Transistor swap for conventional ignition

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lazytv
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Joined: Tue Oct 27, 2015 10:03 am

Transistor swap for conventional ignition

Post by lazytv »

The transistor ignition with resistor and ignition control module is a pain in the ass and the older the car gets the more prone to failing.

Anybody bypassed that for the conventional ignition system?

J
Currently own: 1973 BMW 3.0CS; 1972 Porsche 914
Past: 1995 BMW 318Ti; 1995 BMW 318i; 2001 BMW 325Ci; 1981 Austin HL Estate; 1981 BMW 528i
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CabbageFumes
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Post by CabbageFumes »

Honestly the only thing that would be an permanent fix/update would either be a Motronic 1.3 conversion or a PNP Megasquirt. Both require replacing the entire engine harness. 1.3 is basic, MS requires learning about the system and tuning, which is more of a commitment unless you know someone or willing to pay someone for the install and tuning. There is no way to adapt what you have,(that I know of) since the igniter module is integral to the system you have.
Fiver 06/87
Sixteen-O-Two-er 11/69
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CabbageFumes
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Post by CabbageFumes »

CabbageFumes wrote:Honestly the only thing that would be an permanent fix/update would either be a Motronic 1.3 conversion or a PNP Megasquirt. Both require replacing the entire engine harness. 1.3 is basic, MS requires learning about the system and tuning, which is more of a commitment unless you know someone or willing to pay someone for the install and tuning. There is no way to adapt what you have,(that I know of) since the igniter module is integral to the system you have.
Or you could always go backwards and use the ECU, harness and dizzy from a car like your 3.0, paired with a Crane or Pertronix conversion to get rid of points/condenser.
Fiver 06/87
Sixteen-O-Two-er 11/69
lazytv
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Joined: Tue Oct 27, 2015 10:03 am

Post by lazytv »

Thanks for the input. Right now I'm ready to push the e12 off a pier. Starts up every other week. Frustrating as f*ck.
Currently own: 1973 BMW 3.0CS; 1972 Porsche 914
Past: 1995 BMW 318Ti; 1995 BMW 318i; 2001 BMW 325Ci; 1981 Austin HL Estate; 1981 BMW 528i
Ley3198
Posts: 31
Joined: Tue Aug 26, 2014 8:50 pm
Location: Monterey, CA

Post by Ley3198 »

CabbageFumes wrote:MS requires learning about the system and tuning, which is more of a commitment unless you know someone or willing to pay someone for the install and tuning.
I have always wanted to learn more about MS and its tuning process. Do you have any good information sources besides the MS FAQ? Or an example applied to an older BMW?
79' 528i AT converted to 533i MT.
87' T3 MT Vanagon.
91' E34 M50 AT
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CabbageFumes
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Post by CabbageFumes »

Search youtube. There are symposiums and workshops for megasquirt. If you take the time to really learn it and understand it, you'll be in great demand in the vintage car community, because very few commit to learning it, they just pay someone else to do it. (hint)
Fiver 06/87
Sixteen-O-Two-er 11/69
Ley3198
Posts: 31
Joined: Tue Aug 26, 2014 8:50 pm
Location: Monterey, CA

Post by Ley3198 »

CabbageFumes wrote:Search youtube. There are symposiums and workshops for megasquirt. If you take the time to really learn it and understand it, you'll be in great demand in the vintage car community, because very few commit to learning it, they just pay someone else to do it. (hint)
I have some experience with re-flashing and removing immobilizers on VW ECU's. I didn't have a real reason to try to mess with any BMW ECU stuff until i got the E12. Thanks for the advice though, will definitely look into deeper into MS.

In fact, i already have the water damaged E34 ecu needed haha, just need to get save up to get the rest of the kit.
79' 528i AT converted to 533i MT.
87' T3 MT Vanagon.
91' E34 M50 AT
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