Error Code 18:

[isalos]

I am scanning my Z3 1.8 with the Motronic 1.7.2 (M43B18-184E2). I get this error:

Fault 18 Ignition output stage

After I clear it, it re-appears. I cant find anything on the internet about it. Can you guide me please?

Parts for my car are under this area: https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/par...6-Z3-BMW-Z3_18

Cheers,
George

[328 Power 04]

I have code 18 as "Output suction pipe switching" in DME 1.7.3 as found in your Z3. https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/sho...diagId=12_0430

The code seems to suggest the DISA valve?

[isalos]

Yes I have read about DISA valve relating to error 18, but the DISA valve does not seem to not be functioning correctly. It does not make the distinctive sound of problem, as shown on this video, that's why I am asking.

https://youtu.be/uGWpa9OYiZc?t=23

I will replace it with a used one from my car mechanic, clear the error and retry...

[isalos]

Something is strange on my car. It does not seem to have a DISA valve. Please look at the pictures. It just seems to have a cover in place.

https://ibb.co/WW4bp8P
https://ibb.co/12TWkZT
https://ibb.co/cg9PM93

[isalos]

It is this part: 11611435714

which relates to these cars:

https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/par...714&series=E36

Maybe it is the case that one of the past owners has changed the engine?

[328 Power 04]

I think someone changed the engine with a different one, yes. Z3 never came with M42

[isalos]

I checked the numbers. The engine is correct. It is an M43.
18 4 E2 it says both on the label and on the body of the engine. My mechanic says that sometimes drawings are not accurate.

[328 Power 04]

Then someone deleted the DISA in your engine and replaced it with a cap.

"The drawings are not accurate" is pure BS... Your DME is looking for the DISA!

[isalos]

Shouldn't there be a electrical connector cable that goes into the DISA? I will try to find a working DISA and replace it.

[isalos]

so I got a disa valve from my mechanic. I cannot find the wiring to connect it. I have been searching for over two hoyrs. My mechanic told me that either the intake has been changed or the wire is sonewhere hidden And we need to remove the intake to search underneath. Can you tell me what colours the cable/wire should be?

[328 Power 04]

Black 2 pin connector named X6131:

Ground (control via ground from DME, pin 18) is Brown with Blue stripe
12V Supply is Red with White stripe and it comes from a junction from engine control module relay

[isalos]

thank you for the help. We will do this sometime next week, and come back to you for more thank you.

[isalos]

Many thanks. Indeed, somebody deleted the DISA valve and hidden the cable. Today we open the engine to replace the head gasket, and found the cable. Installed the DISA, and the car is alive (I wonder how dead it was without the DISA).

Thanks for the help once more