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Thread: Can I hot swap an ECU?

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Sep 2018
    Location
    NOVA
    Posts
    40
    My Cars
    2003 e85 BMW Z4

    Can I hot swap an ECU?

    If I purchase an ECU from another Z4 can I swap into and out of my car without other modifications to make it work? For instance if mechanic says I need a new ECU could I replace the ECU with a used part by simply replacing the ECU or do I need a certain scanner/tool to keep the car operating?


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  2. #2
    Join Date
    Oct 2018
    Location
    CA
    Posts
    23
    My Cars
    2003 z4
    No you can’t..every ecu/dme is coded to the car. Best bet would be to clone one. Been reading about this since I suspect my ecu is giving me starting problems. What made you think you need a new ecu/dme?

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jan 2015
    Location
    Timaru, New Zealand
    Posts
    1,132
    My Cars
    Two Z3 Roadsters
    Agree that you have to code the ECU to the car for it to work with the security functions and start the engine.
    1999 2.8L Z3 Roadster,
    2000 3.0L Z3 Roadster,

    There is only one thing more pleasurable than working on a Z3, that's driving it top down on a fine day.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Sep 2018
    Location
    NOVA
    Posts
    40
    My Cars
    2003 e85 BMW Z4
    Quote Originally Posted by carlsson01 View Post
    No you can’t..every ecu/dme is coded to the car. Best bet would be to clone one. Been reading about this since I suspect my ecu is giving me starting problems. What made you think you need a new ecu/dme?
    I can’t seem to get a clear answer on my cooling fan or ac issue. Ready to take it to shop but some articles I read on Z4 and x3 with similar issue went down the ECU path. Just preparing myself for the discussion if that is the troubleshooting the local third party bmw garage suspects.


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