Temp BMW 325i 1994 E36 Owner's Manual

116-
8



CYLINDER
HEAD
AND
VALVETRAIN

0012502

Fig
.
10
.
Location
of
camshaft
oil
sprayer
tube
sea¡
in
M44
cylinder
head
(arrow)
.

Hydraulic
valve
adjusters,

checking
and
replacing
(M44
engine)

The
M44
engine
uses
hydraulic
valveadjusters
(HVA)
to
keep
valve
clearances
within
a
limited
working
range
.
See
Fig
.
11
.
HVAs
are
sealed
units
and
require
no
maintenance
.

1
.
Camshafts
2
.
Rocker
arms
3
.
Hydraulic
valve
adjusters
(HVA)
4
.
Valve
and
conical
valve
spring

Fig
.
11
.
Cutaway
view
of
M44
cylinder
head
.

Under
some
circumstances,
such
as
a
cold
start,
thehy-
draulic
units
may
become
noisy
.
Hydraulic
valve
adjusternoise
is
usually
ahigh-pitched
tapping
or
chattering
noise
.
In
most
instances,
this
is
consídered
normal
aslong
as
the
noise
goes
away
in
a
few
minutes
(maximum20
minutes)
.
If
thenoise
does
not
go
away,
either
the
hydraulic
unit
is
faulty
orthe
oil
pressure
tothe
adjuster(s)
is
low
.

CYLINDER
HEAD
AND
VALVETRAIN,
RECONDITIONING

NOTE-

8efore
checking
valveadjusters,
make
sure
engine
oil
is
fresh
and
at
proper
level
.

1
.
Run
engine
until
it
reaches
normal
operating
tempera-

ture
.

2
.
Turn
engine
off
and
remove
top
engine
cover,
spark

plugs,
and
cylinder
head
cover
.
See
113
Cylinder
Head
Removal
and
Installation
.

3
.
Use
a
plastic
or
wooden
stick
to
press
down
on
top
of

rocker
armend
(side
away
from
camshaft)
.
If
any
play
can
be
detected,the
HVA
is
faulty
and
should
be
re-

placed
.

NOTE-

When
checking
the
HVA,
make
sure
the
camshaft
lobe
is
facing
upso
that
there
is
no
valve
spring
pressure
on
the
adjuster
.

4
.
To
remove
an
HVA,
turn
engine
over
until
camshaft
lobe

points
straight
up
.
Using
BMW
special
tool
no
.
11
5
130,
depress
valvespring
and
remove
rocker
arm
from
under
camshaft
.
See
Fig
.
12
.

Fig
.
12
.
BMW
special
tool
no
.
115
130
(arrow)
being
used
to
depress
valve
stem
to
remove
rocker
arm
.

WARNING
-

Removed
rocker
armsmustbe
reinstalled
in
the
same
locations
.

5
.
Pull
hydraulic
valve
adjuster
straight
out
of
cylinder

head
.
See
Fig
.
13
.

Fig
.
13
.
Remove
hydraulic
valve
adjuster
by
pulling
straight
out
ofcyl-
inder
head
(arrow)
.

6
.
Installation
is
reverse
of
removal
.
Be
sure
to
inspect

HVA
bore
in
the
cylinder
head
for
wear
or
scoring
.

Tightening
Torque

"
Cylinder
head
cover
to
cylinder
head/timing
chain
cover

M6
bolt
.........
..
..
...
........
10
Nm
(89
in-lb)

M7
bolt
.......
.
.
..
...
.
...
.
.....
15
Nm
(11
ft-Ib)

Hydraulic
cam
followers,

checking
and
replacing

(M42
and
al¡
6-cylinder
engines)

The
M42
engine
and
al¡
6-cylinder
engines
use
self-adjust-

ing
hydraulic
cam
followers
to
keep
the
valveclearances
with-

ina
limited
working
range
.
The
cam
followers
are
sealed
units

and
require
no
maintenance
.
See
Fig
.
14
.
.

Under
some
circumstances,
suchasa
cold
start,
the
cam

followers
may
become
noisy
.
Hydraulic
cam
follower
noise
is

usually
a
high-pitched
tapping
or
chattering
noise
.
In
most
in-

stances,
this
is
considered
normalas
long
as
the
noise
goes

away
in
a
fewminutes
(maximum
20
minutes)
.
lf
the
noise

does
not
go
away,
either
the
follower
is
faulty
or
the
oil
pres-

sure
to
the
follower
is
low
.
Hydraulic
cam
follower
replace-

ment
requires
that
the
camshaft
first
be
removed
.

NOTE-

Before
checking
valve
adjusters,
make
sure
engine
oil

ís
fresh
and
at
proper
level
.

CYLINDER
HEAD
AND
VALVETRAIN



116-
9

Fig
.
14
.
Section
view
of
camshaft
(A),
hydraulic
cam
follower
(B),
and
valvewith
conical
valvespring
(C)
usedon
M52
engine
.

1.
Run
engine
until
it
reachesnormal
operating
tempera-

ture
.

2
.
Turn
engine
off
and
remove
top
engine
covers,
ignition

coils,
and
cylinder
head
covers
.
See
113
Cylinder

Head
Removal
and
Installation
.

