DIY Z4 cruise control stalk with ZCP steering wheel

[liam821]

Did you ever manage to get the steering wheel traction control button to work the same way as the button on the centre console?

No, I never tried on my M3 (I very rarely turned off the traction control so it wasn't worth the effort for me), but it shouldn't be too hard to do. The M-track button works exactly the same as the DSC button on the center console; it is a momentary ground-switching output - i.e. it grounds to the chassis when pressed. You should be able to tie the output from the M-track into the same output wire as the DSC in the center console and both will work at the same time.

[Larky7]

I think so, although I haven't tried yet. Right now that button does nothing. I assume since the button on the center console is just a button I can wire it to the steering wheel IO button to do the same thing. Once I figure it out I'll be sure to post it here.

Did you ever manage to get the steering wheel traction control button to work the same way as the button on the centre console?

[Driver_Official]

So, the brown wire for the track mode in pin 8, in which pin must be inserted in the e39 wipers stalk? I read somewhere pin 10, but I prefer to be sure 😄

[liam821]

This is really interesting and trying to get it clear. I've a 06 ZCP with no cruise and the one button cover. Want to engage cruise and redirect the M-Mode function to an E39 M5 stalk. Does that require resizing or is that just the Z4?

Anyone know of a step by step out there? I should have checked the DIY stickies before typing this...

The M-Mode wire is pin 8 of connector X10170. You'll want to route that into the extra pin of the e39 stalk but I don't know where in the pin connector. I don't have a DIY other than that information. Because you have a true ZCP, you need to use the cruise control retrofit kit 61120016012 to get the wiring to the column. Then you can use your choice of steering wheel trims. If you keep your ZCP one-button trim cover with the M-mode button, you'll need to use a Z4 stalk, route M-Mode to the e39 stalk, and the extra button on the steering wheel does nothing. If you want a no-button cover, you will also need the Z4 stalk and the e39M5 stalk to keep the m-button. If you want to use a non-ZCP cover with all the steering wheel buttons (volume, cruise etc), then you can use that and the e39 stalk for M-Mode - no Z4 stalk is needed.

Hopefully that makes sense.

[BlueBimmers]

This is really interesting and trying to get it clear. I've a 06 ZCP with no cruise and the one button cover. Want to engage cruise and redirect the M-Mode function to an E39 M5 stalk. Does that require resizing or is that just the Z4?

Anyone know of a step by step out there? I should have checked the DIY stickies before typing this...

[liam821]

Will this work if i want to only add the cruise control stalk and still keep my MTM button working? Or do you lose the MTM button by adding cruise control?

This will keep your MTM button working. You need to use the retrofit kit, BMW part number 61120016012, but then you can follow this guide for everything else.

[CSL_DNA]

Will this work if i want to only add the cruise control stalk and still keep my MTM button working? Or do you lose the MTM button by adding cruise control?

[Projecte46m3]

Excellent the info I was looking for!

[liam821]

Looks fantastic, nicely done!

[Andratch]

I just did this over the weekend, THANK YOU for this write up!

if you want to tap into the two wires without cutting, I recommend these…very solid connection.

I did have to trim the bottom inside the lower cover AND the bottom of the the stalk base to get the clearance needed, but I’m not worried about it.

I also just removed the foam/metal piece altogether by cutting the plastic rivets they are popped into, made this a much shorter ordeal.

[liam821]

It does work on ZCP, 2003+. My 05 ZCP came with the 'normal' steering wheel controls, with cruise functional. I switched back to a ZCP upper trim by just swapping one wire in the green connector on the bottom of the steering wheel. The Previous Owner had the Track Mode button pinned over to a E39 M5 wiper stalk button, like Obioban showed above.

I'm going to replicate this mod, as I want my cruise control!!

As long as your ZCP all the cruise control wires (See BMW part 61120016012) and it's functional with the multifunction steering wheel, you should be able to convert back to a ZCP wheel and use the cruise stalk without issue. That is the setup I have in my car.

[Andratch]

I have a ZCP and miss having cruise control on long drives. Would love to do this if it’s confirmed that ZCPs can have this working properly.

It does work on ZCP, 2003+. My 05 ZCP came with the 'normal' steering wheel controls, with cruise functional. I switched back to a ZCP upper trim by just swapping one wire in the green connector on the bottom of the steering wheel. The Previous Owner had the Track Mode button pinned over to a E39 M5 wiper stalk button, like Obioban showed above.

I'm going to replicate this mod, as I want my cruise control!!

[DoubleSidedTape]

BMW sells a kit with the wires to enable cruise on an e46 that didn’t come with it, it works the same for a ZCP car.

The part is 61120016012

[SQ13]

Did you ever try this? I have a ZCP and want to do this but I'm not sure if the wiring is the same.

Unfortunately, no. Been so busy with the silver car that all blue car projects have been put on the back burner.

[I M Legend]

If you don't like steering wheel buttons, this will completely remove it:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-E46-Steering-Wheel-Trim-2282021/114427781235

link no longer works. curious what you linked?