Ignition system. General information (BMW 3 Series E36)

The ignition system produces an ignition spark, which ignites the air-fuel mixture in the cylinders at a certain moment. To produce an ignition spark of sufficient power, the ignition coil converts the battery voltage of 12 volts into a voltage of up to 30,000 volts.

A diesel engine does not require an ignition system, since due to the high compression ratio, the air is heated to such an extent that after fuel injection, it begins to ignite spontaneously.

BMW petrol engines are equipped with a parametric ignition system, the operation of which is controlled by the Mortonic system control unit. The Motronic control unit also performs electronic control of fuel injection.

Models The ignition system consists of:

• ignition coils,
• spark plugs,
• high-voltage ignition distributor with runner,
• position sensors,
• dME control unit (DME = digital engine management = Motronic).