3
.
Use
a
plastic
or
wooden
stickto
press
down
on
top
of

cam
follower
.
See
Fig
.
15
.
If
there
is
any
noticeable

clearance,
the
follower
is
faulty
and
should
be
replaced
.

811107

Fig
.
15
.
Hydraulic
cam
follower
in
M52
enginebeing
checked
.
Note

that
camshaft
lobe
is
pointing
up
.

CYLINDER
HEAD
AND
VALVETRAIN,
RECONDITIONING

117-
6



CAMSHAFT
TIMING
CHAIN

15
.
Insta¡¡
upper
timing
chaincover
:



17
.
Remove
crankshaft
locking
tool
from
transmission
bell-

"
Thoroughly
clean
profile
gasketgroove
and
all
sealing



housing
and
camshaft
locking
tool
from
rear
of
cylinder

surfaces
.



head
.

"
Applya
small
bead
ofsilicon
sealer
(3-Bond
1209®
or

equivalent)
to
upper
and
lower
joint
comers
where



18
.
Turn
engine
over
by
hand
in
direction
of
rotation
at
least

chaincover
meets
cylinder
head
.



two
full
rotations
.
Reinstall
camshaft
and
crankshaft

"
Insta¡¡
new
profile
gasket
to
groove
in
lowerchain
cover
.



locking
tools
to
check
engine
timing
.
Repeat
cam
timing

"
Protect
top
of
profile
gasket
using
thin
sheetmetal



procedure
if
tools
do
not
fit
easily
into
position
.
Remove

(BMW
special
tool
no
.
11
2
330
or
equivalent)
.
See



locking
tools
.

Fig
.
15
.
"
Attach
new
gaskets
to
cover
with
light
dabs
of
gasket



19
.
Install
cylinder
head
cover
as
described
in
113
Cylin-

sealant,
hold
gaskets
in
placeusing
cover
mounting



der
HeadRemoval
and
Installation
.

screws
.

"
Place
upper
timing
cover
into
position
.
Snug
down
al¡



NOTE-
screws,
without
tightening
.
Carefully
slide
out
sheet



OnM44
engines,
note
oil
supply
O-ring
and
replace
ff
metal
.



necessary
.
"
Temporarily
install
cylinder
head
cover
without
gasket
.

Insta¡¡
and
tighten
at
least
two
cylinder
head
cover
mounting
bolts
to
seat
upper
timing
chaincover
.
"
Tighten
all
upper
timing
cover
screws
.



Tightening
Torque

"
Remove
valve
cover
.



"
Cylinder
head
cover

to
cylinder
head
(M6
screws)
...
..
.
.
10
Nm
(89
ín-Ib)

-



CAMSHAFT
TIMING
CHAINS,
Fig
.
15
.
When
installing
upper
timing
chain
cover,
use
thin
sheetmetal



6-CYLINDER
(arrow)
to
protect
profile
gasket
when
installing
uppercover
.

Tightening
Torque

"
Upper
timing
chaincover
to
engine
block
or
cylinder
head
(M6
screws)
....
.
..
10
Nm
(89
in-lb)

16
.
Install
vibration
damper
while
aligning
woodruff
key
.
Hold
crankshaft
stationary
and
tighten
mounting
bolt
.

Tightening
Torques



I
CAUTION-

"
Pulley
to
vibration
damper
..
.
.
.
....
22
Nm
(17
ft-Ib)



lf
the
camshaftsare
not
properly
timed,
the
1
pis-
tons
can
contact
thevalves
.
"
Vibration
damper
tocrankshaft
M16
stretch
bolt
(always
replace)
.
330
Nm
(244
ft-Ib)

CAMSHAFT
TIMINGCHAINS,
6-CYLINDER

20
.
Installation
of
remaining
parts
is
reverse
of
removal
.
When
installing
thermostat,
make
sure
arrow
or
vent
hole
faces
up
.
Refill
cooling
system
as
described
in
170
Radiator
and
Cooling
System
.

Tighteníng
Torques

"
Coolant
drain
plug
to
cylinder
block
.
..
.
.
.
...
.
..
.....
25
Nm
(18
ft-Ib)

"
Radiator
cooling
fan

to
coolant
pump
.
..
.
...
...
..
.....
40
Nm
(30
ft-Ib)

"
Radiator
drain
screw
to
radiator
....
2
.5
Nm
(22
in-lb)

Camshaft
timing
chainremovalon
6-cylinder
engines
re-
quires
that
you
Rmove
the
engine
oil
pan
by
raising
the
en-
gine
and/or
lowering
the
front
suspension
crossmember
.

Special
BMW
service
tools
are
needed
for
timing
chain
re-
moval
and
installation
procedures
.
The
special
tools
assure
proper
timing
of
the
valvetrain
.
Precise
marks
to
setthe
timing
on
the
camshafts
arenot
provided
for
reassembly
.
Read
the
procedures
through
before
beginning
thejob
.

