Alpine e30 progress/build thread
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With the new cable I was able to connect to the ECU in boot mode on JMGarageFlasher without any issues and read the full (512kb) file. Once I had a copy of the original software, I did a full write with the new MS430056 software from "daniel f." on e46fanatics/MS43wiki that has both EWS and checksum CHK5 disabled! Once that process was complete, I connected the ECU via Galletto and read the new partial flash, pulled it into TunerPro:


The software now shows up as version 0056 instead of the original 0066, meaning the flash was a success!! This is big progress towards getting this on the road. With this basic EWS delete the m54 should be able start, idle, and rev to a limited 5500rpm, which is all I need at this point.
I will, however, get a whole slew of trouble codes and errors, one of them being a 5500rpm 'limp mode' caused by a missing speed sensor signal. I can use TunerPro to remove this limiter (or get the ECU to accept the e30 speed sensor signal), as well as disable any unnecessary DTC's, force emissions readiness, etc. I'll only want to start messing with this after I get the car running though, that way I can eliminate screwing up the ECU if/when I'm trouble shooting.
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I have no idea what I just read
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I have no idea what I just read
It's all just a 0 or 1, how hard can it be...
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That seems pretty fun to learn how to do, im sure its child's play for someone like @HipMF
The one time I played around in TunerPro with a 413 DME bin file I was sad at how unintuitive things were and how confused it made me.
Its not possible to do live tuning on MS43 is it?? -
Not really. I still don't know what Galletto or JMGarageFlasher is... assuming software...
Nah I think Galletto is those things for removing facial hair...
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That seems pretty fun to learn how to do, im sure its child's play for someone like @HipMF
The one time I played around in TunerPro with a 413 DME bin file I was sad at how unintuitive things were and how confused it made me.
Its not possible to do live tuning on MS43 is it??I don't believe anyone has figured out how unfortunately, that would be awesome if you could. You can do logging with something like RomRaider, and flashing a tune only takes a minute or two, so you could probably iterate pretty quickly!
Not really. I still don't know what Galletto or JMGarageFlasher is... assuming software...
Yup! They're both software (and free!). Galletto allows you to flash partial files without putting the ECU into boot mode. The partial file on ms43 is 64kb, and contains all the information/parameters related to actually running the engine like fuel and ignition maps, basically the 'tune'. When you use something like a shark injector, this is what it is modifying. JMGarageFlasher is also free software, but is specifically designed for doing a complete flash of MS43 (aka replacing ALL data on the chips) with a 512kb file. This allows you to completely erase and re-write the ECU's data. The 512kb file contains things like EWS, checksums (internal values that are invalidated when anything is modified, preventing you from starting the car), and a bunch of other stuff I don't understand. Thankfully, this full flash only needs to be done once, and then any tuning and modifying beyond that is done with Galletto and partial flash files.
There is a TON of information on ms43wiki.com, and then a few really helpful threads on e46fanatics. That's basically where I'm getting all the software, EWS delete file, and tutorials on how to do things. Its actually very interesting to dig into!
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When I was looking into Rom Raider the sample rate didnt appear conducive to accurate tuning. Still, OBD2 logging for diagnostic purposes is a very valuable thing and worth having OBD2 for. I just think I will end up with MS3 if I decide to sound the trumpets on my build.
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When I was looking into Rom Raider the sample rate didnt appear conducive to accurate tuning. Still, OBD2 logging for diagnostic purposes is a very valuable thing and worth having OBD2 for. I just think I will end up with MS3 if I decide to sound the trumpets on my build.
Hadn't really looked into it so that's good to know!
Trumpets would be awesome!
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Made some longer studs and got the e46 oil level sensor mounted in the e34 oil pan

Finished re-wrapping the e39 main engine harness and cleaned up the coil harness, got both installed as far as I can for now

I also started cleaning the engine bay a bit. I'm not going to paint it as I don't have a good way of going about it in my current garage, so a decent clean will have to do. Someday I'll pull everything apart and clean and paint it all properly. Planning to get started on the master cylinder/booster swap and ABS delete next week.
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ABS delete everything
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unless your ABS is not functioning, why would you delete it?
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unless your ABS is not-functioning, why would you delete it?
Less weight, more room, archaic BS, less points of failure & cool guy points
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unless your ABS is not functioning, why would you delete it?
It hasn't worked properly since before my friend bought the car nearly 10 years ago. When I re-did the suspension last winter I removed all the wheel speed sensors so it was effectively removed then, and it's the perfect time to remove everything else with the engine out. One of my goals is to simplify things where I can, and it makes bleeding the complete system easier as well.
Non-ABS front brake lines: http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showparts?id=AF93-USA-04-1991-E30-BMW-318is&diagId=34_0150
ABS front brake lines: http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showparts?id=AF93-USA-04-1991-E30-BMW-318is&diagId=34_0157
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unless your ABS is not functioning, why would you delete it?
Early on in my E30 ownership I had a malfunctioning ABS hydraulic unit which would run the pump and freeze my brake pedal upon first application after reaching 5mph or whatever the activation speed is. I resolved that but I have never really needed the ABS and would enjoy the 20lbs or so reduction forward of the axle and have more space for a boxed off intake heat shield
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i think the benefits of ABS far outweigh 'i made my car 20lbs lighter' and 'its less stuff to break'
besides, the e30 system is the most placated system i've ever run into. it barely wants to intervene, even in snowy/icy conditions. my e34 system likes to go off if i'm braking and go over a bump in the road...
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Oh trust me, I've been voting for Ralph Nader and voting to keep the ABS for as long as I can remember but after the war/stripping all the cam bearing studs and helicoiling them all I just haven't been the same.
It changes a man.
but yes, your point about it not intervening much/at all is a good thing, but its also part of the reason im okay disposing of it. I didnt bump into ABS or wheel lock at Blackhawk on all seasons ("you obviously werent driving hard enough!") I suspect as I try out autocross this year that some of the more abrupt corners may lock up the inside a bit. Not worried
Famous final words before I live up to my name and snap understeer into a curb.
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but yes, your point about it not intervening much/at all is a good thing, but its also part of the reason im okay disposing of it. I didnt bump into ABS or wheel lock at Blackhawk on all seasons ("you obviously werent driving hard enough!") I suspect as I try out autocross this year that some of the more abrupt corners may lock up the inside a bit. Not worried
I suspect as I try out autocross this year
I try out autocross
i didn't hear anything you said except this. hell, yes.
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