Ignition System Features

The solid state ignition system of the M50 is controlled through six individual output stages in the DME 3.1 control unit.


Each cylinder has a separate ignition coil rated at 30KV which is bolted to the cylinder head directly above the spark plug. The new direct ignition system eliminates the following causes of engine misfiring:

- mechanical wear (carbon brushes) as on
a rotary ignition distributor system;
- leaking voltage (arcing ) as a result of moisture, road dirt or salt;
- risk of damage to ignition wires by rodents thus increasing overall ignition system reliability.



Spark plugs with the triangular ground electrode concept, introduced on the M42 are also used on the M50 engine. In order to cope with the extremey rapid combustion process of a four valve engine the tri-electrode spark plug was developed for BMW. The electrode gap is 0.8 mm +/- 0.1 mm and requires no adjustment. The resistance value of the spark plug is > 1 K Ohm.