117-
1
4



CAMSHAFT
TIMING
CHAIN

22
.
Installation
of
remaining
parts
is
reverse
of
removal,



When
theengine
is
running,
the
piston
housing
is
supplied

noting
the
following
:



with
pressurized
engine
oil
.
At
idie,
the
solenoid
isin
the
off

"
When
installing
thermostat,
make
sure
arrow
or
vent



position
(de-energized)
and
valve
timing
is
maintained
in
the

hole
faces
up,
if
applicable
.



normal
position
:
When
the
solenoid
is
energized,
the
gear
cup

"
Refill
cooling
systemas
described
in
170
Radiator



piston
moves
forward
to
advance
the
camshaftby
a
maximum

and
Coming
System
.



of
12
.5
.

"
Install
oil
pan
as
described
in
119
Lubrication
Sys-

tem
.
"
Fill
engine
with
oil
and
install
a
new
oil
filter
as
de-

scribed
in
020
Maintenance
Program
.

"
Insta¡¡
ground
wires
at
cylinder
head
cover
mounting

studs
and
at
front
of
cylinder
head
and
thermostat

housing,
where
applicable
.



VANOS
system
operation,
testing

Tightening
Torques



There
are3
special
tools
required
to
check
VANOS
opera-

"
Coolant
drain
plugto
cylinder
block
.
.
25
Nm
(18
ft-Ib)



tion
;
an
electricaltest
lead
(BMW
special
tool
no
.
12
6
410),
an

"
Radiator
cooling
fan
to
coolant
pump
.
40
Nm
(30
ft-Ib)



air
line
fitting
(BMW
special
tool
no
.
11
3
450),
and
a
crank-

"
Radiator
drain
screw
to
radiator
...
.
2
.5
Nm
(22
in-Ib)



shaft
TDC
locking
tool
(BMW
special
tool
no
.
112
300)
.

"
Upper
timing
chaincover
to
cylinder
head



The
test
leal
is
used
to
power
the
solenoid,
simulating
the
M6
nut
...
.....
.............
..
.
10
Nm
(89
in-lb)



ground
signal
from
the
DME
control
unit
.
The
air
line
fitting
M8
bolt
.....
....
.
.
.............
22
Nm
(17
ft-Ib)



takes
the
place
of
the
oil
supply
line
fitting
to
simulate
oil
Ares-
"
VANOS
control
unit
to
cylinder
head



sure
.
The
locking
tool
positions
and
locks
the
crankshaft
at

M6
nut
.........
..
..
.
..........
10
Nm
(89
in-lb)



TDC,
cylinder
no
.
l.
M8
bolt
........
...
.............
22
Nm
(17
ft-Ib)

"
VANOS
oil
supply
pipe
to
VANOS
control
unit



1
.
Remove
alternator
cooling
air
duct
.

banjo
bolt
.......
..
..
.
..........
32
Nm
(24
ft-Ib)

VANOS
(VARIABLE
VALVE
TIMING)



3
.
Remove
top
plastic
enginecovers
.
Disconnect
ignition

coil
harness
connectors
fromcofs
.
Remove
ignition

1993
and
later
6-cylinder
engines
are
equipped
with
a
vari-



coils
.

able
valve
timing
system
called
VANOS
.
This
system
is
con-

trolled
by
the
engine
management
system
and
dynamically



4
.
Remove
cylinder
head
cover
mounting
bolts
and
re-

adjusts
intake
camshaft
timing
based
on
engine
load,
engine



move
cylinder
head
cover
.
Unclip
andremove
oil
baffle

speed
and
engine
temperature
.



cover
from
above
intake
camshaft
.
See
113
Cylinder

Head
Removal
and
installation
.

The
main
components
of
the
VANOS
system
are
the
control

unit
with
piston
housing
and
integral
spool
valve,
and
the
mod-

ified
intake
camshaft
.
See
Fig
.
35
.

VANOS
(VARIABLE
VA
LVE
TIMING)

Fig
.
35
.
VANOS
control
unit
with
modified
intake
camshaft
.

B11001

WARNING
-

Special
BMW
service
tools
are
required
to
check
and
repair
the
VANOS
System
.
Read
theproce-

dures
through
before
beginning
the
job
.

2
.
Disconnect
crankcase
ventilation
hose
fitting
from
cyl-

inder
head
cover
.

NOTE-

Note
the
arrangement
of
the
cylinder
head
cover
bolt
insulators
and
gaskets
during
removal
.

5
.
Set
engine
to
approximate
TDC
by
rotating
in
normal

operating
direction
until
camshaft
lobes
at
cylinder
no
.

1
are
facing
each
other
.
See
Fig
.
20
.

6
.
Set
engine
to
TDC
by
aligning
"0/T"
mark
(0°TDC)on

front
vibration
damper
withcast
boss
on
lower
timing
chain
cover
.
See
Fig
.
21
.

7
.
Lock
crankshaft
in
position
by
inserting
BMW
special

tool
no
.
11
2
300
through
transmission
bellhousing
and

into
hole
in
flywheelor
driveplate
.
See
Fig
.
36
.

NOTE-

Confirm
that
the
locking
tool
has
been
correctly
in-
stalled
by
trying
to
rotatethe
crankshaft
.

