DIY: Z3 Non-M gauge cluster to Z3M S54 Conversion

[M.Innovations]

Unfortunately, as far as I’m aware, Z3 clusters don’t use a flashable firmware. These clusters are coded instead. So WINKFP doesn’t have any functionality for them. I have tried coding it with NCS expert, but so far I haven’t found a way to make the necessary changes with NCS expert. If you feel like sending it to me, I’d be interested in seeing the dump from the uncoded cluster.

Thanks,
Joel

Hey Joel yea it seems thats correct, I have since looked into it for the firmware and it wasn't included in the winkfp software package. I have briefly tried .bin flashing an 09.99 canbus cluster with the 50k km cluster dumps I have, and it gave an eeprom error code. I think the internal eeprom didn't take. I always desolder, using TL866 II, straight forward. I haven't tried re-doing it or investigating as no time in that moment, but I will do and try to verify what went wrong.
Once I get 10 posts here, I'll be able to message you. I might just upload to a fileshare and paste it here though.

[JBanzhaf]

Unfortunately, as far as I’m aware, Z3 clusters don’t use a flashable firmware. These clusters are coded instead. So WINKFP doesn’t have any functionality for them. I have tried coding it with NCS expert, but so far I haven’t found a way to make the necessary changes with NCS expert. If you feel like sending it to me, I’d be interested in seeing the dump from the uncoded cluster.

Thanks,
Joel

[M.Innovations]

I have a 2001 50k KM cluster I can share the bin dumps from, as well as a brand new uncoded cluster that is virgin to share bin files from. The uncoded cluster isnt of much use though.
is there not a way to code the nonM canbus cluster via winkfp to flash z3m firmware into it?

[JMH083]

Hi Joel

Thanks for your prompt reply, really appreciate.

So I will try, there are two option to copy dump from coding plug and internal eeprom : remove eeprom by hot air gun or to use special plug to get contact with pin

[JBanzhaf]

JMH083,

Welcome! If I understand what you’re saying, that should work. You need to read the dump from both the internal EEPROM and the coding plug EEPROM from your original cluster. Then write both of those onto your new one. As long as you have successful reads and writes, you’ll have a clone of your original cluster, with mileage and vin transferred.

Thanks,
Joel

[JMH083]

Hi.
I am new on this forum I am wondering if I can get you support.

As I had a pb with my old odometer of my Z3, so I have bought a New one.

My idea will be to copy dump of my old odometer then to copy on internal eeprom if new odometer, my objective will be to recover my mileage and my vin number.

As I know this internal eeprom is protected so I would like to get your opinion
Thanks

[AnthoZ3]

Apparently, the 2001 model doesn't have any coding for the lighting. So I have to modify the wiring and install a new relay.

[JBanzhaf]

Hi JBanzhaf, Thank you for your message. With what tools (diagnostic case) can I see this?

NCS Expert and NCS Dummy are the programs used for coding E36’s. There are some decent guides online that will teach you how to use them. They are relatively difficult programs to get started with. You’ll also need some type of interface to connect the car to a computer (K+Dcan cable or ICom).

[AnthoZ3]

Hi JBanzhaf, Thank you for your message. With what tools (diagnostic case) can I see this?

[JBanzhaf]

Hello everyone, this is a very interesting topic. I just bought a 2001 S54 Z3 M. Since I couldn't find one in France, I bought it in Canada. I just received it, and to get it approved, I need to modify the lighting, because currently, as soon as the engine is running, the low beams and parking lights (sidelights) work. Canadian standards apply. I've contacted three or four dealerships, and they can't help me. I can't believe it!
I've read several messages talking about coding, but these messages weren't specific to my model. Do you have any ideas? Thanks in advance.

Hi AnthoZ3,

I’m really not sure on the specifics of what’s required for you to get it approved. A good start is to see what coding options are available in NCS Expert, for the general module. That should have what you’re looking for.

[AnthoZ3]

Hello everyone, this is a very interesting topic. I just bought a 2001 S54 Z3 M. Since I couldn't find one in France, I bought it in Canada. I just received it, and to get it approved, I need to modify the lighting, because currently, as soon as the engine is running, the low beams and parking lights (sidelights) work. Canadian standards apply. I've contacted three or four dealerships, and they can't help me. I can't believe it!
I've read several messages talking about coding, but these messages weren't specific to my model. Do you have any ideas? Thanks in advance.

[Steezyz3]

You're the best, thank you so much!

[JBanzhaf]

Hey, I was hoping you could send me the EPROM file for a z3 to z3m conversion, I've just recently swapped a S54 into my Z3 and need to get the gague cluster to have the right range response. I've already read and saved the EPROM file that was stored. If you can help with the coding plug too the mileage that was pulled from the car was 107305 but any help you can give would be great.
Thanks
-Steve

Ijust sent you a DM with the EEPROM dumps you're asking for. If it's going in the original cluster from the car, and the mileage already matches the chassis, you won't need to flash the coding plug. Just in case that's not the case, I also sent you a coding plug dump with your mileage on it. Follow the instructions in the first post. After completed, you'll still have to "sync" to mileage from the coding plug to the internal EEPROM to clear the tamper dot.

[Steezyz3]

Hey, I was hoping you could send me the EPROM file for a z3 to z3m conversion, I've just recently swapped a S54 into my Z3 and need to get the gague cluster to have the right range response. I've already read and saved the EPROM file that was stored. If you can help with the coding plug too the mileage that was pulled from the car was 107305 but any help you can give would be great.
Thanks
-Steve

[JBanzhaf]

i tried with the dump but it is showing code eep2. also the guage is not working at all. what to do now. appreciate your help.

The EEP-2 fault refers to an issue with the internal EEPROM. It can be either a hardware fault, or an issue with the binary on the chip. In your case, it’s most likely an issue with the binary. Read the dump from the EEPROM again, and verify that it perfectly matches the dump I sent you. Sometimes when you flash these EEPROMs, it doesn’t flash all of the sectors correctly. This will cause this issue. If it still doesn’t work after making 100% sure that it matches the dump I sent you, you’ll probably need a dump off of an identical cluster. In that case, the dump I sent is not compatible.