Magneti Marelli Dinoplex, SAE701A and Microplex
Technical Reference
The Magneti Marelli Dinoplex was among the earliest commercially successful automotive capacitive-discharge ignition (CDI) systems and represented a significant milestone in the evolution of automotive electronics. Developed by Magneti Marelli in 1967 for Ferrari racing applications and first used on the Ferrari 312 F1, the system was subsequently adapted for the high-revving Dino V6 engine, with the Ferrari Dino 206 GT becoming the first production car equipped with a Dinoplex ignition system.
Over the following two decades, Dinoplex systems were adopted across a wide range of competition and high-performance road cars, including the Ferrari 312 F1, Alfa Romeo Tipo 33/3, Dino 206 GT and 246 GT, Ferrari Daytona, Fiat Dino Coupé and Spider, Lancia Stratos HF, and Lamborghini Countach.
About
This website is an independent, non-commercial technical reference devoted to historic Magneti Marelli ignition systems, including the Dinoplex, SAE701, and Microplex families. Its mission is to preserve and disseminate knowledge of the history, design, operation, diagnosis, repair, restoration, and installation of these historically significant systems for automotive historians, restorers, workshops, and auto-electricians.
All articles, diagrams, technical analyses, and repair information presented herein are original works derived from archival research, reverse engineering, and hands-on restoration experience. No products, services, repairs, or other commercial activities are offered through this website.
License
All content is published under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-SA 4.0) licence and may be copied, shared, adapted, and reused, including for commercial purposes, provided appropriate attribution is given and derivative works are distributed under the same licence.
Magneti Marelli Dinoplex C AEC 101 C/D/E (1968-1971)
Models:
AEC 101 C: Early type, first PCB version, metal switch, long wires with color coded plastic rings
AEC 101 CA: Metal Switch, long wires with color coded plastic rings
AEC 101 CB: Early types had a metal switch, later types bakelite switches, long wires with color coded plastic rings
AEC 101 D: Metal switch, short wires with white plastic rings
AEC 101 DA: Bakelite switch, short wires with white plastic rings
AEC 101 DAX: Bakelite switch, short wires with white plastic rings
AEC 101 E/EA: Short wires with a three terminal AMP connector, 12 cylinder engines (one unit per bank)
Coil:
Magneti Marelli BZR 205A (3 terminals)
Replacement Coils:
BZR 205A: Magneti Marelli BAE202B
Cars with a factory installed Dinoplex:
AEC 101 C: Early Fiat Dino 2.0l Coupe (from #02466 on) and Spider (from #0833 on), Abarth 2000 Sport Spider, Abarth 1300
AEC 101 CA/CB: Later Fiat Dino 2.0l Coupe and Spider, early Fiat Dino 2.4l Coupe and Spider
AEC 101 D: Ferrari Dino 206 GT
AEC 101 DA: Ferrari Dino 246 GT L Series
AEC 101 DAX: Early Ferrari Dino 246 GT M Series, Ferrari Daytona GTB/4 Coupe US (two units)
AEC 101 E/EA: Ferrari Daytona GTB/4 Coupe US (two units), Ferrari 365 GTC/4 US (two units), Ferrari 365 GT 2+2 US (two units)
Installation Support:
› Dinoplex C AEC 101 C/D/E General Wiring (Download)
› Ferrari Dino 206 Wiring, '68 Europe (Download)
› Ferrari Dino 246 L and early M Wiring, '69 Europe (Download)
› Repair Support:
› Dinoplex C AEC 101 Diagnose and Repair
› Dinoplex C AEC 101 C/D/E Component and PCB Diagram (Download)
› Dinoplex C AEC 101 C/D/E Replacement Parts (Download)
› Dinoplex C AEC 101 Transformer Datasheet (Download)
› Dinoplex C AEC 101 C (early type) Circuit Diagram (Download)
› Dinoplex C AEC 101 C/D/E Circuit Diagram (Download)
› Dinoplex C AEC 101 C/D/E Circuit Diagram in Color (Download)
Notes:
Dinoplex ignition units carry the type designation AEC, an acronym for the Italian Accensione Elettronica Capacitiva (“Capacitive Electronic Ignition”). Early Dinoplex C-series units, including the "C", "D" and early "CA" models, were equipped with a metal housing for the Normale/Emergenza selector switch. Later "CA", "CB", "DA" and "DAX" versions featured a bakelite switch housing instead.