119-2



LUBRICATION
SYSTEM

NOTE-
Component
Location



If
the
light
does
not
go
out,
thewiring
to
theswitch
is"
Oil
pressure
switch



most
likely
grounded
somewhere
between
the
switch

all
engines
.......
...
.
..
......
ora
oil
filter
housing



terminal
and
the
warning
light
.
Sea
Electrical
Wiring

Diagrams
atrearof
manual
for
electrical
schematics
.

CAUTION-

Some
oil
may
drain
out
as
the
oil
pressure
switch
is
removed
.
Use
a
rag
to
soak
up
any
spills
.

2
.
Install
pressure
gauge
in
place
of
switch
.

3
.
With
gauge
instalied,
start
engine
and
allow
to
reach

operating
temperature
.
Check
oil
pressureboth
cold

and
hot
.

NOTE-

For
the
most
accurate
test
results,
the
engine
oil
(and
filter)
shouldbe
newand
of
the
correct
grade
.

Oil
Pressure

"
¡dle
(mínimum)
..
.
.
..............
.
.
0
.5
bar
(7psi)

"
Regulated
pressure
(elevated
engine
speed)

4-cylinder
engines
..
......
4
.3
±
0
.2
bar
(63
t3
psi)

6-cylinder
engines
.
.
.............
.
4
.0
bar
(59
psi)

4
.
Remove
pressure
gauge
and
reinstall
pressure
switch
.

If
testing
shows
low
oil
pressure,
one
or
more
of
the
follow-

ing
conditions
may
be
indicated
:
OIL
PAN

"
Worn
or
faulty
oii
pump
.

"
Worn
or
faulty
engine
bearings



The
oil
pancan
be
removed
with
the
engine
instalied,
al-

Severe
engine
wear
.



though
specíal
enginesupport
equipment
will
be
needed
.

Al¡
of
these
conditionsindicate
the
need
for
major
repairs
.

Oil
pressure
warning
system,
testing

When
the
ignition
is
tumed
ora,
the
oil
pressure
warning
light

comes
ora
.
When
the
engine
ís
started
and
the
oil
pressure
ris-

es
slightly,
the
oil
pressure
switch
opens
and
thewarning
light

goes
out
.
Make
sure
the
oil
leve¡
is
correct
before
making

tests
.

1
.
Turra
ignition
switch
ora
.

"
Warning
light
ora
instrument
panel
must
light
up
.

2
.
Remove
connector
from
oil
pressure
switch
.

"
Warning
light
ora
instrument
panel
must
go
out
.

OIL
PAN

3
.
If
warning
light
does
not
light
when
ignition
is
ora,
re-

move
connector
from
oil
pressure
switch
anduse
a

jumper
wire
to
ground
connector
terminal
to
a
clean

metal
surface
.

NOTE
-

If
the
warning
light
comes
ora,
check
the
switch
as
de-
scríbed
in
the
nextstep
.
If
the
warning
light
does
not
come
ora,
thewiring
to
the
instrument
cluster
or
to
the

light
itself
isfaulty
.

4
.
To
test
switch,
connect
ara
ohmmeter
between
terminal

in
switch
body
and
ground
.
With
engine
off,
these

should
be
continuity
.
With
engine
running,
oil
pressure

should
opera
switch
and
there
should
beno
continuity

Replace
a
faulty
switch
.

WARNING
-

Keep
in
mind
that
low
oil
pressure
may
be
prevent-

ing
the
switch
from
tuming
the
light
out
.
If
the
light

remains
ora
while
the
engine
is
running,
check
the

oil
pressure
asdescribed
earlier
.
Do
not
drive
the
car
until
the
problem
is
corrected
.
Theengine
may
be
severely
damaged
.

Oil
pan,
removing
and
installing

(4-cylinder
engines)

1
.
Raise
car
arad
place
securely
ora
jackstands
.

2
.
Remove
splash
shíeld(s)
from
under
engine,
where
ap-

plicable
.

3
.
Drain
engine
oil
as
described
in
020
Maintenance
Pro-
gram
.

4
.
Disconnect
vacuum
hose
adapter
from
vacuum
brake

booster
at
rear
of
engine
compartment
.

5
.
Remove
oil
dipstick
guide
tube
mounting
nut
and
pull
guide
tube
from
oil
pan
.
See
Fig
.
2
.

GENERAL
.
........
.
...........
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
120-1



Camshaft
Position
(CMP)
Sensor
....
.
.
.
...
120-6

Disabling
Ignition
System
.
.
.
.
.....
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
120-2



Camshaft
position
(CMP)
sensor,
replacing

Warnings
and
Cautions
.
.
.
.
.
.
.....
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
120-2



(4-cylinder
engine)
..
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
...
120-6

Camshaft
position
(CMP)
sensor,
replacing

IGNITION
SYSTEM
DIAGNOSTICS
.
.
.
.
.
.
120-3



(6-cylinder
engine)
..
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
120-7
Basic
Troubleshooting
Principles
...
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
120-3



Knock
sensors,
replacing
.
.
...
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
120-7

