12 13... Normal oscillogram (M, S, W engines only)

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 BMW Z4, 2004 BMW Z4, and 2003 BMW Z4. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

start of ignition voltage peak
Level of ignition voltage
Level of combustion voltage
Period of combustion
Combustion curve characteristics
Start of decay process
Termination oscillations

Fig 1: Combustion Period Graph
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Secondary voltage patterns, beside one another:

Evaluation of ignition voltage peaks at idle speed (this example shows an engine with 4 cylinders).

NOTE: The display of ignition voltage spikes is approx. 20-25% lower than the real value.
The uniformity of all cylinders to each other is more important than the height of ignition voltage peaks.
Differences of 3000... 4000 V are permitted.
In event of greater differences, refer to Further Fault Patterns With Evaluation.

Fig 2: Secondary Voltage Patterns (Beside One Another)

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Evaluation of ignition voltage peaks at increased speed of approx. 2000 RPM (this example shows an engine with 4 cylinders).

Fig 3: Ignition Voltage Evaluation Graph

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Secondary voltage diagrams, superimposed:

Evaluation of combustion characteristics curve and decay characteristics at idle speed (this example shows a 4-cylinder engine).

Fig 4: Secondary Voltage Diagrams (Superimposed)

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Secondary voltage diagrams, consecutive:

NOTE: Only the major differences in the ignition voltage patterns are revealed by this method of comparison.
The identified fault must be allocated to the relevant cylinder using the secondary voltage representation forms next to/on top of each other.

Fig 5: Secondary Voltage Diagrams (Consecutive)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.