WTB: E30 318is computer

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M Warren - 12 Oct 2006 03:49 GMT

The garage has told me that they believe I need a new ECU, so I was
wondering if anyone might lead me to one. Thanks

Matt
'91 318is

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Jack - 12 Oct 2006 06:55 GMT

There are currently two on Ebay, but it would be prudent to be sure you need
one before you go ahead.
What are the symptoms that led your mechanic to conclude that you need one??
It's actually pretty unusual for the ecu to fail; more often it's a sensor
or connector.
Do you have diagnostic codes?

> The garage has told me that they believe I need a new ECU, so I was
> wondering if anyone might lead me to one. Thanks
>
> Matt
> '91 318is

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M Warren - 13 Oct 2006 02:00 GMT

They told me that after resetting the computer it immediatly, upon startup,
sets a cam sensor code. But they determined it not to be the cam sensor
after replacing it with a one known working. He told me that as near as
they can ascertain it is the computer.. .or at least it is worth a shot
compared to the hours of labor potentially involved in searching out a bad
connection, etc.

Matt

> There are currently two on Ebay, but it would be prudent to be sure you
> need one before you go ahead.
[quoted text clipped - 9 lines]
>> Matt
>> '91 318is

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Jack - 12 Oct 2006 07:19 GMT

Pardon me for not reviewing your prior posts. Is your engine still
sputtering and popping and topping out at 1500 rpm?

So have you replaced the air flow meter yet?
This sounds like it could be an air flow meter problem but if it is there
should be a check engine light and some diagnostic codes.
There's a whole list of possible villains in the Haynes manual
Fuel Pump/Pressure Regulator? Check the fuel pressure and flow rate
Fuel Filter? Ditto
Clogged or Sticky injectors?
Clogged Catalytic Converter? (but not likely since I think your problem
emerged instantly after possibly running out of gas)
Cam or Crank position sensors?
How long since you've replaced plugs and wires?
You might mention to your mechanic that you intend to get the ECU on Ebay --
sometimes this will inhibit the tendancy to propose the most expensive
solution first. By the way, here's a link to the Ebay auction although I
wouldn't go there yet.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1991-BMW-318is-MT-ECU-and-Motronic-Computer-NR_W0
QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ33596QQihZ019QQitemZ290038790274QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

The guy has 100% positive feedback rating which probably means that he at
least thinks it works OK but you never know for sure.

> The garage has told me that they believe I need a new ECU, so I was
> wondering if anyone might lead me to one. Thanks
>
> Matt
> '91 318is

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M Warren - 13 Oct 2006 02:05 GMT

> Pardon me for not reviewing your prior posts. Is your engine still
> sputtering and popping and topping out at 1500 rpm?

That's the problem

> So have you replaced the air flow meter yet?

Yep

> This sounds like it could be an air flow meter problem but if it is there
> should be a check engine light and some diagnostic codes.
> There's a whole list of possible villains in the Haynes manual
> Fuel Pump/Pressure Regulator? Check the fuel pressure and flow rate
> Fuel Filter? Ditto

New pump and filter. Did not do the pres. regulator

> Clogged or Sticky injectors?

I suppose, I don't think they've been checked

> Clogged Catalytic Converter? (but not likely since I think your problem
> emerged instantly after possibly running out of gas)

Not instantly, but within a couple of days (maybe one... can't remember now)

> Cam or Crank position sensors

Maybe, but apparently not

> How long since you've replaced plugs and wires?

They're beautiful

> You might mention to your mechanic that you intend to get the ECU on
> Ebay -- sometimes this will inhibit the tendancy to propose the most
> expensive solution first. By the way, here's a link to the Ebay auction
> although I wouldn't go there yet.

He actually told me that they're looking into second hand ones and told me
to let them know if I find one first.

> http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1991-BMW-318is-MT-ECU-and-Motronic-Computer-NR_W0
QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ33596QQihZ019QQitemZ290038790274QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW
>
> The guy has 100% positive feedback rating which probably means that he at
> least thinks it works OK but you never know for sure.

Thanks very much

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