! And good idea! Thanks for the writeup. (nt) - eaglecomm 2007-09-29 00:05:17 (146 views)