Help with E30M10 Distributor connection into my 02

[Mike87]

It is possible that the module does not like the M10 coil, but I am not sure. I know that the E30 coil is different, but not sure what makes it different.

[TobyB]

Uneeda meter.  The riginal 2002 coil + was power all the time, and you could use that for the E30 module power.

I don't remember how the E21 worked- if it's like the E30, then power to the coil was wired from the module itself.

You will need a ground, too, as the original points system used the distributor case as ground.

 

The condenser on the 2002 was attached to coil-, and the arm of the points, which supplied the ground switching to generate spark.

If you have a lonely black wire that disappears back into the cabin, that's your tach wire. It expects a pulsed signal from the coil-

you may find it needs to be hooked to coil+ rather than coil- to get the tach to work- I don't remember which side

of the coil the E21 switched.

 

hth

 

t

 

 

 

[bmwe34m5guy]

So I checked with meter and I have power to coil wire at distributor from coil, I have power to distributor side plug from Module, the only thing no spark to individual spark plug cables or each connection at distributor cap. So could it be Distributor it self and how can I check and what do I check? The cap & rotor seem fine but should I replace them with new ones? 

[tjones02]

You must have a transistor coil from a BMW of that generation to work with this ignition. Basically any Bosch coil from any electronic ignition car from the late '70s to the early '90s will work as far as I remember. Many of them have stickers on them that say "Transistorized".

[bmwe34m5guy]

Thanks Tom, I will pickup a coil today. Can I still use the Ballast resistor or would I need to bypass it?

[ShakeyC]

22 hours ago, bmwe34m5guy said:

So I checked with meter and I have power to coil wire at distributor from coil, I have power to distributor side plug from Module, the only thing no spark to individual spark plug cables or each connection at distributor cap. So could it be Distributor it self and how can I check and what do I check? The cap & rotor seem fine but should I replace them with new ones? 

Do you have  Siemens or Bosch module?

 

No spark = ground wire or poor wrong earth

also the cable from module to distributor maybe damaged (i had 1 new one fail from BMW caused no spark but had power)

[vtmtber]

I did this mod last fall and had no luck after I wired everything up. I had what I thought was a weak spark and chased everything I could think of. I had rebuilt the top end after 5 years of not running so I had a lot of possible issues.

 

Finally I decided to switch the wires coming from the distributor and it fired right up. I foolishly assumed that the black was (-) and the yellow was (+) on the distributor That cost me a couple hours I'll never get back!

[tjones02]

9 hours ago, bmwe34m5guy said:

Thanks Tom, I will pickup a coil today. Can I still use the Ballast resistor or would I need to bypass it?

Bypass it.

[bmwe34m5guy]

Progress update: I installed the coil from an 82 E21 320i, bypassed the 02 ballast resister (connecting both leads to a jumper wire) and the final kicker was the coil wire from the transistor ignition module lead must be connected to the negative side on the coil. I now have spark and it started right up! Finally! Thanks everyone! Now my I need to figure out my Weber 32/36 Carb is drowning my spark plugs. I will have to pull and dry the plugs, start the engine and try tuning the carb so it doesn't continue to flood the plugs. If anyone has recommendation on tuning the carb. 

 

Final recap to swap E30 M10 into 2002 E10 parts needed and connections: (Bosch) Transistor ignition module (Part# 78070005 ebay $13 new), transistor coil from E21 (pick-a-part $9), Module harness with distributor wire (part of the harness) supply'd by Mike (Thank you). Connections using the diagram posted by Mike Bosch Module upper picture: Wire 1 (Black wire) to coil negative side, Wire 2 (Brown wire) ground to body, Wire 3 did not connect at all, Wire 4 (Green Wire) power supply connected to original 02 distributor condenser wire with a fuse, Wires 5&6 are the plug that goes into the distributor. I also grounded the distributor to the body. Final is the ballast resister (white ceramic thing on the coil) make a jumper wire and connect both wires together from the resister. Done!

 

F.Y.I. I talked to Steve from Top End Performance in North Hollywood today and the best way to do all this is using a MSD Box, Tach adapter and Bosch red coil.  I'll see how my current setup works and if not I'll go MSD setup.  

[Simeon]

Check the float level on your carb. While there, pull all jets and note sizes. Report back. 

[bmwe34m5guy]

I cleaned the carb during the process of installing the Engine over the last couple of months. It looks like upper left is 165 upper right 160, lower left 140 lower right 135, tubes left F60 right F50. 

[Mike87]

That carb looks dirty to me. Might try cleaning it, but that probably is not your problem. Check the float level as mentioned above. Could be the fuel is not shutting off with the needle and seat. check them too.

 

Glad you were able to get the ignition sorted! That is a big step.

[Harv]

19 hours ago, bmwe34m5guy said:

F.Y.I. I talked to Steve from Top End Performance in North Hollywood today and the best way to do all this is using a MSD Box, Tach adapter and Bosch red coil.  I'll see how my current setup works and if not I'll go MSD setup.  

 

 

In a polite manor with a smile....... I told you so in my first post. 

I really like this MSD boxes and coils with a distributor. Other than that it's EDIS or crank fired ignition. 

 

John

[bmwe34m5guy]

Here is the final update: 2002 back on the road and healthy, ended up with MSD system 6A, Accel 8mm wires, 79 E21 Dist. Cap, new spark plugs gapped to 45, I had to install a diode at the alternator because the car would not turn off with the key(Now my L dash light is on). I may need to swap the carb for a 38/38 weber down the road. Runs and sounds awesome! Thanks for everyone's help! I installed my re-upholstered E21 Baur seats today. I will probably get the carpet done within the next couple months. Here are some pics. 

[bmwe34m5guy]

I put the side molding back on and installed a new hood badge.