Desperate need of '85 745i ECU/DME

[E30 FTW]

IMG_7866.jpg
In desperate search of a complete replacement ECU for my new to me '85 745i, or information on how to repair my original DME.

The original ECU in my car will not fire the coil or injectors, despite verifying the function of the wire harness itself, fuses, main DME relay, ignition coil, ignition switch, battery grounds and 12v leads, crank position sensors, and the double checking the timing tab on the torque converter.

When I first began testing the engine electronics, I installed an injector noid test light on one of the fuel injector wire connectors, and I also installed a calibrated spark tester on the main ignition coil lead.
Upon turning the key on, and without cranking the engine, the injector noid light lit up continuously without pulsing, and the ignition coil fired for less than a second, and did not fire again.
Despite the engine cranking, +12v DC to both sides of coil, and properly functioning crank position sensors, there was no signs of life, no pulse from the noid light, and no further spark from the coil.
Repeated attempts to start the car made no difference, and eventually the injector noid light stopped illuminating completely, and the coil ceased to fire on any other key off/key on attempts.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated, I'll even entertain aftermarket ECU solutions if anyone is aware of one!


BMW part #12 14 1 286 050
Bosch part #0 261 200 013

[gixxerboy]

I'll ping a buddy to see if he may have a spare.

Another option is Megasquirt. If wired correctly, the stock ecu will still control the trans while allowing MS to control motor. This is assuming the tcu 1/2 of your ecu is still functional.

[DesktopDave]

Doesn't Programa do repairs on older Bosch stuff? I've fixed a few cold solder joints on my DMEs, it's a pretty common problem. Replacing a bad transistor is tricky, largely since Bosch tends not to publish specs on their proprietary discrete transistors & ICs.

[Jay535is]

They are good at charging you a lot for a repair that may or may not work at all.

[Hit Man X]

Programma remans are nothing sort of shit.

I have had to send out cruise amps, climate PBUs, major relays, etc to be rebuilt. Pretty sure I figured out replacement components for the 013 to make them work again. Awaiting another to verify with an EE. Quite a bitmore to fail than just solder joints in these boxes.

[E30 FTW]

Doesn't Programa do repairs on older Bosch stuff? I've fixed a few cold solder joints on my DMEs, it's a pretty common problem. Replacing a bad transistor is tricky, largely since Bosch tends not to publish specs on their proprietary discrete transistors & ICs.

They indeed do, they even have a repair listing on their website for this exact DME, at $300.
Having said that, I've been restoring and repairing BMWs professionally for around 7 years now, and Programmas "rebuilds" consist mainly of reflowing cracked solder joints, repainting the DME cover, and then overcharging you a shitload for it...
Thank you for the suggestion though, sir.

[E30 FTW]

I'll ping a buddy to see if he may have a spare.

Another option is Megasquirt. If wired correctly, the stock ecu will still control the trans while allowing MS to control motor. This is assuming the tcu 1/2 of your ecu is still functional.

Much appreciated, but I think I may have sourced a good used DME.

I looked into the Megasquirt route, but in the end it would end up costing about the same amount of money as purchasing a new DME through BMW, which even with my discount is around $1,200+ from the stealer, and with a very questionable availability to top it all off. ����

Now that I have my original dead 013 to play with, plus an unhealthy obsession with 1980's electronics, I'd really like to repair my original DME.

- - - Updated - - -

They are good at charging you a lot for a repair that may or may not work at all.

You already know what's up hahaha.

[E30 FTW]

Programma remans are nothing sort of shit.

I have had to send out cruise amps, climate PBUs, major relays, etc to be rebuilt. Pretty sure I figured out replacement components for the 013 to make them work again. Awaiting another to verify with an EE. Quite a bitmore to fail than just solder joints in these boxes.

Glad you replied to this Hit Man X, your user name has popped up almost every time I've searched for info on these E23's and these DME's in particular.
Seems like you share the same opinion I have on Programma's "rebuilds" lol....

I have been doing an unhealthy amount of research about DME's of this era, as well as the particulars of the 013 DME in an attempt to understand how to repair them, so would love to hear your thoughts and findings, sir.
Seems like the large ignition coil and fuel injector driving darlington transistors are a weak point and commonly fail, so my next step was to attempt to replace those darlingtons and give it a try.


Here was my first "repair" attempt: https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...3#post29919583

[Hit Man X]

Glad you replied to this Hit Man X, your user name has popped up almost every time I've searched for info on these E23's and these DME's in particular.
Seems like you share the same opinion I have on Programma's "rebuilds" lol....

I have been doing an unhealthy amount of research about DME's of this era, as well as the particulars of the 013 DME in an attempt to understand how to repair them, so would love to hear your thoughts and findings, sir.
Seems like the large ignition coil and fuel injector driving darlington transistors are a weak point and commonly fail, so my next step was to attempt to replace those darlingtons and give it a try.


Here was my first "repair" attempt: https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...3#post29919583

Perhaps Programma did top quality work at one point, I do not know. But I just had a MAS relay of theirs crap out after eight years in my 300SEL. Really? The OE lasted far longer. It had only reflowed solder it in, all factory Bosch components. I had their cruise amp for the black 745i redone, I wonder why...EE took it apart and compared with others and asked which he did versus theirs. I thought the better one was theirs. Nope! He ID'd one cap replaced only and it was sent out the door, not even all solder reflowed.



You need to start by resoldering both boards and recapping it. See if that revivies it. It is hit or miss on the ECU, also depends on what your NO START issue was to start with on the car. Yes, finding a correct, replacement transistor is difficult for the OE Bosch specific units. I think I have found some and have them ordered, need to mail it all to my buddy and see what is going on with it. Typically they have fuel but no spark, showing the ignition transistor has failed.