Running an BMW M60 v8 (coil on plug ignition) on a MS II.

[camxer]

Hi guys,

I've purchased an Mega Squirt II v 3.57 PCB ECU modified for three Bosch BIP 373 coil drivers and loaded with MS2/Extra 2.0.1. Got the parts needed for running 6 coils on plug ignition on my BMW M50B20 non vanos engine (coil drivers, resistors etc) (2l straight six). The plan was to mount a roots supercharger and run it on the MS II together with a wideband oxygen sensor.

The problem is that I kind of changed my mind about tuning my M50B20, because of the rather small displacement volume... In order to get a reasonable amout of power, I would need to invest a lot of cash and my budget is limited.

So I started looking for a larger engine that could give me more horsepower without needing forged pistons, rods etc. A M50B25 or M52B28 was what I was looking for (2,5/2,8 l straight six), but then I stumbled upon a M60B30 v8 engine with coil on plug ignition that I got pretty much for free.

It is in really good shape, but the problem is that it has 8 cylinders and coil on plug ignition. From what I understand MS can run only 6 coil on plug ignition.

I have done some research and found a "guide" on how to make megasquirt run on a ford mustang (99-2004) v8 engine with coil on plug ignition. It states two choices:

1) You can use the standard EDIS-8 coil packs and run plug wires. This is the simplest option for sure and plenty adequate for most installations as it's basically the same setup Ford used on the 96-98 Mustang. They just had the EDIS module built into the EEC.

OR

2) Based on the following info from Scott Clark (DieselGeek) you can run COPs from the EDIS-8 module:

You CAN run the factory COPs with an EDIS module, although this will draw roughly double the average power from your COP power supply. There are many successful reports of this being “no problem” on COP installs, some 03 Cobra’s have made upwards of 775whp using this scheme.




I am wondering if one of these " mustang set ups" will work on my BMW M60 v8 engine and if the fact that my MS is set up for 6 coil on plug ignition will cause any big problems.

Thanks for your help in advance

[jsmcortina]

First - how many wires on the BMW coil on plug units? Are they logic level (5v fractions of an amp from ECU) or high current (12v and multiple amps from ECU) ?
I'm pretty sure they are dumb high current units. Personally I don't think that running them doubled up from an EDIS8 is a great idea.
Either use the EDIS8 with EDIS coil packs - known to work just fine, however this REQUIRES a 36-1 wheel on the engine which you will not have.

OR..

Drive the COP units in wasted-COP with direct coil control from the Megasquirt.
Configure the Megasquirt as V8 wasted spark but for each output install two high current ignition drivers.

Being a BMW engine it is very likely to have a 60-2 trigger wheel - you need to confirm this. But there are many running other BMW engine variants via Megasquirt reading their tach from stock sensors and stock trigger wheels.

James

[camxer]

The coils are high current units (I know this for sure, since the M60 has the same type as my M50 engine). I remember that the coils had 3 wires too.

When it comes to the amount of teeth on the M60's vibration damper/trigger wheel I will have to check when I get back home from my dorm on Friday. It is definetaly not a 36-1 wheel and I could place a bet on 60-2 (same as my M50).

Thank you for a quick and informative reply!

[camxer]

I can confirm that the M60 has a 60-2 trigger wheel and a VR sensor.

Will Bosch BIP373 coil drivers suffice?

[jsmcortina]

Will Bosch BIP373 coil drivers suffice?

Yes. Use one per coil.

James

[Sirogers13]

I myself plan on doing the same build. I came across this harness. What do you guys think?
Seems pretty straight forward. (m60b40 swap into an e36)
Ill be rebuilding the entire engine and putting the 4.4 crankshaft in it.



http://www.ebay.com/itm/272290220948
(its the Ms2v3.0 with a harness)

This bundle is cheaper on Ebay.. i hate buying stuff off it, but i got curious.
Please check it out and get back to me.

-Sam

[billr]

My opinion? It's rather high-priced for what is there, and you don't even need all of that.

[gboezio]

Just take a leakdown test at TDC, those engines were prone to Nikasil sulfur oxidation, also tighten the oil pump bolts with locktite, most of M60 have oil pump bolts laying on the oil pan.