Engine tuning may be done safely, easily, and very effectively with ECU remapping. It increases the engine’s efficiency and driving ability as well as its power and torque. The engine’s operations are managed by an ECU, or electronic control unit, in BMW vehicles. It is in charge of managing a number of processes, including the throttle, fuelling, and ignition.
The BMW ECU is more than just a piece of hardware; it also functions as a sophisticated piece of software that manages several automotive parts to maximize efficiency. It makes sure that the necessary signals are sent to the various parts of the vehicle and verifies inputs from the engine components and the necessary data from the sensors.
BMW has to be remapped in order to operate at its best. It alludes to the manufacturer’s modification of the default settings.
In This Article...
Effects on Your BMW of a Failing Engine Control Unit
A crucial part of a BMW that influences almost all engine functions is the Engine Control Unit (ECU). Your vintage, svelte European car will remain in the garage when it breaks down since all driveability is compromised.
You must comprehend the implications of failure on your automobile and your driving experience in order to appreciate the significance of the engine control unit in your BMW. It’s also essential to develop early failure detection skills so you can seek assistance before becoming stuck.
My mechanic/dealership claims that using a used BMW ECU on another vehicle is prohibited. How can you assist me?
As a theft prevention strategy, BMW has been implementing new Engine Management technology from December 1994.
The “EWS,” also referred to as the “Immobilizer,” is the new anti-theft technology. This module checks the vehicle identification number (VIN) to other electronic modules in the vehicle. The car won’t start if the VIN number is inconsistent.
Additionally, every time the car is turned off, the EWS’s “Rolling Code” password feature switches between the modules. Because of this, it is practically hard to switch used ECUs between BMW vehicles.
A used ECU can be practically made “virgin” by having its Rolling Code reset and programming changed using a different VIN number. Only after that can we successfully swap and exchange a used ECU to operate in a different BMW vehicle. All you have to do is use our USB Interface Cable Car with your laptop’s USB connection and the vehicle’s OBD2 Diagnostic terminal to align our ECU with your vehicle’s EWS.
How to Repair a Faulty BMW ECU, DME, or PME
If you are familiar with our blog, you are aware that we work with Mercedes on a regular basis. It is crucial to understand that we also work with BMWs. We are quite knowledgeable about how BMWs, including the 550i, 335i, 4 series, and beyond, operate. The BMW DME, sometimes referred to as an ECU, ECM, or PME, is a crucial component of your car. In essence, the engine of the car is controlled by the onboard computer. To make an engine function more smoothly, we frequently change the computer. Extra horsepower and available torque can be unlocked by making it run more smoothly. We can also assist if your BMW ECU is damaged or malfunctioning, though. We have spent years analyzing and fixing these items, therefore we are quite experienced with them. We’re here to assist you strengthen your car!
Merchandise Description
The N54 or N54T 6 cylinder turbo engines frequently seen in many 2007–2013 BMW automobiles are affected by this BMW Siemens MSV80 DME (Digital Motor Electronics) MISFIRE repair service. The ECU (Engine Control Unit) or ECM are other names for the DME (Engine Control Module). With our repair service, we use upgraded components to address the “root” cause of the problem without affecting your VIN-locked DME. No programming is necessary, and the DME will return to you prepared for installation (plug and play). The E82, E90, E91, E92, E93, E60, and E89 series misfires caused by a failing MSV80 DME will be eliminated by our service (see typical vehicle list below). The Siemens VDO BMW DME most frequently experiences this failure, which is frequently indicated by one or more of the following DTCs:
- Internal Failure of the DME Digital Motor Electronics, 30BA
- Internal Failure of the DME Digital Motor Electronics, 30BB
- Cylinder 4 misfire, 29D0
- Cylinder 5 misfire in 29D1
- Cylinder 6 misfire in 29D2
- Cylinder 1 misfires in 29CD
- Cylinder 2 misfire in 29CE
- Cylinder 3 misfire in 29CF
- Misfire Multiple Cylinders 29CC
These cars all use Siemens MSV80 DMEs:
- 2007-2013 BMW 135i (E82) (E82)
- 2007-2008 BMW 335i (E90) (E90)
- 2007-2008 BMW 335xi (E91)
- 2007-2010 BMW 335i (E92) (E92)
- 2007-2010 BMW 335i (E93) (E93)
- BMW 535i & 535xi, 2009-2010 (E60)
- 2009-2016 BMW Z4 35i (E89)
Our rebuild service is the quickest and most convenient way to use your BMW’s original DME and uses updated components. Avoid the risks involved with buying a used DME from a junkyard, a third party, or paying the dealership’s replacement cost.
Your DME will be sent prepared for setup and use! Our experts will be happy to answer any questions you may have because they are quite educated about this typical engine computer issue. The list of MSV80 DME part numbers is shown below.
A BMW ECU costs how much?
The first step in replacing or mending your equipment is to determine if your ECU or DME has failed and what issues are present.
The simplest tests to identify a failing ECU or DME are:
- Most diagnostic scanners are able to read OBD trouble codes from the ECU. The presence of ECU-related fault codes may be a sign that the ECU is malfunctioning. The ECU could be broken if there is no communication with it.
