Ignition issue

[ArtemLepilov]

*******THIS IS FOR A 528E/325E type E28/E30 WITH AN M20 ENGINE*******

I would like to know how the ignition is triggered in these cars. I know how it works on the M50/M42, but those are kind of different since they have a distributor... The other ones collapse the circuit in the coil using the wires that are all inside the connector to the coil pack, however this one has a single coil, a positive and a negative and there is a wire going to the distributor....

So - can anyone please explain to me how these systems work? Its got the 078 ECU (Motronic 1.3??) I Know I need to have a CPS and all the wiring working on it, however this problem came out of nowhere - it was running on and on, and then one day it just wouldnt start. Noone even looked under the hood... So I am not sure what it is at all... Basically I need a short explanation on how it works and a possible culprit.

Thank you all


-Artem

[thejlevie]

Ignition on this engine is controlled by the DME based on the timing reference signal. It does have a distributor, but its purposed is simply to distribute the spark to each cylinder.

Does the car have spark when the engine cranks over? No spark would indicate a problem with the timing reference or DME.

Does it have normal fuel pressure at the fuel rail when cranking? Lack of pressure would indicate a problem with the fuel pump or relay.

[Nbx33]

Crank Sensor causes me 3 days of agonized searching. and another 2 days of frustrating Bolt strippage.

but with that said i think its the Crank Sensor located under the distributor cap , above the Ac compressor.
atleast on my M20

[ArtemLepilov]

Sounds good. The car dosent have spark when engine cranks over... Thats why I know it has something to do with the parts listed. Will check the reference sensor.