Checking the ignition coil (BMW 3 Series E36)

The ignition coil is checked using an ohmmeter.

Disconnect the ground wire from the battery.

Caution: When the battery is disconnected, the information in the electronic memory devices, such as the engine fault memory or the radio security code memory, is erased. Disconnect the battery only when the ignition is off, so as not to damage the fuel injection system control unit. When disconnecting the battery, follow the instructions in the sections "Radio" and "Removing and installing the battery".

Please note: On vehicles with a six-cylinder engine, the battery is located on the right in the luggage compartment next to the spare wheel.

Models 316i, 318i produced before August 1993:

Remove the protective cap from the ignition coil.

Disconnect the electrical wires from the ignition coil.



If the "arrow" plug is pressed out, replace the ignition coil.

Check for microcracks on the ignition coil and replace the coil if necessary. If the filling compound has leaked out, you may suspect a defect in the output stage in the DME control unit.

Check the resistance of the primary winding. To do this, connect an ohmmeter to terminal 1 and terminal 15. The specified value is 0.82 ohms.



Check the resistance of the secondary winding. To do this, connect an ohmmeter to terminal 15 and terminal 4. Specified value: 8.25 kΩ.

Models 320i, 325i, 328i

Remove the bolt caps and unscrew the 2 bolts located under the caps.

Remove the oil filler cap and the cylinder head cover.



Disconnect the connector on each coil by pulling up on the metal connector bracket.



Unscrew two bolts securing each ignition coil and remove the ignition coils.

Note: Pay attention to the paper gaskets between the ignition coils and the cylinder head. In addition, there are ground jumpers on the coils of the 3rd and 6th cylinders. When installing, they must be laid in the same places.

318is/ti models: Remove the ignition coil housing and disconnect the connectors by lifting up on their metal clips.



The figure shows the ignition coil connector: 1 - terminal 15, 2 - terminal 4a, 3 terminal 1.

Connect an ohmmeter to terminals 1 and 15 and measure the resistance of the primary winding of the ignition coil. Specified value: approximately 0.3-0.5 ohms.

Note: Secondary winding resistance (between spark plug terminal, terminal 4 and ground) it is impossible to measure.

Models 320i, 325i, 328i insert ignition coils with paper gaskets and ground jumpers and screw on.

Connect and secure the connectors to the ignition coil with metal clamps.

Install the cylinder head trim.

Connect the ground wire to the battery.