- Visual examination: Check the outer shell for any physical damage, such as water damage.
- Smell test: The ECU is probably broken if you can smell burning components.
We can provide a thorough ECU test if you have performed the aforementioned procedures or if you are unsure whether your ECU is defective. After performing a test, we can provide the best repair solution.
What is the cost to repair an ECU or DME?
The price range for an OEM vehicle ECU repair is $2000 to $4000. The ECU Pro, fortunately, provides repairs and refurbished replacement units for a small portion of the OEM repair cost.
Your current DME or ECU will need to undergo an ECU diagnostic test to see whether it can be repaired or whether a replacement is required. The cost of your BMW ECU repair will depend on the results of the ECU test.
What transpires in the event of an ECU or DME fault?
Depending on the issue, different faults have varied symptoms. Sometimes, the car won’t even start. In some instances, there can be persistent fault codes, miss fires, or a dead totally. If the ECU has failed, running an OBD fault diagnostic report will show it.
What does the DME do in a BMW or MINI?
The component in charge of all aspects of your car’s electrical operations is called the DME, or Digital Motor Electronics. The DME, commonly known as an ECU in other vehicles, collects electrical signals from the engine and other components and modifies the vehicle’s performance as necessary.
Where does the DME or EUC reside in a car?
The DME or ECU may be placed in a variety of locations depending on the vehicle. The is typically found in the engine bay of cars. On our website, there are precise removal instructions for your car when you check out.
A DME or ECU issue is what?
A DME error occurs when one of the performance metrics or configurable components sends the DME an erroneous signal (accelerator, throttle position, speed, airflow, air density, and air temperature).
Your car might not start, the engine light might be on, or there might be no connection with the DME if there is a DME malfunction.
Is DME equivalent to an ECU?
Yes, a DME and an ECU are the same thing because a DME is the precise name for BMW’s unique ECU.
What is DME / ECU programming used for by BMW?
We can reprogramme a used DME or ECU for your BMW in a manner similar to changing the operating system on a computer. The old DME can be programmed in the same way as a brand-new BMW OEM component.
What is an ECU used for?
Electronic Control Unit is referred to as ECU. It’s possible that you’ve also heard this referred to as an engine control unit or engine management system.
The primary function of an ECU is to maintain the engine’s efficiency. An ECU can regulate how much gasoline is injected into the engine’s cylinders in vehicles that have electronic fuel injection.
This maximizes the power of the car and minimizes fuel waste by optimizing the fuel-air mixture that is compressed in the cylinder.
What distinguishes the ECM from the ECU?
Engine control module is referred to as ECM, while engine control unit is referred to as ECU. The modules in these two are substantially the same even if they have different names.
These electrical modules are in charge of the vehicle’s air conditioning, ABS, airbags, cruise control, and other systems. However, the module’s primary function is to control the engine. By managing the ignition, fuel injection, and airflow, it maximizes performance and assures efficiency.
The ECM evaluates data from various sensors to decide which systems require adjustment. In order to establish the best running circumstances, it decides which response to implement next. It cannot be replaced with another ECU because the manufacturer has programmed it to function with a particular car.
To make sure everything is operating as it should, the ECM collaborates with the air-fuel sensors, MAF sensors, oxygen sensors, crankshaft and camshaft position sensors, coolant temperature sensor, throttle position sensor, and the EGR valve sensor. To ensure optimal operation, the ECM will undergo a thorough systems check during starting. The car may also go into limp mode if something isn’t running properly while repairs are being made.
How many ECUs are there in a car?
A tiny gadget in a car’s body known as an electronic control unit (ECU) is in charge of managing a particular operation.
The number of electronic control units (ECUs) in modern automobiles may reach 100 or more, managing everything from basic operations like the engine and power steering to more luxuriant ones like power windows, seats, and HVAC (such as door locks and keyless entry). ECUs are also in charge of basic active safety measures like automated emergency braking and passive safety features like airbags.
The dedicated chip found in each ECU normally runs its own software or firmware and needs connections to power and data to function.
Depending on its purpose, an ECU may receive inputs from various car parts. For instance, when a passenger presses the door lock/unlock button on a car door or on a wireless key fob, the door lock ECU receives input. Crash sensors and sensors that determine when someone is seated in a particular seat would provide inputs to an airbag ECU. Additionally, a forward-facing radar that detects when the vehicle is approaching an impediment too quickly would provide inputs to an automated emergency braking ECU.
According to the inputs, the ECU would then communicate with the actuators to conduct an action. To lock or unlock the matching door in our scenarios, the door lock ECU would trigger an actuator. Depending on where the passengers are located, the airbag ECU would decide which airbags should deploy and then instruct the actuators to do so. In order to avoid a collision, the automated emergency braking ECU would apply the brakes.
Space is becoming a problem as automakers keep adding features and functionalities. To put it another way, OEMs are running out of places to put new ECUs because every new feature necessitates one. Additionally, this incremental strategy turns into ineffective.