1995 E36 318is CRANK POSITION SENSOR

[FIAT 131R 223]

I have been looking using uncle Google for a video on replacing the crank position sensor on an E36 1995  318IS.     I have never seen such crap come up on any search .    It shows every thing EXCEPT what I am looking for .  If anyone knows of a video on step by step basis it would be much appreciated.  It's an M42 engine.    The search shows up heaps of stuff for E46 many engine options, E36 all big engines, heaps of sh*t for cam sensor replacement and the Pelican tech sheet for crank sensor replavement is really bad.  The comments on the Pelican stuff shows others share my comments about how useless it is.

 

 

Edited February 7, 2020 by FIAT 131R

[Gaz 1061]

Try newtis.info

Has most of the BMW repair instructions. It's not always clear but might help

[FIAT 131R 223]

STILL SEEKING HELP ON THIS

 

[Statek 87]

What information are you looking for specifically?

I believe the M42 crank sensor runs off the crank pulley on the front of the engine (M44 CPS was moved to run off the flywheel).

Remove the bolt holding it in, follow the wire to the plug. If you can't get to the plug under the manifold, it takes 3 bolts to undo the top of the manifold. You may take off the throttle cable if you feel its in the way or you can flip the manifold and lay it on top of the engine.

Refit all components in reverse order.

I don't think there's much more to it.

[FIAT 131R 223]

The cam sensor is on the front of the engine and the crank sensor is under the manifold.    I was hoping there was a video to limit what I needed to remove to do the replacement.  The quality of the videos available for E36 are crap compared to the E46 videos by folks like the Fifties Kid  among others.  

 

[B.M.W Ltd 950]

That would be the M44 engine then not the M42

[FIAT 131R 223]

Not according to the vin decode Glen.  I will get a picture today and hopefully you could confirm for me please which engine I have.

 

[B.M.W Ltd 950]

6 minutes ago, FIAT 131R said:

Not according to the vin decode Glen.  I will get a picture today and hopefully you could confirm for me please which engine I have.

 

Give me the Vin  as well I'll check tomorrow. Picture of the front pulley as well if possible

[FIAT 131R 223]

 Hi Glen.

 

WBABE62030JC07275 IS THE VIN

 

 

Edited February 17, 2020 by FIAT 131R

[B.M.W Ltd 950]

According to ETK it is or should be the M42. The sensor should be on the front being triggered by the harmonic balancer pulley. Not obvious in the photo and from memory the AC compressor needs moving without degassing to get it out and plugs into the loom under the manifold.

Edited February 17, 2020 by B.M.W Ltd

[FIAT 131R 223]

Thanks Glen will look at the weekend.  I thought it was under the manifold.

[dirtydoogle 383]

Follow the wiring in the clipped on harness that runs over the thermostat housing, that will lead you to your sensor above the pulley 

As far as I can tell only US market m44 ran the sensor under the manifold. I've got a Jap market one here and have had an nz new one, both triggered off the pulley. 

I am yet to personally see an m5x or m4x in nz that triggers off the rear 

[Statek 87]

1 hour ago, dirtydoogle said:

I am yet to personally see an m5x or m4x in nz that triggers off the rear 

Here's my M44B19 out of a Jap import '99 318ti:

EDIT: I also have a picture of this engine side by side with an M44B19 removed from a NZ New 1997 318is with the crank sensor in the same location.

M42B18 (vane type AFM + metal thermostat housing) run from the crank pulley.

Edited February 17, 2020 by Statek

[dirtydoogle 383]

That's a spanner in the works 

Well, if it was placed there I would suggest access from under the car is the way 

Or just go from the top with skinny arms