The Normale/Emergenza switch allowed the driver to select between the Dinoplex capacitive-discharge ignition system (Normale) and a conventional breaker-points and ignition-coil circuit (Emergenza), which served as a backup in the event of a Dinoplex failure On most installations, the tachometer operated only when the switch was set to Normale and was inactive in Emergenza mode.
The later Dinoplex C "E" and "EA" models were supplied without the Normale/Emergenza switch and its associated wiring. These units can also be identified by the absence of the screw holes on the side of the housing that were used to mount the wire-retaining clips found on earlier "C" and "D" series units.
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Magneti Marelli Dinoplex F AEC 102 A/B (1967-1970)
Models:
AEC 102 A: Ferrari
AEC 102 AA: Ferrari, BRM
AEC 102 B: Abarth, Alfa Romeo, BRM
Coil:
Magneti Marelli 5010114.1 (BZR 205A)
Replacement Coils:
5010114: Magneti Marelli BAE202B
Cars with a factory installed Dinoplex:
AEC 102 A: Ferrari Dino 246 Tasman, Ferrari 212 E, Ferrari 312, Ferrari 312 B2, Ferrari 312 P/B, Ferrari 612 CanAm
AEC 102 AA: BRM P153, BRM P160 , Ferrari 512 P, Ferrari 512S, Ferrari 512 M
AEC 102 B: Abarth 3000 Prototipo, Alfa Romeo Tipo 33/3, Alfa Romeo Tipo 33 TT 12
Repair Support:
› Dinoplex F AEC 102 Diagnose and Repair
› Dinoplex F AEC 102 Component and PCB Diagram (Download)
› Dinoplex F AEC 102 Circuit Diagram (Download)
› Dinoplex F AEC 101 Transformer Datasheet (Download)
Notes:
The AEC 102 was the first Dinoplex ignition unit to enter production. Only a small number of units were manufactured, making it, together with the 101 DAX, one of the rarest variants in the Dinoplex C family. Internally, the AEC 102 used an earlier and simpler electronic design than the later Dinoplex C models, with correspondingly different PCB and component layouts. The enclosure was largely identical to that of the earliest Dinoplex C units, but lacked the Normale/Emergenza switch and instead featured three short leads terminated with a three-pin AMP/TYCO male connector.
Some AEC 102 units were produced with the electronic assembly encapsulated in epoxy resin. Another distinguishing feature is the type designation, which was stamped into the cast aluminium housing. On later Dinoplex C units, the type designation was incorporated into the mould and appears as an embossed casting mark. The first two production series were finished in yellow paint, while the final series was left in its natural aluminium finish.
Original units can be identified by the stamped type designation, the correct style of printed markings, and the proper serial number application.
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Magneti Marelli AEC 103 A/B/BA (1970-1975)
Models:
AEC 103 A: Blue label, 6-8 cylinder engines, Fiat, Ferrari, Lancia, OEM, Aftermarket
AEC 103 B: Red label, 2-4 cylinder engines, Fiat, OEM, Aftermarket
AEC 103 BA: Green label, 2-4 cylinder engines, Emergenza/Normale connector, Aftermarket
Coil:
Magneti Marelli BAE 200A, BAE 201A, BAE 203A (replaced BAE 200A/BAE201A from 1973 on)
Emergenza Coil:
Magneti Marelli BZR 201A (satin matte black), BZR 202A (cadmium plated)
Replacement Coils:
BAE200A, BAE201A: MSD 8200 or MSD 8202
BAE203A: None available, revert to a separate Normale and Emergenza Coil setup
BZR 201A, BZR 202A: Bosch Red (0 221 119 030), install with original Marelli Resistor or Bosch 1.5 Ohm resistor
Cars with a factory installed AEC103:
AEC 103 A: Ferrari 365 GTC/4 US (two units), Ferrari 365 GT4 2+2 US (two units), Ferrari Daytona GTB/4 Coupe US (two units), Ferrari Daytona GTS/4 Spider US (two units), Ferrari Dino 246 GT M/E Series and GTS, Ferrari 512 BB LM (two units).