Ignition
Firing
Order
.....
.
...
.
.
.
.....
.
.
.
.120-7

IGNITION
SYSTEM
SERVICE
.
.........
.
120-3

Checking
for
Spark
..
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.......
.
.
.
120-3

Ignition
coil,
testing
and
replacing

(4-cylinder
engine)
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.........
.
120-3

Ignition
coil,
testing
and
replacing

(6-cylinder
engine)
.........
.
..........
120-4

Crankshaft
Positionlrpm
Sensor
.......
.
...
120-5

Crankshaft
position/rpm
sensor,
testing
and

replacing
(front
mounted)
.........
.
.
.
.
.
.
120-6

Crankshaft
position/rpm
sensor,replacing

(rear
mounted)
.....
.
.....
.
.....
.
.
.
.
.
.
120-6

GENERAL



Troubleshooting
and
testing
of
the
engine
management

system
should
be
carried
out
using
the
BMW
specialized
ser

This
repair
group
covers
repair
andcomponent
replace-



vice
tester
(scan
tool)
.

ment
information
for
the
ignition
system
.
All
engines
use
a
distributorless
ignition
system
with
indívid-

ual
ignitioncoils
for
each
cylinder
.
There
is
no
distributor
cap

NOTE-



or
ignition
rotor
.
Each
coil
can
be
selectively
controlled
by
the

"
Spark
plug
replacement
is
covered
in
020
Mainte-



engine
control
module
on
a
cylinder-by-cylinder
basis
.
On
later

nance
Program
.



systems,
knock
sensors
are
used
to
monitor
and
control
igni-

"
For
fuel
related
troubleshooting
and
testing,
see
130



tion
knock
(ping)
and
adjusttiming
accordingly
.

Fuel
lnjection
.
Ignition
timing
is
electronically
controlled
and
not
adjust-

All
engines
covered
by
this
manual
use
an
advanced
en-



able
.
The
engine
control
module
(ECM)
usesengine
load,
en-

gine
management
system
.
The
engine
management
system



gine
speed,
coolant
temperature,
and
intake
air
temperature

incorporates
on-board
diagnostics,
fuel
injection,
ignition
and



as
the
basic
inputs
for
timing
control
.
Knock
detection
is
also

other
advanced
engine
control
functions
.



an
input
to
the
control
module,
where
applicable
.

Table
a
.
Engine
Management
System
Variants

Engine
code



1
System

4-cylinder
M42
(1.8
I)



Bosch
DME
Ml
.7
M44
(1
.9
I)



Bosch
DME
M5
.2
(OBD
II)

6-cylinder
M50
1992
(2.5
I)



Bosch
DME
M8
.1
1993-1995
(2
.5
I)



Bosch
DME
M33
.1
M52
1996-1998
(2.8
I)



Siemens
MS
41
.1
(OBD
II)

1998
(2
.5
I)



Siemens
MS
41
.1
(013D
11)
S50US
(3.0
I)



Bosch
DME
M3
.3.1
S52US
(3.2
I)



Siemens
MS
41
.1
(OBD
II)

120
Ignition
System

IGNITION
SYSTEM



120-1

IGNITION
SYSTEM
SCHEMATICS
...
.
.
.
.120-7

TABLES

a
.
Engine
Management
System
Variants
......
120-1

b
.
Ignition
Coil
Resistance
(M42
engine)
......
120-4

c
.
Ignition
Coil
Resistance
(M44
engine)
......
120-4

d
.
Ignition
Coil
Resistance

(6-cylinder
engine)
..
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.....
.
..
120-5

NOTE-

All
engines
coveredby
this
manual,
with
theexception

of
the
1992
M50,
incorporate
knocksensors
as
part
of

the
engine
management
system
.

The
initial
ignition
point
is
determined
by
the
crankshaft
po-

sition/rpm
sensor
during
cranking
.
Once
the
engine
is
run-

ning,
timing
is
continually
adjusted
based
on
operating

conditions
.
A
characteristic
ignition
map
is
shown
in
Fig
.
1
.
A

map
similar
to
the
one
shown
is
digitally
stored
in
the
engine

control
module
.

GENERAL

120-2



IGNITION
SYSTEM

Fig
.1
.



Ignition
characteristic
map
.

Disabling
Ignition
System

WARNING
-

The
ignition
system
is
a
high-energy
system
operat-
ing
in
a
dangerous
voltage
range
that
couldprove
to
be
fatal
if
exposed
terminals
or
live
parts
are
con-
tacted
.
Use
extreme
caution
when
working
on
a
car
with
the
ignition
on
or
the
engine
running
.

The
ignition
system
operates
in
a
lethal
voltage
range
and
should
therefore
be
disabied
any
time
senrice
or
repair
work
is
being
doneon
the
engine
that
requires
the
ignition
to
be
switched
on
.

The
engine
management
system
can
be
disabled
byremov-
ingthe
main
relay
.
The
relay
is
located
in
the
power
distribution
box
in
the
left
rear
of
the
engine
compartment
.
See
Fig
.
2
.

0013134
Fig
.
2
.



Maínsystem
relay
(arrow)
in
power
distribution
box
(left
rear
of
engine
compartment)
.

