A few days ago I picked up a '96 328is (my first BMW) from a somewhat shady guy. The CEL is on for the cam position sensor, but I have reason to believe that he replaced the sensor but couldn't get rid of the CEL to pass inspection, leading to him selling me the car. I read on this thread that this can be a symptom of a fried DME. I found the original cam sensor in the trunk, and the wire insulation was blown up just like the guy's in that thread.
So I guess I need a new DME, but I don't know anything about them or how much to pay for one. If anyone has some tips or advice, I would greatly appreciate it.
The cowl drains are clogged too, so maybe some water amplified the issue.
Thanks in advance
For these cars, specifically the cam sensor... it HAS to be oem, I cut corners and use OE replacements all the time but for that sensor Id recomend using oem. (Still may not fix your problem)
DME's seldom go defective, but of course cannot be excluded, I would first test all the other sensors.
Shogun tricks and tips for the E32 series are HERE!
IF it is the ECU, which is questionable, you will need a shop with a GT1 or the Dealership to align the ECU to the EWS.
https://www.turnermotorsport.com/t-faq-ews
Or get an EWS delete ECU update.
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Or you can use your own laptop and get an USB to OBD2 interface (and probably the BMW 20-pin diagnostics plug to OBD2 convertor) and a very small computer program to sync the EWS (no need to install INPA and all, just a very small program). I have it on my laptop, but it can also be downloaded for free. I can look it up if you want. Update: Already found it: https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...0-vagcom-cable . I've used it before and it works great.. Couldn't get it to work with the official BMW software, but this little program did it in a few seconds.
But I also doubt it would be the DME (but it is possible, especially with the E36's not water-tight DME location; with the E32/E34 it's a lot better in its own sealed compartment).. Sensor and wires would be first suspects. Perhaps good idea to connect a laptop with INPA software and check all live sensor values and read all error messages.. That often helps a lot to find the cause.
Last edited by ed323i; 05-23-2018 at 10:13 PM.
Trust nothing. Id change the sensor
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