Fiat Dino 2.4 Coupe and Spider, Fiat 124 Coupe BC1 1600 and 1800 (factory option), Fiat 124 Spider 1600 Sport (factory option), Fiat 130 (factory option). Lancia Stratos HF Stradale.
AEC 103 B: Fiat 124 Abarth Rally (factory option), Lancia Montecarlo S3
Installation Support:
› Dinoplex AEC 103 A/B General Wiring (Download)
› Ferrari Dino 246 Wiring, '70 Europe, two terminal connector (Download)
› Ferrari Dino 246 Wiring, '72 Europe, three terminal connector (Download)
› Ferrari Dino 246 Wiring, '73 Europe, six terminal connector (Download)
› Ferrari Dino 246 Wiring, '71 US, two terminal connector (Download)
› Ferrari Dino 246 Wiring, '72 US, three terminal connector (Download)
› Ferrari Dino 246 Wiring, '73 US, six terminal connector (Download)
Repair Support:
› Dinoplex AEC 103 A Component and PCB Diagram (Download)
Notes:
The Marelli AEC103A ignition unit was produced between 1970 and 1975, with an additional production run manufactured in 1978. Units from the later batch can be identified by their enclosure casting, which lacks a serial number and typically exhibits a rougher finish than the original production series. A variant designated AEC103BA was equipped with two connectors, allowing straightforward switching between Normale operation and the Emergenza backup ignition mode.
All AEC103-series units were encapsulated in epoxy resin. While this provided excellent protection against vibration and moisture, it also makes inspection, diagnosis, and repair of the internal electronics extremely difficult.
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Magneti Marelli AEC 106 Raceplex "Ignition Sistem For Racing Car" (1975-1980)
Models:
Long Chassis, Coil on the right side
Medium Chassis, Coil on the left or right side (5010564)
Short Chassis, Coil integrated
Coil:
Magneti Marelli 5010343
Replacement Coils:
5010343: Marelli BAE202B (longer coil body)
Cars with a factory installed Raceplex:
Ferrari 312 T2, Ferrari 312 T3, Ferrari 312 T4, Ferrari 312 T5, Ferrari 126 CX, Ferrari 126 CK, Ferrari 126 C2, Ferrari 126 C3, Lancia Stratos Turbo G5, Fiat 131 Abarth Rallye Group 4
Repair and Calibration Support:
› Raceplex Component and PCB Diagram (Download)
› Raceplex Circuit Diagram (Download)
› Raceplex Transformer Datasheet (Download)
› Raceplex Rev Limiter Component and PCB Diagram, Calibration (Download)
Notes:
This rare, custom-built Dinoplex ignition was developed for Formula One racing applications and was deployed from 1975 onwards. In addition to its motorsport use, the unit also served as a replacement for the earlier AEC102 ignition, including installations in vehicles such as the Alfa Romeo T33/3.
Internally, the ignition is based on an early version of the circuitry later used in the AEC104B. This suggests that Magneti Marelli evaluated the new design in racing applications before introducing it as a production model.
Depending on the version, trigger input is provided either by conventional breaker points or by a magnetic pickup within the distributor. In magnetic-pickup configurations, the ignition is triggered on the rising edge of the signal once the input voltage reaches approximately 1 volt.
This was the first Dinoplex ignition to incorporate an electronic rev limiter. The limiter was implemented as a piggyback module mounted on the main ignition unit, a configuration that was subsequently adopted for the AEC104B-660 and AEC104B-780 models.
Early units were finished in black paint and can be identified by a single yellow Magneti Marelli "Ignition System for Racing Car" label. Later versions additionally featured a red anodized aluminium type plate carrying the model designation and serial number, together with a circular warning decal marked "90°C MAX - 194°F". The rev limiter carried its own Magneti Marelli identification label, which was silver on early units, yellow on intermediate versions, and blue on the final production units, similar to the label used on the AEC104BK.
