E30 M3 S62 Build - Loads of queries about 4x4 drivtrains

[The Dark Side of Will]

Wouldn't it be easier to buy a 325ix to do the swap? And then give it the m3 look?
I don't know shit about mechanics but it seem to me it would be the easier way to go...

With the number of parts unique to the M3, no, it is not easier to do that. It's possible to start with an M3 and an iX and end up with an AWD car with wide fenders... with about the same amount of work for each path.

However, if the final product has an M3 VIN, it will be worth FAR more than if it did not.

[The Dark Side of Will]

So that's a ZF A-110 T-case?
The e30 has the ZF A-95 T-case.

Googling ZF A-110 Transfer case returns a lot of his on the LandRover 110 model, which does not use that T-case. :(

[jevijavi]

Wouldn't it be easier to buy a 325ix to do the swap? And then give it the m3 look?
I don't know shit about mechanics but it seem to me it would be the easier way to go...

[Turk]

OK, Continuity check confirms the 2 pins are defo connected. Ohms, was all over the place the for the first second and then settle on zero.

There are 3 stubs on the outer side of the plug These also have continuity between one another, and look like they're designed to hold a circular, metal clipped plug.

What I need is someone to post a picture of some e34 plugs with cabling on so I can attempt to lock the basterd up! There is a part number on the actual plug but cannot for the life of me read it.

One of the numbers on the tcase near the output shaft to the front diff.


Gearbox casing no nr bellhousing on the e34 box


Part no on rear on Tcase

[Turk]

I can see the plug has a slight rivet so it must be pole specific.

i will be putting a multimeter across it tonight to see if I get any resistance. Aparently if its an electromagnet i will get a few ohms resistance.

[nando]

yeah, you could always add a 5a fuse or something small to be safe, but it's an electromagnet, so unless you run 100v or something through it, it should be fine.

[Turk]

nope, youre right :( I will find a way of feeding it varied voltage over the weekend and post my results

[nando]

I don't think that's an AWD model?

[Turk]

Wiring diagram found

http://www.autolib.diakom.ru/CAR/BMW/1993/525i/SYSTEM%20WIRING%20DIAGRAMS/294.pdf

[Turk]

ground one and + to the other

I'm not sure if it matters which is which, but generally BMW uses brown or brown/orange for grounds.

I don't have any wiring unfortunately, just the pins on the case itself. Ill try it both way round. The pins don't look that thick so I'd assume its a fairly weak signal.

Not sure if i should attempt to remove the block behind the pins to see whats going on in there...

[nando]

ground one and + to the other

I'm not sure if it matters which is which, but generally BMW uses brown or brown/orange for grounds.

[Turk]

Cant be that easy :0 surely?

+ to one - to the other? or ground the box and + to both?

[nando]

try applying power to the wires. see if it locks. since it probably wasn't meant to run at full duty, don't do it for long. I'd start at a lower voltage like 5v.

2 wires is expected. It should vary the lockup by changing a voltage pulse to the electromagnetic clutch. 100% duty = full lock, 0% duty = full open, etc.

[Turk]

So picked the e34 ix gearbox up tonight. That thing is F***ing heavy!!!!!!!!

But to my surprise the only connector I can see on it is a 2 pin plug!

I have had the following response re the e34ix gearboxes on the e30Zone.net

"The E34 system exists in 2 generations with a major difference:

Generation 1 has separate control unit which control electromagnetic semi-wet multiplate disk clutch in centre and electrohydraulic wet rear differential. It recieves ABS wheel sensors data signals from special, modified ABS unit. Front differential open. In production from april 1991 up to september 1993.

Generation 2 has ABS/ASC+T unit which controls semi-wet electromagnetic multiplate disk clutch in centre and an open differential rear through rear wheels brakes (ABD). It also controls throttle. Front differential open. In production from October 1993 up to end of production."

Where do I start bench testing this bad boy???

[nando]

you need an older copy of the ETM and TIS. BMW has removed a lot of stuff from them..