BMW 87-93 E30 – AMP-PNP-E30 – Installation

Jump to: Installation | Software | I/O Configuration | Jumper Matrix | Rear Options Connector

ECU Model / Vehicle Specific Installation Guide

Vehicle Fitment:

1987 – 1993 BMW 325 (E30 Chassis with M20 Engine)

Please read all documentation before installing your AMP Plug-N-Play ECU and verify that you’ve followed all steps before starting your engine for the first time.

Physical Installation

All you need for a successful installation are basic hand tools. All parts removed during the following steps should be retained for reinstallation, as no factory parts will be discarded.

For a thorough and professional installation, you will need the following items:

Ratchet
10mm socket
Phillips screwdriver
Zip ties
Side cutters
Laptop with TunerStudio installed

The factory ECU, also referred to as the DME (Digital Motronic Engine Control Unit), is located behind the glove box. The following procedure will guide you through removal of the factory ECU and installation of your AMP Plug-N-Play ECU.

Disconnect the negative battery cable
Remove the glove box
Open the glove box and disconnect the retaining straps on both sides by removing the pin from each clevis. If equipped, disconnect and remove the flashlight socket.
Then loosen or remove the (3) nuts securing the back of the glove box to the bulkhead using a 10mm socket, and remove the glove box.
Remove the upper glove box trim
The upper trim is secured by (2) Phillips screws on the front outer edge and (2) plastic quarter-turn retainers toward the rear. Once the trim is free, disconnect the pair of light connectors and remove the trim.
Remove the factory ECU
With the glove box and trim removed, the ECU will be visible. Remove the (4) bolts securing it to the dashboard structure.
Disconnect the main ECU connector
Unlatch the wiring harness connector from the factory ECU. Lift the metal hasp toward the harness side of the connector. As the hasp rotates, it will push the connector body away from the ECU. Continue rotating the connector away from the ECU and lift the lower tang free from the ECU connector.
Route the vacuum line through the firewall
The MAP sensor reference hose can be routed through an existing firewall grommet. A small amount of lubricant may help the hose pass through the grommet more easily. Route the hose from the engine bay into the cabin and over to the ECU location behind the glove box. We also supply a vacuum bulkhead if you would like to place a hole in your grommet.
Connect the vacuum line to manifold vacuum
Route the vacuum hose neatly to the vacuum port on the side of the intake manifold. If equipped, remove the rubber cap and connect the hose directly. If that port is already being used, or the vacuum manifold only has a single port, install the supplied vacuum tee into the existing vacuum line connected to the fuel pressure regulator.
Wiring the Rear Options Connector

This is the time to wire in your wideband along with completing any optional wiring you plan to use through the Rear Options Connector. This is the best time to wire additional sensors, inputs, outputs, speed inputs, or ignition upgrades, since the connector is easier to access before the ECU is mounted in the vehicle.

Internal Wideband ECU Models
If you selected the Internal Wideband ECU model, connect the provided wideband sensor cable to the rear options connector as instructed in the pinout section. This allows the wideband sensor to plug directly into the ECU without using a separate external wideband controller.

No Wideband ECU Models / External Wideband Setups
If you selected the No Wideband ECU model, or if you are using an external wideband controller, wire the external wideband controller signal to the appropriate rear options connector input. Click Here: Wiring a Wideband Controller

Additional Inputs and Outputs
We also recommend wiring any other planned sensors or accessories at this time, including additional analog inputs, digital inputs, speed inputs, or outputs. This helps avoid removing or accessing the ECU later as your setup expands. Once your wiring is complete, plug the rear options connector into the ECU until it clicks into place and neatly secure the wiring. Refer to the Rear Options Connector section for pinout details and available functions.
Connect the tuning cable
Attach the serial cable to the AMP Plug-N-Play ECU.
Connect the main ECU harness to the AMP ECU
Attach the factory ECU connector to the AMP Plug-N-Play ECU using the reverse of the removal procedure. If the connector does not seat easily with the hasp, do not force it. Remove it, inspect alignment, and reseat as necessary.
Mount the AMP Plug and Play ECU
The mounting flanges on the AMP Plug-N-Play ECU do not align with the factory DME mounting holes. The recommended installation method is to use zip ties through the ECU mounting holes and the original DME mounting points. When securing the ECU, position it as close to the firewall as possible while still allowing room for the serial cable connection.
Connect the vacuum line to the ECU
Under the dash, route the vacuum line neatly to the ECU and connect it to the reference port on the back of the enclosure. Make sure the hose is routed so it will not be pinched or trapped when the glove box is reinstalled.
Route the tuning cable
Neatly route the serial cable to a convenient location for future laptop access.
Reinstall the glove box trim and glove box
Reinstall the upper glove box trim and glove box using the reverse of the removal procedure.
Reconnect the negative battery cable

At this point, the physical installation is complete and you can proceed to software setup, initial configuration, and tuning.