Alongside the racing version, an OEM variant was also produced. This model featured an unpainted aluminium enclosure and a "Raceplex" label on the rev limiter module. Available evidence suggests that this version was marketed as an aftermarket performance ignition system.
Magneti Marelli AEC 104 BW/BK/B-660/B-780
(1975-1989)
Models:
AEC 104 BW: Points Trigger, OEM and AEC 103A replacement (Ferrari, Fiat)
AEC 104 BK: Magnetic Trigger, Carburetted Ferraris
AEC 104 B-660: Magnetic Trigger, Rev Limiter module set to 6600 RPM
AEC 104 B-780: Magnetic Trigger, Rev Limiter module set to 7800 RPM
Coil:
Magneti Marelli BAE 202B (3 terminals)
Replacement Coils:
BAE202B: none available
Cars with a factory installed AEC104:
AEC 104 BK: Ferrari 365 GT4 BB , Ferrari 512 BB, Laverda V6 Motorcycle
AEC 104 B-660: Ferrari 400i, Ferrari 512 BBi
AEC 104 B-780: Lamborghini Countach, Lamborghini LM002
Installation Support:
› Dinoplex AEC 104BW External Wiring (Download)
› Dinoplex AEC 104BK External Wiring (Download)
› Dinoplex AEC 104B-660/780 External Wiring (Download)
› Repair and Calibration Support:
› Dinoplex AEC 104BW Component and PCB Diagram (Download)
› Dinoplex AEC 104BW Plug & Play replacement (Points Trigger) with a MSD 6AL-2 (Download)
› Dinoplex AEC 104BK Component and PCB Diagram (Download)
› Dinoplex AEC 104BK Plug & Play replacement (Magnetic Trigger) with a MSD 6AL-2 (Download)
› Dinoplex AEC 104B-660/780 Component and PCB Diagram (Download)
› Dinoplex AEC 104B-660/780 Rev Limiter Component and PCB Diagram, Calibration (Download)
› Dinoplex AEC 104B-660/780 Plug & Play replacement of a (Magnetic Trigger) with a MSD 6AL-2 (Download)
› Dinoplex AEC 104B Transformer Datasheet (Download)
Notes:
The AEC104 BK was the first production ignition in the Dinoplex series to support a magnetic pickup (variable reluctance) trigger. All AEC104 setups with a magnetic pickup trigger the spark on the rising edge as soon as the signal level reaches ~1V.
The B-660 and B-780 types also featured a rev limiter which was mounted on top of the Dinoplex base unit next to the resistor module. All AEC104 ignitions are potted in PU and epoxy.
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Magneti Marelli SAE701A BMW M1 Ignition
(1978-1981)
Models:
Magneti Marelli SAE701A (Part number 64 82 7010)
Coil:
Magneti Marelli 60 70 2901
Replacement Coils:
Magneti Marelli BAE 504 F (60 70 5406)
› Repair and Calibration Support:
› Marelli SAE701A Power Board Component and PCB Diagram (Download)
› Marelli SAE701A Logic Board Component and PCB Diagram (Download)
› Marelli SAE701A Vacuum RPM Advance Chart (Download)
› Marelli SAE701A APS Sensor Calibration (Download)
› Marelli SAE701A Diagnose Terminals and Waveform Images
Cars with a factory installed SAE701A:
BMW M1 (E26)
Notes:
The SAE701A is a fully electronic hybrid digital/analog mapped inductive ignition controller developed specifically for the BMW M1. As a direct predecessor of the later Marelli Digiplex series, the SAE701A is widely regarded as one of the earliest mapped digital ignition control systems ever installed in a production automobile.
During the development of the BMW M1, BMW initially intended to use an ignition system derived from its Formula 2 racing program. However, in order to homologate the M1 for road use and satisfy increasingly stringent emissions regulations, a more sophisticated ignition system with a programmable advance map was required. A mapped ignition strategy offered improved combustion control, drivability, and emissions performance compared to the fixed or mechanically controlled systems commonly used at the time.
