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1990 BMW E30 M3

Posted: Tue Apr 26, 2011 5:10 pm
by BCM
Well, I've asked a bunch of questions here, so figured people might like to see my project. 1990 BMW E30 M3, running the S14 4-cylinder. Last year I got it up and running with MS2, batch fire, wasted spark. This year, upgraded to MS3 / MS3X, COP, Sequential. Here she is last year at Mont Tremblant on the MS2:

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Here's this year after the MS3:

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Last year at Watkins Glen with the MS2:
http://vimeo.com/15144340

This year on the dyno with MS3:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KbHzHhCA_m0

Thanks to everyone who's answered my questions along the way! Getting ready to kick off a new time trial season at Mosport International Raceway in Ontario, Canada next week.

Re: 1990 BMW E30 M3

Posted: Thu Nov 24, 2011 5:07 pm
by Magmotor
Nice Job! Could you help me in my Bmw E30 320is (Portuguese/Italian M3)?

All the best

Re: 1990 BMW E30 M3

Posted: Sat Nov 26, 2011 5:12 am
by BCM
Sure - What questions do you have?

Re: 1990 BMW E30 M3

Posted: Sat Nov 26, 2011 7:25 am
by Magmotor
BCM wrote:Sure - What questions do you have?
The main question is "How to Start!"

So, I have an BMW 320is S14B20, and i want to use it for my school project, so, i want to show the original results and the MS results in order to improve the engine.
The help which i need is:
-What i should buy and where?
-Where i can learn to work in MS?
-I want to make it by myself, i donĀ“t want to buy a ready MS, but how i can do it...
-I can use the original sensors and installation?
-What do you suggest


If you prefer we can talk by e-mail :)

This is the first step ( My II project) , later i would like to simulate a DTM manifold like in here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X3ecq8MNfk0.

Re: 1990 BMW E30 M3

Posted: Sat Nov 26, 2011 7:40 am
by BCM
Sounds like you have a lot more research to do here on this forum first and all the other MS forums and reading all the documentation. Using MS for the S14 isn't very different than any other vehicle, but using MS is difficult. There is no easy way so be prepared to put in a lot of work.

I bought both MS3 & MS3X from DIYAutotune.com and would recommend you do the same, I didn't build myself.

Check S14.net for BMW S14 specific parts (TPS, Trigger wheels, Cam Sensor Installs, etc)

Re: 1990 BMW E30 M3

Posted: Sun Nov 27, 2011 10:10 am
by Magmotor
But you use MS for your engine, so you use original sensors and actuators. What did you buy to your megasquirt project?

In my school we have dino, so i think its nice to tune.

All the best

Re: 1990 BMW E30 M3

Posted: Sat Dec 03, 2011 7:12 am
by BCM
Bought from DIYAutotune - standard MS3, MS3X and Wiring harness was my starting point.

Some original sensors (CLT), some aftermarket (TPS, IAT, VR, CAM). Lots of options for all of these, all are documented on S14.net for the BMW S14 specific parts - I can't remember them without going and searching myself.

Re: 1990 BMW E30 M3

Posted: Wed May 30, 2012 6:12 pm
by BCM
Anyone on this board a Grassroots Motorsports fan? Check the 2nd to last page of the June, 2012 Issue:

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Car is back together with a new engine this year due to a spun bearing last season. New Rods, 11:1 Pistons, Ported Head, Home-built 3" cat-less stainless exhaust. I'm hoping to be making some nice power for a little 4-cylinder :D

Re: 1990 BMW E30 M3

Posted: Thu May 31, 2012 5:25 am
by Matt Cramer
Congratulations! Is this one running a 60-2 aftermarket crank trigger, or the MS3 tri-tach mode?

Re: 1990 BMW E30 M3

Posted: Thu May 31, 2012 5:38 am
by BCM
Thanks Matt, was pretty crazy to see I made it in the magazine. I started with an MS2 from DIY, then upgraded to MS3/3X last year. I'm running an aftermarket 36-1 Trigger Wheel welded to the back of the crank pulley, A Ford Escort VR Sensor on a custom bracket, And a 1GT101DC Cam Sensor that triggers off of an extended bolt on the intake cam.

Re: 1990 BMW E30 M3

Posted: Thu May 31, 2012 8:11 am
by dieselgeek
That's a beautiful and clean car - way to go man!! congrats on the pic and writeup in a magazine too.

Re: 1990 BMW E30 M3

Posted: Wed Jun 27, 2012 6:27 pm
by Kmsgli
Man I love your car. Ive always wanted a E30 m3. Such a timeless car.

Re: 1990 BMW E30 M3

Posted: Thu Jun 28, 2012 5:43 am
by BCM
Thanks for the compliments guys...

For anyone curious, here's a short video from dyno tuning yesterday. Crank the volume, trust me, your co-workers will love you for it :mrgreen:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SJ5NZHBFC8c

Re: 1990 BMW E30 M3

Posted: Wed Nov 27, 2013 8:22 am
by diemay
hi, i have a project like you, but im using a ms3pro, can you help with the map, my car is runnig really bad, its my firts tune for alpha n, please share your map to diegomayaposada@gmail.com, tks

Re: 1990 BMW E30 M3

Posted: Mon Dec 09, 2013 12:37 pm
by DeanJames
I have been following your thread for a while and for the past couple of months have been researching which ECU I want to go with on my E30 S14. MS is at the top of my list but I am struggling to find where to go for final tuning. You have done everything I was looking for except that I really want to keep my stock instruments as my car is street\track (mostly street). Both my cams are 11.3 276 and I put them in around 10 years ago when I last redid my motor. Since then its had less than 2500 miles on it but as it has sat for long periods of time I need to reseal some oil and coolant leaks which are first on my list. I am going to read through your entire thread again to ensure I didn't miss any details and that way may keep from asking any dumb questions.

I am a fan!

Re: 1990 BMW E30 M3

Posted: Fri Dec 13, 2013 5:11 am
by BCM
Folks - haven't checked in in awhile, car has been sitting parked for most of last season, and haven't started my winter projects yet. Thanks for the comments though.

I do have a full build thread on S14.net in the projects section (when it comes back up, site has been down with virus issues for some time...)

Diego - my map won't work for you. I'm happy to help, but it would likely cause more problems than it solves. If you have specific questions about exactly how it's running bad, what the behavior is, maybe I can help. I would start a thread in the main MS3 support forum, then post the link here.

Re: 1990 BMW E30 M3

Posted: Fri Dec 13, 2013 12:28 pm
by vagman
I saw you're using J&S Safeguard. Would you share your experience with that unit? Thanks!

Re: 1990 BMW E30 M3

Posted: Sun Dec 15, 2013 6:08 pm
by BCM
vagman wrote:I saw you're using J&S Safeguard. Would you share your experience with that unit? Thanks!
Works well as far as I've been able to tell - never any issues while running it. I am removing it though, as I upgraded to an onboard knock chip with my MS3 and there's no reason to run both. Haven't gotten around to posting a for sale thread, but it is available if anyone's interested.

Re: 1990 BMW E30 M3

Posted: Tue May 13, 2014 2:53 am
by JohnnyNL
Hi,

Nice project!
Which cop's have you used?

-Johnny

Re: 1990 BMW E30 M3

Posted: Tue May 13, 2014 4:36 am
by BCM
Thanks.

The coils are denso sport bike coils. I believe they're from a CBR600RR if I remember correctly?

Car has been sitting for awhile due to transmission issues, need to get back on it...