320/318 distributor swap, ignition module options

[colorobo2002]

So i'm looking at replacing my '02 distributor with a 1.8L e21 or e30 distributor with the electronic ignition module (I'll be swapping the gear so it works with the '02 cam). My question: Does either distributor offer more adaptabitlity over the other? I believe the distributors are nearly the same, and some of them use the same Ignition module, but I believe the later e30 distributor plug and IM is much different than the e21. I was thinking it might be nice to be able to use another Module (perhaps from another car, VW, Saab, etc.) with a quicker advance (that is if the Module controls the advance on these things, I'm guessing here).

[winstontj]

So i'm looking at replacing my '02 distributor with a 1.8L e21 or e30 distributor with the electronic ignition module (I'll be swapping the gear so it works with the '02 cam). My question: Does either distributor offer more adaptabitlity over the other? I believe the distributors are nearly the same, and some of them use the same Ignition module, but I believe the later e30 distributor plug and IM is much different than the e21. I was thinking it might be nice to be able to use another Module (perhaps from another car, VW, Saab, etc.) with a quicker advance (that is if the Module controls the advance on these things, I'm guessing here).

If you're doing this for the advance change - why not just change out the weights in your stock distributor? You can put bigger or smaller weights in there so your advance happens sooner or later, likewise you can also set it so it advances farther or less, depending on what you do below the points.

As for upgrading to electronic to get rid of the points, I have no idea - sorry...

[WVGranat]

Rob, I would choose a 318 unit. #1 hall electronics do burn out and I believe that the sensor plate is still available for the 318i dist. #2 you are correct that it is compatable with more of the Bosch ignition modules, including tci-h (ezk in the volvo world) which was the last one used by everybody before it all went motronic. Either one should give you a signial to send to the ignition module and therefore an output to send to you LH computer.

[colorobo2002]

you know your stuff, we should meetup sometime, since you're around Sacramento.

Now, I have to figure out if the 318 dist is a vaccum advance, cuz if it is,I don't think it'll work by just swapping the gear. Anyone know?

[jfutral]

The advance is not controlled by the module. The distributor has a mechanical advance (plus a vacuum advance). You will have to change more than the gear - the shaft will have to be changed because of the advance direction and the oiling groves. I made these changes on my '74tii (along with machining the shaft to accept the pickup coil and trigger). It's a lot of work, but worth the effort for an "all BMW" trouble-free electronic ignition!