GENERAL

WARNING
-

"
Do
not
touch
or
disconnect
any
of
the
high
ten-
sion
cables
at
the
cotls
orspark
plugs
while
the
engine
ts
running
orbeingcranked
by
the
starter
.
Fatalvoltages
are
present
.

"
Before
operating
the
starter
without
starting
the
engine
(for
example
when
making
a
compression
test)
always
disable
the
ignition
.

CAUTION-

"
Prior
to
disconnecting
the
battery,
read
the
bat-tery
disconnection
cautions
gtven
at
the
front
of
thts
manual
on
page
viti
.

"
Do
not
attempt
to
disable
the
ignition
by
either
re-
moving
the
cotl
from
the
spark
plugs
(6-cylinder
engines)
or
disconnecting
the
coll
wires
from
the
plugs
(4-cylinder
engines)
.

"
Connect
or
disconnect
ignition
system
wires,
multiple
connectors,
and
ignition
test
equipment
leads
only
while
the
ignitionis
off
.
Switch
multtm-
eter
functions
or
measurement
ranges
onty
with
the
test
probes
disconnected
.

"
Do
not
disconnect
the
battery
while
the
engine
ts
running
.

"
Many
of
the
tests
of
ignition
system
components
require
the
use
of
high-impedance
test
equip-
ment
to
prevent
damage
to
the
electrical
compo-
nents
.
A
high
impedance
digital
multimeter
should
be
used
for
all
voltage
and
resistance
tests
.
AnLED
test
light
shouldbe
used
in
place
of
an
incandescent-type
test
lamp
.

"In
general,
make
test
connections
only
as
speci-fied
by
BMW,
as
described
inthis
manual,
or
as
described
by
the
instrumenta
manufacturer
.

121-2



BATTERY,
STARTER,
ALTERNATOR

CHARGING
SYSTEM
TROUBLESHOOTING



Static
currentdraw,
checking

Charging
system
diagnostics
requires
special
test
equip-

ment
.
If
the
test
equipment
is
not
available,
charging
system

fault
diagnosis
can
be
performedby
an
authorized
BMW
deal-

eror
other
qualified
repair
shop
.
A
general
troubleshooting

guide
is
given
in
Table
a
.

Charging
System
Quick-Check

As
a
quick-check,
use
a
digital
multimeter
lo
measure
volt-



2
.
Disconnect
battery
negative
(-)
cable
.

age
across
the
battery
terminals
with
the
key
off
and
then

again
with
the
engine
running
.
The
battery
voltage
should
be



CAUTION-
about12
.6
volts
with
key
off
and
approximately
14
.0
volts
with



Prior
to
disconnecting
the
battery,
read
the
battery
the
engine
running
.
If
the
voltage
does
not
increase
when
the



disconnection
cautions
given
at
the
front
of
this
engine
is
running,there
is
a
fault
in
the
charging
system
.



manual
onpaga
viii
.

NOTE
-

The
regulated
voltage
(engine
running)
should
be
be-
tween
13
.5
and
14
.5,
depending
on
temperatura
and
operating
conditions
.
If
the
voltage
is
higher
than
14
.8,
the
voltage
regulator
is
most
Mely
faulty
.

Check
for
clean
and
tight
battery
cables
.
Check
the
ground

cable
running
from
the
negative
(-)
battery
terminal
lo
the

chassis
and
the
ground
cable
running
from
the
engine
lo
the

chassis
.
Check
the
alternator
drive
belt
condition
and
tension
.

If
the
battery
discharges
over
time,
there
may
be
a
constant

drain
or
current
draw
on
the
battery
.
A
small
static
drain
on
the

battery
is
normal,
but
a
largedrain
will
cause
the
battery
lo

quickly
discharge
.
Make
a
static
current
draw
test
asthe
first

step
when
experiencing
battery
discharge
.

1
.
Make
sure
ignition
and
al¡
electrical
accessories
are

switched
off
.

3
.
Connect
a
digital
ammeter
between
negative
battery

post
and
negative
battery
cable
lo
measure
current
.

See
Fig
.
1
.
Wait
at
least
one
minuta
lo
get
an
accurate

reading
.

A
range
of
about
0
lo
100
milliamps
is
normal,
dependingon

the
number
of
accessories
that
need
constant
power
.
A
current

of
400
milliamps
(0.4
amp)
or
more
may
indicate
a
problem
.

Table
a
.
Battery,
Starter
and
Charging
System
Troubleshooting

Symptom



1



Probable
Cause



1



Correctiva
Action

1
.
Engine
cranks
slowlyor
not



a
.
Battery
cables
loose,
dirty
orcor-



a
.
Clean
or
replace
cables
.
See020
Maintenance
Program
.
a
tall,
solenoíd
clicks
when



roded
.
starter
is
operated
.



b
.
Battery
discharged
.



b
.
Charge
battery,
test
and
replace
if
necessary
.
c
.
Body
ground
straploose,
dirty
or



c
.
Inspect
ground
strap,
clean,
tighten
or
replace
if
necessary
.
corroded
.
d
.
Poor
connection
at
starter
motor



d
.
Check
connections,
test
for
voltage
at
starter
.
Test
for
voltage
at
terminal
30
.



neutral
safety
or
clutch
interlock
switch
.
e
.
Starter
motor
or
solenoid
faulty
.



e
.
Test
starter
.

