Hi, I'm looking into buying a car on eBay that is not running due to an ECU change needing recoding. Is there anyone near Caldicot, Monmouth, UK willing to check this car out for me? Thanks, JIM
Assistance please!
- Thread starter oldcarman
- Start date
I'm sure we have some welsh members that could take a look.
I would make Bad ///Boy drive there in the ///M, at least he could say he had been on a proper drive afterwards.
Z
zedonist
Guest
Jim it needs someone with the correct software to code all the modules and clocks to the ECU, I am sure there must be a mobile outfit for the job, I will have a scout about the net for you
Thanks Gary, I'm hoping to secure this before someone bids to have the ad removed. Ash has said he would drive up to check it for me if needed. I just don't know how the ECU gets recoded. Any info on that? I've also asked Lee for his input! JIMJim, it's about and hour and a half from me I'm afraid, but giving this thread a bump in case someone more local missed it first time
Jim
Message the seller and find out exactly why they have swapped in another ecu (presumably from a scrap yard) and whether it is the correct ecu for the car. I think the likely issue will be VIN on ecu doesn't match immobiliser and that has locked the car.
I've called my mate and from a BMW mechanic point of view, it can't be sorted - they simply ordered a preprogrammed unit and it worked.
But somebody would be able to recode it, like www.ecudoctors.com (In Florida) hopefully somebody on the forum will be able to carry out the work
Ash
Message the seller and find out exactly why they have swapped in another ecu (presumably from a scrap yard) and whether it is the correct ecu for the car. I think the likely issue will be VIN on ecu doesn't match immobiliser and that has locked the car.
I've called my mate and from a BMW mechanic point of view, it can't be sorted - they simply ordered a preprogrammed unit and it worked.
But somebody would be able to recode it, like www.ecudoctors.com (In Florida) hopefully somebody on the forum will be able to carry out the work
Ash
Thanks Ash, Zedonist has tracked down a co that will supply a duplicate if I send them the original, which the owner has but I need all the info from the original just to get a cost. Will PM you. JIM
@oldcarman If i lived near then you know I would help you Good Luck 
Z
zedonist
Guest
Hi Jim,
if I have it right, they can either repair the old one, or clone the synch codes to the new one from the old one, or provide you with a new One synced from the old one, so a number of options.
Rich
That's what I got out of it also Rich. But they want the info off the original so waiting for the owner to get back to me ASAP. Thanks again for your help. JIM
I had a coil pack go which took out the ecu on the M. I sent the original to these guys http://www.the-ecu-doctor.co.uk who repaired it and sent it back to me. I did a lot of research trying to find someone and was close to sending it off to Germany when I found them. They were spot on with a quick turnaround.
While doing my research I found that you can remove a module under the dash (I have ews delete in my mind) which then allows you to use any ecu with the car, I would need to look it up again as it was a while ago but if you have access to the original then I would send it off as they will diagnose it for you.
Hope that helps!
While doing my research I found that you can remove a module under the dash (I have ews delete in my mind) which then allows you to use any ecu with the car, I would need to look it up again as it was a while ago but if you have access to the original then I would send it off as they will diagnose it for you.
Hope that helps!
Not sure what was funny!
I meant to say that their website isn't the most up to date but don't let that put you off
@board James, if you mean Jim's smiley, that means 'thank you' but I know what has happened...
Quote Gaz:
It's down to how the site goes "responsive" which is the term for resizing to fit a particular display resolution. Mostly it's down to how it displays on mobiles/tablets.
i.e, you will only see the smiley and no text.
Thanks, I'll definitely look into it to compare costs with the place Rich found a link to. They need all the info off the old one sent to them first so waiting for the owner to email that to me. Removing whatever part you mentioned would at least give me a shot at having the car start. Rich and Ash have both offered to go out and check the car for me and it would help to have it running while they are there. I think they are both more than capable. If you could find that info and relay it I would be very grateful. I'll most likely get the ECU rebuilt but in the meantime the car could be moved onto a transport and or ship if need be. Roll on/ Roll off is £600 cheaper than a container but the vehicle has to run at least for short times. Joining this forum is the best thing to happen to me for a long time. Thanks for your efforts. JIM
I realised after posting that Jim had hit the wrong button, it was late for me and I wasn't sure if I had written something stupid or made a mistake haha. Jim changed it from funny after I posted so it's all good. I just thought I had done something stupid in my blurry eyed post haha!
@board, I only use my iPhone and the thank you is that little smiley face in yellow with funny being in green. Anyway, no harm! Could you please let me know about removal of the part to make the ECU work. Rich has offered to go out on Saturday to check it out so having it start would be a bonus! Thanks for your assistance. JIM
Thanks everyone, the owner was a bit slow and didn't pull the ad before a bid was placed. Then he emailed he would cover the cost but that only left me with a couple of days till Saturday and didn't feel that left enough time for Ash and Rich to arrange to drive down on Saturday. Then he emailed me the car was in S. Wales which would have been even more mileage to view the car so I decided to pull the plug on the deal. I appreciate everyone's input and assistance. Maybe the next one will work out!! JIM