m30 AFM "Learning" Time

[Skafrog]

Alright, just installed the 027 m30 AFM in my car (1990 173 ECU with JC Chip). The AFM came off a 02/91 535i, so its a later model.
My CEL comes on for 4-5 seconds when holding it at a steady rpm. Idles a little low, but not enough to die. The top end is terrible, from 5k on, it feels so lean I dont even want to run it up there. However, midrange is freaking amazing.
Anyways, to those who have done it, how long did it take to adapt?
I want to see if it will get better, but if the m20 electronic swap is required, I will do that instead of running my motor dangerously lean.
I have driven it ~15 miles so far, 5 of them was interstate.

[Jand3rson]

Unless you use the AFM from an E34 525i with the M20, you have to swap in the electronics from your M20 AFM.

[Skafrog]

what?
Why would using a 525 AFM from an m20 benefit me at all?
Are they bigger, or are you talking about the m30 motor?

[Jand3rson]

what?
Why would using a 525 AFM from an m20 benefit me at all?
Are they bigger, or are you talking about the m30 motor?

Wait, you're right. Now I'm all confused...

[Skafrog]

see, the consensus is that if you use a late model 535i AFM (part # 027) it will work.
My point is that I installed the correct AFM, and I also have the motronic 1.3 setup, so I was wondering how long it took the AFM to adapt doing it the "right" way.

[Jand3rson]

see, the consensus is that if you use a late model 535i AFM (part # 027) it will work.
My point is that I installed the correct AFM, and I also have the motronic 1.3 setup, so I was wondering how long it took the AFM to adapt doing it the "right" way.

Yeah, you're right, it's the 027 one. I'm not sure of the adaptation time, or if there even is one.

[Skafrog]

well, that would be the question Josh :P
I have my m20 AFM sitting out with the electronics out, just waiting to see if I can do this the hard way, or the easy way :)

[Skafrog]

Alright, the 027 ones dont work either. I dont know why. I swapped the electronics from my m20 AFM, and it worked perfect.
The mods definately make the car feel faster, more powerful, and smoother all across the board. (m50 injectors, m30 AFM)

[Digitalwave]

What are you doing for the air filter setup with the M30 AFM, just a cone filter?

[rwh11385]

Alright, the 027 ones dont work either. I dont know why. I swapped the electronics from my m20 AFM, and it worked perfect.
The mods definately make the car feel faster, more powerful, and smoother all across the board. (m50 injectors, m30 AFM)

well, then the word around the board was false. oh well.

Yes, feels great, and I loved it. Really noticed best on highway. :D

[Skafrog]

What are you doing for the air filter setup with the M30 AFM, just a cone filter?

Stock airbox. I modded it, looks factory.
It can be accomplished with a dremel, a sander, and a drill.
If you didnt know e30's, you cant tell, and thats how I like it :)

[Court M3]

Did you do anything else, like Fuel pressure regulator or is that even needed at all?

[Skafrog]

not needed.
I installed my injectors first, went for a drive, then put in the AFM.

[rwh11385]

if anyone wants a m30 afm, i have one for cheap, but it needs some work/attention

glad to see it worked out for you Rob. Can you wait to let it show itself at the track??

[Skafrog]

hopefully I will have an m50 by then :)
If not, I think it may help, only time will tell.