I need a favor from someone here that has a DMM and probes- I need to know what you are getting for cranking voltage from the starter solinoid by either checking (probing) the engine connector plug, hole 11 as noted in the ETK in the Library of bmw320i.com, page 14-1b diagram, or by directly 'backprobing' the back of the wireclip that that goes to the solinoid; it's the smaller Black with yellow stripe wire with a white plastic protector. This is for the 80-83. Using the engine harness test connector would be the easiest- ground is the hole in the middle if you need a ground.

Set the multimeter where you can see it from inside the car and crank. Let me know the voltage! This will help out a lot. No hurry, but Id sure like to know sometime this weekend.
Thanks,
John
83iS

Should be 12v, or battery voltage... I could check tomorrow if i have time tho, since i have to go in there anyways cuz that wire comes loose sometimes

Thanks a bunch- Im looking for at least 11.5V from you while cranking..I get 9.x to 10.5V, and my CS valve wont fire.

John

You try hotwiring the CS valve with it removed and seeing if it fires? Or jumping the thermotime switch to see if thats the prob?

Yes to both.