2
.
Battery
will
not
stay



a
.
Short
circuit
draining
the
battery
.



a
.
Test
for
excessive
current
drainwith
everything
electrical
in
the
charged
more
than
a
few



vehicle
off
.
days
.



b
.
Short
driving
trips
and
high
elec-



b
.
Evaluate
driving
style
.
Where
possible,
reduce
electrical
con
trical
drain
on
charging
system



sumption
when
making
short
trips
.
does
not
allow
battery
to
re-
charge
.
c
.
Drive
belt(s)
worn
or
damaged
.



c
.
Inspect
or
replace
multi-ribbed
belt(s)
.
See
020
Maintenance
Program
.
d
.
Battery
faulty
.



d
.
Test
battery
and
replace
íf
necessary
.
e
.
Battery
cables
loose,
dirty
orcor-



e
.
Clean
or
replace
cables
.
See
020
Maintenance
Program
.
rodad
.
f
.
Alternatoror
voltage
regulator



f
.
Test
alternator
and
voltage
regulator
.
faulty
.

3
.
Battery
losing
water
.



1
a
.
Battery
overcharging
.



1
a
.
Test
voltage
regulator
for
proper
operation
.

4
.
Lights
dim,
light
intensity



a
.
Drive
belt(s)
worn
or
damaged
.



a
.
Inspect
or
replace
multi-ribbed
belt(s)
.
See
020
Maintenance
varies
with
engine
speed
.



Program
.
b
.
Alternatoror
voltage
regulator



b
.
Test
alternator
and
voltage
regulator
.
faulty
.
c
.
Body
ground
straps
loose,
dirty
or



c
.
Inspect
ground
straps,
clean,
tighten
or
replace
as
necessary
.
corroded
.

CHARGING
SYSTEM
TROUBLESHOOTING

Fig
.1.



Electrical
system
static
current
draw
being
measured
.

To
determine
the
circuit
or
component
causing
the
problem,

remove
one
Puse
at
a
time
until
the
current
drops
to
a
normal
range
.

BATTERY
SERVICE

The
E36
uses
a
six-cell,
12-volt
leadacid
battery
mounted

in
the
luggage
compartment
.
See
Fig
.
2
.

NOTE-

E36
convertible
models
require
a
specialbattery
which
is
designed
for
constant
vibratfon
.
A
battery
not
de-signed
for
this
will
fail
much
earlier
.

Battery
capacity
is
determined
by
the
amount
of
current

needed
tostart
the
vehicle,
and
by
the
amount
of
current
con-
sumed
by
the
electrical
system
.

BMW
batteries
are
rated
by
ampere/hours
(Ah)
and
cold

cranking
amps
(CCA)
rating
.
The
Ah
rating
is
determined
by

the
average
amount
of
current
the
battery
can
deliver
over
time
without
dropping
below
a
specified
voltage
.
The
CCA
is

determined
by
the
battery's
ability
to
deliver
starting
current
at

0°
F
(-18°
C)
without
dropping
below
a
specified
voltage
.

Battery
Testing

noN~A

B9517

Battery
testing
determines
the
state
of
battery
charge
.
On

conventional
or
low-maintenance
batteries
the
most
common

method
of
testing
the
battery
is
that
of
checking
the
specific

gravity
of
the
electrolyte
using
a
hydrometer
.
Before
testing

the
battery,
check
that
the
cables
are
tight
and
free
of
corro-

sion
.
See
Fig
.
2
.

Hydrometer
Testing

The
hydrometer
consists
of
a
glass
cylinder
with
a
freely

moving
float
inside
.
When
electrolyte
is
drawn
into
the
cylin-

der,
the
levelto
which
the
float
sinks
indicates
the
specific

BATTERY,
STARTER,
ALTERNATOR



121-
3

Fig
.
2
.



Battery
in
right
sideof
luggage
compartment
.

gravity
of
the
electrolyte
.
The
more
dense
the
concentration
of
sulfuric
acid
in
the
electrolyte,
the
less
the
float
will
sink,
result-

ing
in
a
higher
reading
and
indicating
a
higher
state
of
charge)
.

NOTE-

Electrolyte
temperature
affects
hydrometer
reading
.
Check
the
electrolyte
temperaturewith
a
thermometer
.
Add
0
.004
to
the
hydrometer
reading
for
every
10°F
(6°C)
that
the
electrolyte
is
above
80°F
(27°C)
.
Sub-
tract
0
.004
from
the
reading
for
every
10°F
(6°C)
that
the
electrolyte
is
below
80°F
(27°C)
.

Before
checking
the
specificgravity
of
a
battery,
load
the
battery
with
15
amperes
for
one
minute
.
lf
the
battery
is
in-

stalled
in
the
vehicle,
this
can
be
done
by
turning
on
the
head-

lights
without
the
engine
running
.
Table
b
lists
the
percentage

of
charge
based
on
specific
gravity
values
.

