Performance Controls: Notes

Engine Speed Signal (TD):  is produced by the ECM as an output function. The TD signal is a processed square wave signal that indicates engine RPM. The signal is made available to other control modules including the Instrument Cluster, IHKA, EWS II and the 20 pin Diagnostic Socket.

The TD output is a square wave modulated signal. The frequency of the signal is directly proportional to RPM. The receiving control module detects RPM by the number of pulses.

Load Signal (Ti):  is produced by the ECM as an output function that represents the actual amount of fuel injected. It is made available to other control modules as an input for operation. These control modules include:

• OBC = Fuel Consumption for MPG and Range 
• Instrument Cluster = MPG Gauge (Except M3) 

The Ti output is a processed square wave signal. The frequency of the signal is proportional to engine RPM. The pulse width and duty cycle will vary to reflect the injection quantity.

A/C Compressor Control:  is an output of the ECM. The ECM controls the A/C Compressor Relay based on signals from the IHKA Control Module.

When the driver selects the "snow flake" button, the IHKA Control Module signals the ECM (AC) which "arms" it for compressor activation.

The ECM prepares for the additional load of the compressor by modifying the ignition timing and stabilizing idle speed.

When A/C compressor activation is required the IHKA signals the ECM through the high/low refrigerant pressure switches (KO). The ECM will provide a ground circuit for the A/C Compressor Relay.

The A/C Compressor Relay is deactivated during wide open throttle acceleration at low speeds to allow the engine to quickly achieve maximum power.

Driveaway Protection System Interface EWS II:  and ECM Control Modules are synchronized through an individual serial number  (ISN). The ISN is a unique code number that is permanently assigned to the ECM and also stored in the EWS II Control Module. The ISN must match every time the ignition is switched "ON", before the ECM drive away protection feature will be cancelled.

• Engine Control Module designed to operate with the EWS II system will not interchange with ECMs from previous models. 
• The ISN replaces the BC Code input to the ECM. 
• The ISN is unique to each ECM and cannot be changed or overwritten. The ISN is transferred/stored in the EWS II Control Module using the DIS/MoDIC (including diagnosis). 
• Every time the ignition is switched "ON", the ISN number is sent from the EWS Control Module to the ECM, as a digital coded signal. The numbers must match before the ECM will release the driveaway protection. 
• The ISN is continuously sent to the ECM as long as the ignition is switched on (KL 15). 
• The ECM will disregard the loss of the ISN after the engine is running. 

VANOS Control:  Performance, torque, idle characteristics and exhaust emissions reduction are improved by Variable Camshaft Timing (VANOS). The VANOS unit is mounted directly on the front of the cylinder head and adjusts the Intake  camshaft timing from retarded to advanced. The ECM controls the operation of the VANOS solenoid which regulates the oil pressure required to move the control piston. Engine RPM, load and temperature are used to determine VANOS activation.

VANOS mechanical operation is dependent on engine oil pressure applied to position the control piston. When oil pressure is applied to the control piston (regulated by the solenoid), the piston moves causing the splined adjustment shaft to move. The straight splines slide within the camshaft sleeve. The helical splines rotate the camshaft drive sprocket changing the position in relation to the camshaft position which advances/retards the intake camshaft timing.

The operation of the VANOS solenoid is monitored in accordance with the OBD II requirements for emission control. The ECM monitors the final stage output control and the signal from the Camshaft Position Sensor for VANOS operation.

Retarded Timing:  In the normal or off position, the spool valve in the piston housing is held by spring pressure directing the engine oil to the back side of the piston.

This pulls the attached helical gear cup forward and maintains the late (retarded) valve timing position.

Advanced Timing:  When the ECM provides a ground circuit to the solenoid, the spool valve pushes against the spring pressure diverting the pressurized engine oil to the front side of the piston. This pushes the helical gear cup further into the matched helical camshaft secondary gear drive.

The angled teeth of the helical gears cause the pushing movement of the helical cup to be converted into a rotational movement. This rotational movement is added to the turning of the camshaft and causes the intake camshaft to "advance" 12.5+.

Exhaust Flap Damper Control (E36):  To meet European noise level compliance, the rear silencer incorporates a flap that is designed to reduce exhaust noise at idle, low RPM and while coasting. Components of the system include:

• Exhaust Flap with Vacuum Actuator 
• Switch Solenoid 
• Vacuum Reservoir 
• Check Valve 

The ECM will power the switching solenoid and apply vacuum to the exhaust flap actuator to close the flap allowing additional damping of the exhaust for the following conditions:

• Engine Idle - up to 2500 RPM 
• Engine Deceleration 

The ECM will deactivate the solenoid when accelerating above 2500 RPM. The vacuum is vented from the flap actuator and the flap opens. This decreases the exhaust backpressure for improved torque.

Controller Area Network (CAN):  The CAN is used between the engine and automatic transmission control modules (if equipped). The CAN is a high speed bus that transfers one million bits of information per second. The CAN supplies the ECM and the EGS with all related operating data required by their operation:

• Throttle Position 
• Engine Temperature 
• Gear Selection Position 
• Torque Converter Lock Up 
• Engine Load (ti) 
• Engine RPM 
• Timing Retard (Shift Intervention)