Previous owner converted it from automatic to manual using a 1993 325iS transmission. Revs no higher than 3000RPM. exhaust removed, then asc-t deleted. Neither affected the condition in any meaningful way. OBD scan shows tons of automatic transmission malfunction codes and a mass airflow sensor code. I'm going to try swapping in an ECU from a 323 that was born a stick shift but if that doesn't fix it, I'm out of ideas.
Whats the fuel pressure? Volume?
Timing marks line up on the cam chain?
How about the coils? Plugs?
I'd start with the MAF
When I get a motor from an auto I use a red label 413 ECU and it works fine. But, try the MAF then clear the codes first because it's really easy to do and if it's throwing codes... it's probably bad or dirty anyway. But, for giggles... make sure someone didn't put it in backwards. It has a directional arrow that points to which way the air goes :)
Safety rev limit as PCM does not see trans in gear?
Only does it after moving if the codes are cleared. Clear em and it revs fine till it turns a wheel then bogs horribly and freaks out after that.
This is accurate and useful info right m030?
In reply to sesto elemento:
Indeed!
Beg borrow or steal a Manual PCM and retry
this is going to sound like a no brainer.. but it is a problem my 318ti came down with. Check the boot between the MAF and the intake. Mine came down with a rip that was fine at idle and revving.. but the moment you tried to accelerate, it would open due to drivetrain twist and the engine would bog
I actually had an s52 swapped e30 do this, sort of. Turned out the crank sensor want fully seated in the block. It's free to check, if there is any likelihood of it occurring. Otherwise, it probably is the ecu freaking out, there are no functioning transmission speed sensors besides the vss.
Changed MAF & now it revs all the way to 4000RPM before freaking out. I have this crazy idea of killing two birds with one stone: retrofit 93 325iS intake & 3.0L 1995 M3 cams, then get ECU custom mapped. According to the BMW Fanboi forums, those mods hould net +40hp over a good running stock 323 2.5L. You guys are much smarter and have more hands-on experience than the typical BMW Fanboi forum dweller, so what Sayeth the GRM brain trust?
You guys aren't really out of ideas, are you?
Once I exorcise this stupid problem, I'm going to boOOST the crap out of it, make the A/C blow cold and then drive it to Florida and to crush the (hopefully $2015 or $2016)Challenge!
Just because I am a bit nuts I would toss all the BMW stuff in the dumpster and put a MS2 V3 with a two bar map sensor. Toss a variant of EDIS on it and call it good.
Then you are all set to plug in boost
In reply to dean1484:
Did you mean an LS2 V8? If so, I really like the way you think! Maybe my BMW just needs more Z/28 parts car 
Did you run a manual trans ECU yet?
No although that that is an idea. Put a lm4 in it. Cheap reliable hp an torque.
No I was thinking meggasquirt. Especially if you are going turbo. A bit more of a PITA up front but I think it would make things easier later.
Yeah standalone would be awesome.
Also, my E36 is throwing a code for a MAF sensor too, but I've put in 3 different MAFs and none of them changed the way it ran. Current symptoms are extreme bogging and stumbling, and jumpy acceleration. My condition appeared after replacing the coolant temp sensor, but I think in doing so I must have introduced some kind of vacuum leak into the system. Maybe I ripped something.
Anyways, yeah, MAF code doesnt necessarily mean there is anything wrong with the maf, at least judging from my situation. I know if I unplug mine and start it, it seems to idle ok. The car must go into some kind of "open loop" mode or something. What happens if you unplug yours?
SOLVED!! I uncorked the exhaust closer to the engine & it runs perfect now! The front catalytic converter is clogged (soon it will be recycled 
now that is good news
Installed a used manual-transmission ECU this morning and it promptly killed the spark. So, naturally I put the automatic ECU back in, and magically spark was restored and it runs again. The BMW dealer won't touch it. Ideas (other than berkeley it or megasquirt)?
The ECU needs a reflash with EWS delete or you need the matching EWS module and key from the manual trans car.
In reply to 2002maniac:
Thank you!
I think it's time to drop it at Turner Motorsports, have them reflash the EWS & pick it up fixed.
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