BMW originally approached Bosch, whose new Motronic engine management system was under development. However, Bosch was unable to supply a production-ready system in time for the M1 launch schedule. Following a recommendation from Italdesign, BMW entered discussions with Magneti Marelli, which was subsequently selected as the supplier for the project. Marelli developed the SAE701A as a dedicated mapped ignition controller for the M1, establishing the technological foundation for the later Digiplex family of digital ignition systems.
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Magneti Marelli Microplex Ignition
(1984-1991)
Models:
MED120A, MED120B: 12 Cylinder Engines
MED120B/D: 12 Cylinder Engines, supports Ferrari Tester
MED806B: 8 Cylinder Engines
MED807B: 8 Cylinder Turbo Engines
Coil:
Magneti Marelli AEC 500B (US 328, US Mondial 3.2)
Magneti Marelli AEC 500C (EU 328, EU Mondial 3.2, Testarossa '84 - '87)
Magneti Marelli AEC 600C (Testarossa '88 - '91)
Replacement Coils:
Magneti Marelli AEC 600C
Ignition Module:
Magneti Marelli BKL 3B (581701020000)
Replacement Ignition Modules:
BERU ZM061 (0 040 401 061), HELLA 5DA 006 623-431, HÜCO 13 8083
Cars with a factory installed Microplex 120A, 120B, 120B/D:
Ferrari 412, Ferrari Testarossa '84-'91
Cars with a factory installed Microplex 806B:
Ferrari 328 GTB/GTS, Ferrari Mondial 3.2
Cars with a factory installed Microplex 807B:
Ferrari GTB/GTS Turbo
› Installation Support Document Download:
› Microplex MED120B Connector Pinout (Download)
› Repair Support Document Download:
› Microplex MED120B Circuit Board Diagram (Download)
› Microplex MED120B Circuit Board Test Points (Download)
› Microplex MED120B APS Sensor RPM Voltage Chart (Download)
Notes:
The Microplex series represented Magneti Marelli's third generation of mapped ignition controllers, following the SAE701A and Digiplex systems. It was also the last dedicated Marelli ignition-control platform to be deployed by Ferrari before the introduction of the integrated Marelli IAW engine management systems used in models such as the Ferrari F40 and Ferrari 288 GTO. One of the principal advantages of the Microplex design was its significantly increased processing capability. Whereas a single Digiplex unit could control a maximum of four cylinders--requiring two separate units for V8 applications such as the Ferrari 308 GTBi and GTSi--a single Microplex controller was capable of managing ignition timing for engines with up to twelve cylinders. As a result, only one control unit was required for both V8 and V12 applications.
Later Microplex MED120 variants identified by the suffix "B/D" incorporated a simple serial diagnostic interface. This interface allowed communication with the Magneti Marelli Ferrari Tester, a handheld diagnostic device used for system testing, fault diagnosis, and service procedures.
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Magneti Marelli Distributor S125
(1967-1975)
Cars with a factory installed S125 Distributor:
Dino V6 based cars with a Magneti Marelli AEC 101 or AEC 103 ignition
Models:
S 125 A - 15° (1967-1968): 3 cams, two sets of contacts, early Fiat Dino 2.0 Spider and Coupe
S 125 AX - 15° (1967-1968): 3 cams, two sets of contacts, early Ferrari Dino 206 GT
S 125 BX - 15° (1968-1972): 3 cams, two sets of contacts, Ferrari Dino 206 GT and 246 GT, Fiat Dino 2.0/2.4 Spider and Coupe
S 125 C (1971-1975): 6 cams, two sets of contacts, Ferrari Dino 246 GT/GTS, Fiat Dino 2.4 Spider and Coupe, Lancia Stratos HF
Notes:
The Magneti Marelli S125 was the default distributor for the Dino 2.0l/2.4 V6 engine, the 15° degree number after the type number denotes the maximum cam shaft advance. S125 A type distributors are the earliest type and were installed in early Fiat Dinos with a points and coil based ignition before the Dinoplex was introduced. S125 AX type distributors were installed in early Ferrari 206 GT's. S125 BX were produced between 1968 and 1972, a second batch was produced in 1974. S125BX distributors produced up to April 1969 had a silver on red label, for the rest of the production run the labels were red on silver. The S125 C distributor was introduced in December 1971 and also featured a 15° maximum advance, but this was no longer mentioned on the type label.
