Author Topic: Spark Retard Unit (Read 5466 times)

bearsbmw · « **on:** November 26, 2008, 01:29:00 AM »

I have the 1994 E36 M42 and Im wondering what spark retarding unit I could use? Apparently MSD Boost retard unit cannot be used on my engine and I don't know why... OBD1 and the coils are one unit not seperate ... Can I convert that unit to seperate coil paks? .. thanks!

1991 E30 M42 · « **Reply #1 on:** November 26, 2008, 03:13:14 AM »

the msd btm is for cars equipped with a distributor, as you already know the ignition on your car is ecu controlled, therefore the only way to retard timing is to adjust it with a chip or go standalone, like megasquirt

nuvolarossa · « **Reply #2 on:** November 26, 2008, 04:32:54 AM »

as I wrote on the other forum I would like to know if these will work...
and it works like this:

Quote from: stimpee

They modify the crank trigger signal between the trigger and the DME. Basically intercept and alter...

Steve

http://www.splitsec.com/products/ftc1/ftc1ds.htm
or this:
http://www.jandssafeguard.com/safeguard.html
both are used on other cars with success... dunno about the price of J&S:confused:

bearsbmw · « **Reply #3 on:** November 27, 2008, 01:02:41 AM »

thanks for info

bmwman91 · « **Reply #4 on:** November 28, 2008, 11:53:11 PM »

Just FYI, M42 cars use 4 individual coil packs. They are all just under one cover. See here on my site for related details:
http://bmw.e30tuner.com/my318is_pic_copcon.php

bearsbmw · « **Reply #5 on:** November 29, 2008, 12:06:36 AM »

some e36 are one solid unit and you cannot take them apart
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=CA53&mospid=47490&btnr=12_0599&hg=12&fg=05

bmwman91 · « **Reply #6 on:** November 29, 2008, 10:19:11 PM »

Quote from: bearsbmw;61902

some e36 are one solid unit and you cannot take them apart
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=CA53&mospid=47490&btnr=12_0599&hg=12&fg=05

Interesting. I have never seen anything like that before. You have the 4-in-a-row coil pack unit? Maybe the ferrous cores are just rusted together or something? I sold a number of the COP conversion brackets to E36 guys a while back & nobody mentioned this. Got a picture?

bearsbmw · « **Reply #7 on:** November 29, 2008, 11:32:03 PM »

bmwman91 · « **Reply #8 on:** December 01, 2008, 10:02:43 AM »

Quote from: bearsbmw;61951

Wow, that's a first for me! You tried pulling the plastic cover off? I cannot remember exactly what the E36 ones I have seen look like, but that seems different. Perhaps it was a non-US part or something. From the size of the harness, I would almost guess that this thing runs in wasted-spark mode.

Anyone else here have details on this thing?

roundel318 · « **Reply #9 on:** December 01, 2008, 11:54:40 PM »

That coil pack was common on E36 late M42 and M44 units.

haledj · « **Reply #10 on:** December 02, 2008, 08:23:20 AM »

It electrically is the same. There are 4 coils in there (I do not know if they can physically separated though). The plug has 6 wires: +12, Ground, and 4 signal wires.

bearsbmw · « **Reply #11 on:** December 02, 2008, 09:55:53 AM »

Quote from: haledj;62100

It electrically is the same. There are 4 coils in there (I do not know if they can physically separated though). The plug has 6 wires: +12, Ground, and 4 signal wires.

so does this mean I can use a msd boost retard unit without problems?

roundel318 · « **Reply #12 on:** December 13, 2008, 06:43:12 PM »

http://www.m42club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6444

This thread has the 93 318i with the same coilpack you have it looks like

bearsbmw · « **Reply #13 on:** December 13, 2008, 07:39:37 PM »

nope!

roundel318 · « **Reply #14 on:** December 14, 2008, 09:16:30 AM »

Indeed, it IS different