What is this and what does it do?

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stup86
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Sat Jan 02, 2010 12:33 pm

When I bought my E30, it didn't have the standard airbox, instead it had a cone filter and look like this:

Image

I noticed that there was a plug/lead hanging and can't find anywhere to plug. This is what I found:

Image

It's attached to the same wire group as the one that goes to this:

Image.

So anyone know what it does and where is goes.

I think it might attach to the standard airbox.

Cheers,

Stu
Parts needed:

M40/M20 ignition coil with high voltage lead
pac1982
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Sat Jan 02, 2010 12:42 pm

I think mine has a plug like this just hanging around, if your cars running fine dont worry about it
Image

1991 BMW E30 318i Neon Design Convertible (Sold)
1990 BMW E30 325i Touring (Sold)
1990 BMW E30 318IS (Sold)
1990 BMW E30 316i (RIP)
cass1_5503
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Sat Jan 02, 2010 12:45 pm

i think its for cars with a catalytic converter doesnt go on the air box someone will corect me if im wrong
sihooker
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Sat Jan 02, 2010 12:47 pm

It's something to do with emissions(charcoal filter?), probably for US spec cars..
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BEERBOY123
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Sat Jan 02, 2010 12:55 pm

I remember asking this a while ago and was told it wasn't supposed to plug into anything, so don't worry.
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mark_i
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Sat Jan 02, 2010 12:57 pm

^ correct. the plug connects to a purge valve that allows breather emissions to be collected inside a charcoal canister.

Only fitted to vehicles with catalytic converter/lambda sensor.

safe to leave hanging loose in engine bay.
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Brianmoooore
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Sat Jan 02, 2010 1:52 pm

If you look near the throttle body, you'll find a pipe going nowhere as well!
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xavier
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Sat Jan 02, 2010 2:00 pm

If you plug it into your left ear you can hear Radio Berlin
TPS
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Sat Jan 02, 2010 7:03 pm

My touring has a cat. on it, & makes use of that connector, also as Brian says, a blanked off pipe on the bottom of the throttle housing on non-cat. vehicles, on mine a pipe leads to the carbon canister (I thought that was the fuel filter at first, lol)
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stup86
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Sat Jan 02, 2010 7:08 pm

TPS wrote:My touring has a cat. on it, & makes use of that connector, also as Brian says, a blanked off pipe on the bottom of the throttle housing on non-cat. vehicles, on mine a pipe leads to the carbon canister (I thought that was the fuel filter at first, lol)
Good to know.

Cheers.

I thought that my car would of had a cat, feel a bit stupid now as I planned to remove it!!!!!!
Parts needed:

M40/M20 ignition coil with high voltage lead
TPS
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Sat Jan 02, 2010 7:19 pm

The best way to tell is to look at the battery tray, if theres a black lead going to the exhaust, thats the 02 sensor leading to the CAT.
Image
1991 325i Touring Alpine White II
1994 318i Touring Sterling Silver
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