The S125 rotor turns counter clockwise. Turning the distributor body clockwise will advance the timing, turning it counterclockwise will retard the timing.
S125 A, AX and BX type distributors have a three lobe cam with two adjacent set of points wired in parallel to reduce point scatter and enhance dwell at high RPMs.
S125 C type distributors have a six lobe cam and feature two independent sets of points for emission control equipped cars. In the emission control setup, the first set of points (R1) was always active, and the second set of points (R2) could be added by switching ground to R2 via a microswitch (which was installed on the left Weber carburettor) when no throttle was applied.When idling this setup retarded the idle advance by 5.5° (camshaft) for better combustion and cleaner exhaust gases.
S125 C distributors have the same body as S125 BX distributors but are easily identified by the second hole for the additional R2 contact terminal on the left of the distributor body.
For supporting the points based emergency mode in a Dinoplex AEC101/AEC103 setup, a 0,25uF capacitor was installed on the S125A/AX/BX body (two on the S125C) and wired to the points terminal. The Dinoplex ignition itself does not require a capacitor wired to the points as it uses the points setup only to trigger an ignition. The original capacitor supplied by Magneti Marelli came in a brass colored metal enclosure which was embossed with the Magneti Marelli logo, a production code (as example CE29T, ES29S) and the specification 0,25uF and 500 Volt.
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Ignition Replacements and Upgrades
Bosch High Power Ignition
› Bosch setup with dwell control for Ferrari & Fiat Dino, Lancia Stratos (Optical Trigger) (Download)
Black Stallion BSM
› BSMpdi programmable electronic ignition, wiring for the Ferrari Dino 246 GT/GTS (Download)
› BSMpdi programmable electronic ignition, wiring for the Fiat Dino Spider (Download)
Lumenition
› Lumenition Optronic Setup for Ferrari & Fiat Dino, Lancia Stratos (Download)
MegaJolt
› Megajolt programmable electronic ignition, wiring for the Ferrari Dino (Download)
› Megajolt programmable electronic ignition, wiring for the Fiat Dino Spider (Download)
MSD
› MSD 6A setup for Ferrari & Fiat Dino, Lancia Stratos (Download)
› MSD 6AL-2 setup for Ferrari & Fiat Dino, Lancia Stratos (Download)
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Ignition Coils
Coil Repair/Diagnose information
› Magneti Marelli BZR205A Diagnose
Printing Templates for Restoring Magneti Marelli Ignition Coil Labels
› Magneti Marelli BZR205A Print Template (Download)
› Magneti Marelli BAE200A, BAE201A, BAE203A Print Template (Download)
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Instruments
Speedometer
› Veglia Speedo Sensor Diagnose and Repair
Tachometer
› Universal Tacho Circuit Board Replacement
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Car Wiring Diagrams
Lancia Stratos
A fully redrawn and enhanced color wiring diagram for the Lancia Stratos HF Stradale, available as a PDF download in three languages. The diagram covers the electrical system of the road-going Stratos HF, with all wiring shown in color.
› Lancia Stratos HF Wiring Diagram — English (Download)
› Lancia Stratos HF Schema Elettrico — Italiano (Download)
› Lancia Stratos HF Schaltplan — Deutsch (Download)
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This website is provided as an independent technical reference for historical and educational purposes. While reasonable efforts are made to ensure the accuracy and currency of the information published herein, no guarantee is given as to its accuracy, completeness, reliability, or suitability for any particular purpose. Visitors who use this website or rely on any information contained herein do so at their own risk. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, the operator of this website shall not be liable for any loss, damage, or expense arising from the use of, or reliance upon, information published on this website. Nothing in this disclaimer shall exclude or limit liability where such exclusion or limitation is prohibited by applicable law.
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