Adjusting the ignition system (BMW 3 Series E21)

Warning: To avoid electrical shock, stop the engine and turn off the ignition before removing or checking components of the contactless ignition system.

Checking the cam angle on the sensor-distributor of the contactless ignition system TSZi

Attach a cam angle tester to the distributor sensor.

Check the cam angle, which should be within 42°±10° at a crankshaft speed of 1500 rpm and within 52°±5° at a crankshaft speed of 4500 rpm.

The cam angle is determined by the design of the ignition distributor sensor and is not adjusted during operation.

Adjusting the cam angle on the distributor of the contact ignition system

Attach a cam angle tester to the distributor.

Start the starter motor.

Remove the distributor cap and adjust the cam angle by moving the breaker contact plate, which should be within 35-41°, try to achieve a cam angle as close to 35° as possible.

Checking and setting the ignition timing

Disconnect the black ignition advance hose and the white ignition retard hose from the distributor vacuum regulator.

Connect the "+" terminal of the phase shift stroboscope to the battery terminal, the "ground" terminal to an unpainted part of the body, and connect the stroboscope sensor terminal to the high-voltage wire of the 1st cylinder. Start the engine and bring the crankshaft speed to 1500 rpm.



Direct the flashing beam of the strobe light at the crankshaft vibration damper; in this case, the initial ignition timing setting mark "Z" on the damper must be opposite the installation lug on the protective cover of the timing belt of the camshaft drive.

If necessary, loosen the ignition distributor housing fastening bolt and turn it to the required angle. To increase the ignition timing advance angle, turn the distributor housing counterclockwise, and to decrease it, turn it clockwise.

Tighten the ignition distributor sensor housing mounting bolt.

Check the ignition timing again.

Connect the vacuum hoses to the ignition distributor sensor.

Disconnect the strobe light.