ECU fix??

Andyboy

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Before you buy anything, fit the ECU, reconnect the battery earth and try it. I've had them before where the light just goes out on its own. If it doesn't, just use diagnostics to clear the fault code. I don't think I've ever had to do anything more on an E36/46 type car.
 

Raggie

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Mar 6, 2021
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Thanks Andyboy...Unless I can find a unit with the downloads Colb stated, I will have to see if simply popping the new one in and wiping the codes will work-Fingers crossed.
I was of the assumption, after reading many threads about this, that I would have to code the new (2nd hand ECU) to my car.
Cheers
 

Robert Hill

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Sep 17, 2018
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Hello all,
I am thinking of buying a 1998 Z3 1.9 roadster petrol as an MOT failure due to the ECU....I have since called my local BMW dealership and was told they could be sourced from £900-£1000 new (!) plus VAT. Then there would be £100 to fit and a further £100 to code it (plus VAT).
So, my question is to you lovely people-Does anybody know where I could send the faulty ECU to be refurbed/fixed (I believe sometimes it's just the solder which cracks on them) and approx what sort of cost would this be?
Many thanks for any information.
Cheers!
Nat
I SENT MY ECU TO ECU TESTING LOOK THEM UP ON YOUTUBE TO HAVE MY ONE REBUILT WITH LIFETIME GARANTEE UNLIMITED MILEAGE COST ME £350 THATS INCLUDING VAT AND PICKUP AND DELIVERY ITS PLUG AND PLAY WITH NO PROBLEMS IVE HAD IT FOR TWO YEARS
 

Raggie

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Thanks Robert but it is for an ECU Airbag unit, not the main ECU.
I've had a look at their website and typed in make model etc but they don't appear to do the Airbag ECU, just the ABS ECU and Engine ECU.
 

colb

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British Zeds
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Nov 25, 2012
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Newport, South Wales,UK
Model of Z
Z3 M43 1.8 (1999) and Z4 E85 2.5 (2003)
Yes that cable will work with INPA and it's bundled software. You could always download the software from Bimmergeeks web site for free look for Standard Tools on their download page install that and use the cable you buy don't forget you will also need the 20 pin to 16 pin cable changer as well
 

Zephyr

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@colb sorry to jump in the thread, instead of the converter, I tried bridging the pins at the 20 (round) obd and could read all (with my iCarsoft BM V2) faults from the 16 pin.
probably this works with the voodoo stuff you are referring to? And the adaptor is not needed if a 16 pin is in the car?
Thanks
7AA203CD-9D5E-4435-9EF2-C05A5D67DDF5.jpeg
 

colb

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British Zeds
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Location
Newport, South Wales,UK
Model of Z
Z3 M43 1.8 (1999) and Z4 E85 2.5 (2003)
First time I have seen that done, ok if you have the 16pin socket under the steering wheel it would negate the need for the cable changer, if its only got the 20pin socket in the engine bay then cable changer needed. Would need to check INPA works on all modules if your bridging pins is used, normally 16pin will only access Engine and Transmission modules.
 

Zephyr

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First time I have seen that done, ok if you have the 16pin socket under the steering wheel it would negate the need for the cable changer, if its only got the 20pin socket in the engine bay then cable changer needed. Would need to check INPA works on all modules if your bridging pins is used, normally 16pin will only access Engine and Transmission modules.
In case you have both obds please try this and check if you have full functionality on your scanner (mine looks that it has) and please report. People could save quite a lot if this works and the adapter is not needed.
cheers and thanks.
 

Raggie

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First time I have seen that done, ok if you have the 16pin socket under the steering wheel it would negate the need for the cable changer, if its only got the 20pin socket in the engine bay then cable changer needed. Would need to check INPA works on all modules if your bridging pins is used, normally 16pin will only access Engine and Transmission modules.
Hey Colb,
I have since bought the " Diagnostic Connector Cable Portable for BMW INPA K+CAN INPA K DCAN Car WU "
BUT when going through the whole elongated process of installing it onto my laptop, I get right to the end-where I have to change the COM port from 1 to 2...but it keeps getting spat back at me saying I do not have the rights to do this..?...Any ideas anyone?

Thanks
 

colb

Zorg Guru (V)
British Zeds
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Nov 25, 2012
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Location
Newport, South Wales,UK
Model of Z
Z3 M43 1.8 (1999) and Z4 E85 2.5 (2003)
Think you need to run the settings as an administrator try a right click on the Settings app before you open it also check if anything else is already using com port 1 if it is change it to an alternative port
 
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Raggie

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Mar 6, 2021
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I've tried everything and it still doesn't work..shame to waste the money there.
So, my next question is: If I go ahead and fit the 2nd hand ECU, my local garage (who is a mate of mine as we work in the fireservice together) says he has a reader and code canceller but it will not code the part to the vehicle....So will all the same codes show up with the new 2nd hand part fitted and this will remain the case until I get the part coded to my vehicle which will be only when I can get all the codes removed? Basically is it a case of caode the part 1st and remove the codes 2nd?
Thanks
 

Andyboy

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Just fit it and clear the fault codes.
 

colb

Zorg Guru (V)
British Zeds
Joined
Nov 25, 2012
Points
178
Location
Newport, South Wales,UK
Model of Z
Z3 M43 1.8 (1999) and Z4 E85 2.5 (2003)
Don't give up on the software configured on the laptop, its going to be something simple thats needing changing, what version of Windows are you using?
 

Raggie

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I think what I’ll do is fit the ECU then pop down to see if the codes can be removed at my local garage
 

Raggie

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Mar 6, 2021
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Well...Inbetween storms and hail I managed to fit the 2nd hand ECU module. Once the battery was reconnected I turned the key to start the engine and all went well. After turning the engine off again, this time I turned the key to the no.1 position and plugged in my old airbag reset tool...BINGO! The airbag light has now gone and everything else seems to be functioning normally.
I will now take it to my mate garage to get a full diagnostic on it-fingers crossed.
So-anybody else with an airbag ECU problem and in need of swapping it out this is what I found:
Access is easiest from the left of the drivers footwell to get behind the radio...All I did was attach some string to the screw holes in the plastic and tie them to the steering wheel to create full access without the need of removing the cenral console.
No coding needed for the different ECU.
An old airbag reset tool works.

A HUGE THANK YOU to all who helped me out-especially Colb.

Now going to spruce her up and get the roof seals working as they are leaking on a new roof of only 2 years of age (apparently the fitters only fitted the roof and not the seals!)...Any tips on that greatfuly received. Then off for an MOT next month.

Cheers all...I'm one happy bunny!
Raggie
 

Zephyr

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Did the new ecu change the mileage on the odometer? Curious about this…
 

Raggie

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Mar 6, 2021
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Hi Zephyr,
No change on the main mileage reading but I believe it did reset the pudh-button mileage. Hope that helps..?..
 

Raggie

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Mar 6, 2021
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Hello all,
So…a further update on my Ecu airbag for my 1.8 1999 BMW Z:
I would like some help fixing a ‘38. 03’ diagnosis from my BMW SRS b800 (I think) rest tool.
After pulling out my radio to upgrade it, I stupidly forgot to disconnect the battery and lo and behold, as I gently pulled out my stock radio, the red airbag light went on.
I have tried disconnecting the battery and waiting.
Removed and replaced the Ecu.
I still get the list 38, error number 03: “Supply voltage”

So, I assume the unit remains ok but there,s something wrong with the electrica supply..??

Can anyone please help…I’m hoping it’s a quick fix if you know what you’re doing (isn’t everythin?)

Many thank,
Nat
 
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