12 13 009 Check ignition pencil coils with diagnosis and information system tester or oscilloscope (M54, M56, N40, N42, N43, N45, N46, N52, N62, N62TU, N73)

Special tools required:

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Read out fault memory in the DME (Digital Motor Electronics)
N40: Remove sound absorption hood
N42: Remove sound absorption hood
N43: Remove sound absorption hood
N45: Remove sound absorption hood
N46: Remove sound absorption hood
N52: Remove sound absorption hood
N62/N62TU: Remove sound absorption hood
N62/N62TU: Remove ignition coil cover
Open Control unit box
M54/56 Remove ignition coil cover

Unlock plug fastener (1) of ignition coil.

Fig 1: Unlocking Plug Fastener Of Ignition Coil

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Pull off connector (1) in direction of arrow.

Pull ignition coil (2) up and out.

NOTE: Procedure is valid for all pencil ignition coils

Fig 2: Pulling Off Connector

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Install special tool 12 7 050 .

Installation note:

The special tool 12 7 050 is connected between spark plug and pencil ignition coil.

Fig 3: Identifying Special Tool (12 7 050)

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Secondary measurement:

Clamp KV pliers (1) of diagnosis and information system tester onto special tool 12 7 050 .

Diagnosis and information system tester procedure:

Select < measuring technique >.
Select < preset measurement >.
Select < secondary ignition signal >.
Connect < TD cable to diagnostic head >.
Select < static ignition distribution >.
Select < number of cylinders >.

Fig 4: Identifying KV Pliers
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Further procedures according to DIS instructions.

NOTE: Graphic shows: KV pliers (1) US version.

Primary measurement:

Connect 26-pin box with special tool 12 1 301 to connector (1) DME module 5.

Diagnosis and information system tester procedure:

Select < measuring technique>.
Select < preset measurement>.
Select < ignition signal Kl.1>.

Further procedures according to DIS instructions.

Fig 5: Identifying Connector

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NOTE: Pin assignment according to wiring diagram Graphic N42.

IMPORTANT: Ignition signal is a Multi spark ignition .

Image of multi spark ignition

Ignition spike beginning.
Ignition voltage level.
Spark voltage level.
Combustion period.
Spark voltage curve.
Swing out process beginning.
Swing out process.

Fig 6: Multiple Spark Ignition Graph
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

M54/M56/N40/N42/N45/N46/N62/N73:

For engines with multi spark ignition starting from production April 2001, the following ignition oscillogram applies:

Depending on engine temperature (approx.-20° to 100°) and engine speed (< 2000 rpm), a number of ignition voltage spikes can appear (approx. 1-5 ignition spikes) before the normal ignition voltage process.

The additional ignition spikes do not affect the diagnosis.

Fig 7: Identifying Ignition Peaks Graph

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The last ignition spike (1) on the oscillogram is decisive.

NOTE: The ignition voltage spike displayed is approx. 20-25% lower than the real value.
Important is not the height of the ignition voltage spike but the evenness of all cylinders.
Differences from 3000 to 4000 volts are permissible.