Should I fix my ECU myself?

[lauraleone]

I have a 2004 x3 6 speed manual. I did not like cars until I got this car. I love it, they are hard to find and I am eager to keep it for as long as possible.

My ABS, BREAK and 4x4 lights all came on at the same time. I took it to the repair shop. They told me that the ECU is shot and needs to be pulled, shipped out, reprogrammed and reinstalled $1200 + no car for 8 days. They also told me that since they couldn't get a read on the car there could be other issues with it after the unit is repaired. I do not work on cars or know much about them. However, I have a Foxwell scanner. I just scanned the car myself.

A. I am wondering if it could be the actuator motor and gear? https://axleaddict.com/auto-repair/B...roblem-And-Fix
B. Should I pull and send in the ECU myself? There's a company that reprograms them with a lifetime warranty for $200

My car does have water damage from plugged sunroof drains. That is the main reason my mechanic doesn't think I should spend $1200 on the ECU

Any advice or thoughts would be much appreciated. Thank you!

[328 Power 04]

Please post the codes, and which exact 'ECU' you are talking about. Generally ECU means either Engine Control Module, or sometimes Electronic Control Module... both of which are not relevant to your problem.


I wouldn't change anything until you have codes and informed opinions from experts. We are all here to help.... without strings attached or any financial implications.
I have seen too many control modules (expensive) thrown at cars in hopes to fix a problem.

[bmwdirtracer]

+1.

Was the shop you visited a BMW specialist? Those 3 lights can be caused by something as simple as a failed wheel speed sensor....or even a blown fuse.

Sure, they COULD be caused by a bad computer....but you don't have enough information to go throwing computers at it.

As Abel has asked, what are the actual BMW codes in all the car's computers?

I highly recommend that you take the car to an independent BMW specialist shop, and have them read all the codes with a top-quality BMW specific diagnostic computer, and print up the report for you, with not only code numbers, but code descriptions. Also ask them to give your THEIR diagnosis and recommendation for repair of the problem, without telling them what the other shop said.

Certainly, computers fail....RARELY....very rarely. Much more common is a bewildered, incompetent mechanic throwing an unnecessary, grossly expensive part because he doesn't understand the problem.

[jclausen]

You need to find a better shop, then have them explain to you exactly what is going on the you can explain it to us. Break is brake

[MarcoZandrini]

Go to www.bimrs.irg to find an indie shop that specializes in bimmers. Also, google “BMWCCA #####” where “#####” is your zip code. That’ll give you the link to the local chapter of the BMW Car Club of America. Check the website for recommendations.

[ross1]

+1.

Those 3 lights can be caused by something as simple as a failed wheel speed sensor....or even a blown fuse.

Much more common is a bewildered, incompetent mechanic throwing an unnecessary, grossly expensive part because he doesn't understand the problem.

@OP, Not saying that your mechanic is wrong for sure but the above is a far more common scenario than an actual computer failure.

@ Chris, Somewhere on those invoices is a line item for that fuse.

[jclausen]

I would be more inclined to look at the transfer case actuator gear first