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Oscilloscope Pattern Diagnostics (Spark Plug Faults)

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 35 other vehicles, including the 2003 BMW Z8, 2003 BMW Z4, 2003 BMW X5, 2003 BMW M5, and 2003 BMW M3. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
  1. For evaluation of sparking period at idle, voltage peak No. 1 indicates normal ignition voltage peak. Spark plug is okay. If ignition voltage peak (voltage peak No. 2) is low, electrode gap is small. If ignition voltage peak (voltage peak No. 3) is high, electrode gap is too large. See Fig 1.
  2. For normal combustion and spark plug, see Fig 2. If combustion period is long, electrode gap is small. See Fig 3. If spark period is short, electrode gap is large. See Fig 4.
    Fig 1: Identifying Oscilloscope Patterns (Spark Period At Idle Speed)
    G00131588Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Fig 2: Identifying Oscilloscope Patterns (Normal Combustion & Spark Plug)
    G00131589Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Fig 3: Identifying Oscilloscope Patterns (Long Combustion Period)
    G00131590Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Fig 4: Identifying Oscilloscope Patterns (Short Spark Period)
    G00131591Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.