Software

Tuning Software Installation & Setup

Before starting the vehicle, install TunerStudio on your laptop and connect to your AMP Plug-N-Play ECU using the supplied tuning cable. Open TunerStudio, create a new project for the ECU. Once connected, confirm that TunerStudio shows the ECU as Online and that communication is working properly before making any changes.

View Tuning Software Installation & Setup Instructions →

Initial Configuration

Your AMP Plug-N-Play ECU includes a base tune that is configured for a stock application. If your vehicle has any changes from stock, you should review and update the tune BEFORE STARTING THE VEHICLE.

Examples of settings that may need to be reviewed or updated include:

Engine Size
Injector Size
Wideband Controller

Confirm that all required settings match the components installed on your vehicle before proceeding with startup and timing verification.

View Initial Configuration Instructions →

Verifying Base Timing

It is uncommon for BMW engines to require a timing adjustment because the trigger wheel is keyed to the crankshaft, but we still recommend verifying base timing during initial setup.

Set the ECU to fixed timing.
With the ignition key in the ON position and the engine not running, open TunerStudio and go to Ignition Settings > Ignition Options / Decoder Wheel. Set Fixed Advance to Fixed Timing, set Timing for Fixed Advance to 10 degrees, and click Burn.
Check timing with a dial-back timing light.
Because the factory BMW timing marks are primarily intended for cam timing, you will need to use a dial-back timing light set to 10 degrees. There is a raised marker on the timing belt cover that is visible from the left side of the vehicle. This marker should align with the line between the “O” and “T” marks when the engine is at TDC.
Adjust Tooth #1 Angle if needed.
If the timing marks align when the timing light is dialed to a value other than 10 degrees, you will need to adjust the Tooth #1 Angle in Ignition Settings > Ignition Options / Decoder Wheel. Increasing the Tooth #1 Angle value will retard the timing, while decreasing it will advance the timing. For example, if the timing light is set to 10 degrees but the engine is reading 15 degrees and the current Tooth #1 Angle is 88 degrees, you would change the Tooth #1 Angle to 93 degrees and then verify timing again with the light.
Return the ECU to table-based timing.
Once timing has been verified, set Fixed Advance back to Use Table and click Burn. This returns the ECU to normal ignition control using the ignition table.

Tuning

Congratulations, you have completed the physical installation, software setup, and initial configuration of your new AMP Plug-N-Play ECU. Your ECU is now ready, and you can begin tuning the vehicle.

Base Tune

Your AMP Plug-N-Play ECU is preloaded with a base tune for the specific ECU model and vehicle application it was built for. This provides a proper starting point for initial startup and tuning. If you ever need to restore the original base tune to the ECU, you can download it from our Firmware & Base Tunes page.

I/O Configuration

Below is a breakdown of the I/O usage for your AMP Plug-N-Play ECU. This identifies the default pin assignments for your specific vehicle, allowing you to see which inputs and outputs are already being used for factory functions and why those pins may not be available for use in the tune.

ECU Internal Jumper Matrix

Below is a diagram and overview of the available internal jumpers and their functions. To access the jumpers, remove the top (4) screws from either side of the ECU End Plates.

JP1: A/C Idle Up

This jumper enables the A/C Idle Up input so the ECU can respond when the air conditioning is turned on and adjust idle speed accordingly. There are two possible jumper positions depending on vehicle year:

Pins 2 & 3 - Pre-1988 vehicles
Pins 3 & 4 - 1988 and newer vehicles

Default Setting: Jumpered Pins 3 & 4

Rear Options Connector

Your ECU includes a bag containing (2) connector housings and (2) banded sets of pre-terminated wires. One set of wires is intended for the larger openings in the connector, and the other set is intended for the smaller openings. Reference the pinout below for available rear options connector functions and wiring locations.

Important: The pinout diagram below is shown from the back of the connector.

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