after searching the junkard. I came across a bit of an issue... all of the automatic E30s i came across were three wire TPS units. So whats the deal with that. is there something more specififc to look for? I assumed they were all the same. I would run an automatic miata 1.6 Throttle body if i needed but im on the hunt for the BMW version.

after reading this

"You will need to source a linear TPS from the aftermarket or from another application. The easiest swap is probably a BMW TPS Bosch part # 0-280-120-402 from an auto E30 or E36, or Bosch #0-280-120-406 from an E32. Both of these should bolt on your miata TB w/o modification. You will need to adapt the wiring harness to accomodate. The BMW pinout is
Pin 1-black wire-5volt in
Pin 2-shielded wire-ground
Pin 3-yellow wire-signal out
Pin 4-ground
Pin 5-WOT switch
Pin 6-Closed switch
"

Thanks for the assistance. Trying to get this miata swap fired up here shortly this month.

 

Mine came out of a 7 series of mid 90s vintage

 

The three wire TPS you're finding is most likely an opened/closed switch, not a potentiometer (which you need for a 0-100% TPS signal). Paste that part number (0-280-120-406) into eBay, be impressed by internets.

 

was hoping to avoid shipping and wait times since the pull a part is cheaper. i also need the pig tail. that said, ill go back to the yard today to do some more scrounging.

 

I'm not aware of any E30 six cylinder BMWs that had a linear TPS from the factory, manual or automatic. I think the later four banger ones may have been linear though.