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HELP has anyone put a e36 m42 in e30???
Posted: Tue Mar 26, 2013 8:36 pm
by bake_e30
Hi,
I have recently put a e36 m42 into my e30 316, using the e36 loom and c101 to x20 diagram i wired my c101 off my old loom to the engine loom.
The problem is that when i turn the key to start it the starter starts turning for a split second then stops... I have checked all earths and even backed them up using jump leads.
I also have an aftermarket sigma immobiliser but I don't think that it has anything to do with it as this worked fine all the time I have owned the car and its wired through the dash side of the loom.
Thanks Aaron
Re: HELP has anyone put a e36 m42 in e30???
Posted: Tue Mar 26, 2013 8:43 pm
by ross_jsy
Just to check, you can turn the engine over by hand right?
When it stops, does the starter still sound like it's straining?
Posted: Tue Mar 26, 2013 9:01 pm
by bake_e30
Yeah, as i turn the key the dash lights flick off and on and i have to reset my immobiliser as if it cuts all power

Re:
Posted: Tue Mar 26, 2013 9:29 pm
by Brianmoooore
Check your battery connections, especially the smaller wires that bolt to the + terminal.
Re:
Posted: Tue Mar 26, 2013 9:44 pm
by bake_e30
I have checked all connections
It seems is if something is switching it off
Has anyone done c101 to x20 and are all e36 x20 pinouts the same??
Re:
Posted: Tue Mar 26, 2013 9:58 pm
by Brianmoooore
bake_e30 wrote:I have checked all connections
Check them again, and related ones, such as the chassis to engine strap.
Re:
Posted: Tue Mar 26, 2013 10:17 pm
by makman
You checked your relays mate? Could have a weak one with an intermittent output. Are you getting 12/13v to the starters main terminal, also check that your getting the same to the 'exciter' terminal on the starter motor when you rock the key to crank. It could be shorting out in the loom or plug or something along those lines.
Re:
Posted: Wed Mar 27, 2013 9:50 am
by Jos
bake_e30 wrote:I have checked all connections
It seems is if something is switching it off
Has anyone done c101 to x20 and are all e36 x20 pinouts the same??
for all the important stuff yes.
Does the starter spin correctly from the diagnostic connector?
Re:
Posted: Wed Mar 27, 2013 10:14 am
by bake_e30
I sliced the casing off the starter wire and bridged it to a live and the starter turns over but no when i turn the key
Has anybody got a pic of the e36 to e30 loom??
Re:
Posted: Wed Mar 27, 2013 11:58 am
by magpie
are the 10 and 8 mm nuts tight on the starter

Re:
Posted: Wed Mar 27, 2013 1:31 pm
by Jos
http://www.akgmotorsport.com/e30convpins.html
Last table is pretty much what I used but I don't think that's your problem.. relays and connections are more likely.
Re:
Posted: Wed Mar 27, 2013 4:05 pm
by bake_e30
Thanks all, i will check everything that is mentioned
When i get home I'll cross reference the wiring diagram to mine
Which relays should I look out for?
Everything wss working fine when I drove the e36 2 hours home when i bought it as I bought the complete car