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Home >> BMW >> 2004 >> 330Ci 2D Convertible, Automatic >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Engine Performance >> System >> Diagnostic Trouble Codes With Test Charts >> Test Group Identification >> Misfire Monitoring >> General description >> Measurement Principle
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Measurement Principle

The method of engine misfire detection is based on monitoring crankshaft acceleration.

The engine roughness is derived from the differences of the segment period (90°F crank angle) durations that are corrected and compared to load and engine-speed dependent thresholds. Different statistical methods are used to distinguish between normal changes of the segment duration and changes due to misfire.

Segment period measurement

Fig 1: Crank Angle Measurement
G04178591Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

The segment periods are measured through an angular range of 90°F crank angle. The segment starts at 54°F before TDC. The beginning and end of the segments are located at the same angle. The duration of the crankshaft segments is measured continuously.