Table
b
.
Specific
Gravity
of
Battery
Electrolyteat

80
°
F
(27°C)

Specific
gravity



1



Stateof
charge

1
.265



Fully
charged
1
.225



75%
charged
1
.190



50%
charged
1
.155



25%
charged
1
.120



Fully
discharged

The
battery
isin
satisfactory
condition
if
theaverage
specif-

ic
gravity
of
the
six
cells
is
at
least
1
.225
.
If
the
specific
gravity

is
above
this
leve¡,
butthe
battery
lacks
power
for
starting,
de-

termine
the
battery's
senrice
condition
with
a
load
voltage
test,

as
described
below
.
If
the
average
specific
gravity
of
the
six

cells
is
below
1
.225,
remove
the
battery
from
the
luggage

compartment
and
recharge
.
If,
after
recharging,
the
specific
gravity
varies
by
more
than
0
.005
between
any
two
celis,
re-

place
the
battery
.

CHARGING
SYSTEM
TROUBLESHOOTING

121-
4



BATTERY,
STARTER,
ALTERNATOR

BatteryOpen-Circuit
Voltage
Test



Battery
Charging

Before
making
the
test,
load
the
battery
with
15
amperes
for



Discharged
batteries
can
be
recharged
using
a
battery

one
minute
with
a
batteryload-tester
or
turn
on
the
headlights



charger
.
The
battery
should
be
removed
from
the
luggage

for
about
one
minute
without
the
engine
running
.Then
discon-



compartment
during
charging
.

nect
the
battery
negative
(-)
cable
and
connect
a
digital
volt-

meter
acrossthe
battery
terminals
.
Open-circuit
voltage



Prolonged
charging
causes
electrolyte
evaporation
to
a
lev

levels
are
given
in
Table
c
.



el
that
can
damage
the
battery
.
Itis
bestto
use
a
low-current

charger
(6
amperes
or
less)
to
prevent
battery
damage

If
the
open-circuit
voltage
ís
OK
butthe
battery
still
lacks



caused
by
overheating
.

power
for
starting,
make
a
load
voltage
test
.
If
the
open-circuit

voltage
is
below
12
.4
volts,
recharge
the
battery
and
retest
.



WARNING
-

Hydrogen
gas
given
off
by
the
battery
duringcharg-

Table
c
.
Open-Circuit
Voltage
and
Battery
Charge



ing
is
explosive
.
Do
not
smoke
.
Keep
open
llames

away
from
the
top
of
the
battery,
and
prevent
elec
Open-circuit
voltage



State
of
charge



trical
sparks
by
turning
offthe
battery
charger
be-

12
.6
V
or
more



Fully
charged



fore
connecting
or
disconnecting
it
.

12
.4
V



1



75%
charged

12
.2
V



50%
charged



CAUTION-

12
.0
V



25%
charged



"
Battery
electrolyte
(sulfuric
acid)
can
damage
the
car
.
If
electrolyte
isspilled,
clean
the
area
11
.7
V
or
less



Fully
discharged



with
a
solution
of
baking
soda
and
water
.

Battery
Load
Voltage
Test

A
battery
load
tester
is
required
for
a
load
voltage
test
.
The



-
Always
disconnect
both
battery
cables
and
re-

test
is
made
by
applying
a
high
resistive
load
to
the
battery
ter-



move
battery
from
vehicle
during
battery
charg-
ing
.
Do
not
exceed
16
.5volts
at
the
battery
.
minals
and
then
measuring
battery
voltage
.
The
battery
should

be
fully
charged
for
the
most
accurate
results
.
The
battery
ca-

bles
mustbe
disconnected
before
making
the
test
.
If
the
volt-



ALTERNATOR
$ERVICE
age
is
below
that
listed
in
Table
d,
the
battery
should
be

replaced
.

WARNING
-

Always
wear
protective
goggles
and
clothing
when
performing
aload
test
.

Table
d
.
Battery
Load
Test-Minimum
Voltage

(apply
200
amp
load
for
15
seconds)

Ambient
temperature



Voltage

80°F
(27°C)



9
.6
V

60°F
(16°C)



9
.5
V

40°F
(4°C)



9
.3
V

20°F
(-7°C)



8
.9
V

0°F
(-18°C)



8
.5
V

ALTERNATOR
SERVICE

"
Always
allow
a
frozen
battery
to
thaw
before
at-
tempting
to
recharge
it
.

Before
checking
the
alternator
and
regulator,
make
sure
the

battery
is
fully
charged
and
capable
of
holding
acharge
.
Check
that
the
battery
terminals
are
clean
and
tight
and
the
al-

ternator
drive
belt
is
properly
tensioned
and
not
severely

worn
.

Charging
system,
checking

CAUTION-

Do
not
disconnect
the
battery
while
the
engine
is
running,
.
Damage
to
the
alternator
andlorengine
electronic
systems
may
result
.

1.
Turn
ignition
key
on
.
Check
that
the
chargewarning

lamp
comes
on
.

NOTE-

If
the
warning
light
does
not
come
on,
repair
any
wiring
or
bulb
faults
before
continuing
to
check
the
charging
system
.