Possible to have dual DME's?

klipseracer · 11-21-2009, 12:23 AM

What is the process for swapping an ECU out? Why?

For example:

I flash my DME with a tune. I want to take it in for service, I replace my ecu with the tuned on. I realize this costs a few grand, but how possible is that? I think in the long run that would be cheaper, more convenient and less risky than paying for the flash over and over. every single time it needs worked on.

joec500 · 11-21-2009, 02:08 AM

Nope, I was thinking this same thing as you can get an ECU from a totalled car for around 300-500 dollars, but then you need to have access to the BMW computer to setup the ECU to work in your car. i.e. if you pulled an ECU out from one 335i and put it in another car it WILL NOT work.

It's not the good ole days when I was running a B5 S4

GreenPlease · 11-22-2009, 01:53 PM

I had the exact same thought a couple of months ago. Seriously, there has to be some way to make this work...

goff · 11-22-2009, 03:56 PM

You cannot swap a DME out of another car as they are VIN specific, but you could buy a brand new DME and have it programmed to the car.

Essentially both DME's would then be programmed to the vehicle and it would be as simple as swapping them each time.

goff · 11-22-2009, 08:59 PM

Not when the DME is VIN specific. Once it's programmed to the car it cannot be swapped into another car without also swapping the CAS and the key.

Older (90s) DMEs were not VIN specific and could be coded to another car and alinged with EWS and it would work, but not newer cars

klipseracer · 11-22-2009, 09:16 PM

So, there is no reasonable coding that can be done by a BMW tech to program a used DME? Because I know someone who can do some under the table coding work on my car. Also, if I aquired a new DME, what would have to be done to that one? This is really all for not considering if you have a BT cable you could just clear everything, however for the flash tuners and my strong belief that given enough time the flash tunes will be superior to the piggybacks.

11-21-2009, 12:23 AM	#1
klipseracer Banned 228 Rep 3,012 Posts Drives: 2007 E90 335i, 05 E46 330i Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Arizona iTrader: (27) Garage List 2007 335i [0.00] 2005 330i [0.00]	Possible to have dual DME's? What is the process for swapping an ECU out? Why? For example: I flash my DME with a tune. I want to take it in for service, I replace my ecu with the tuned on. I realize this costs a few grand, but how possible is that? I think in the long run that would be cheaper, more convenient and less risky than paying for the flash over and over. every single time it needs worked on.
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

11-21-2009, 02:08 AM	#2
joec500 Brigadier General 133 Rep 3,049 Posts Drives: it has 4 wheels Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (11)	Nope, I was thinking this same thing as you can get an ECU from a totalled car for around 300-500 dollars, but then you need to have access to the BMW computer to setup the ECU to work in your car. i.e. if you pulled an ECU out from one 335i and put it in another car it WILL NOT work. It's not the good ole days when I was running a B5 S4
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-22-2009, 01:53 PM	#3
GreenPlease Lieutenant Colonel 146 Rep 1,629 Posts Drives: BMW 335i e92 Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Orlando Florida iTrader: (2)	I had the exact same thought a couple of months ago. Seriously, there has to be some way to make this work... __________________ Cars>Women
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-22-2009, 03:56 PM	#4
goff ///M Tech 6 Rep 89 Posts Drives: F30 Join Date: May 2008 Location: NY iTrader: (2)	You cannot swap a DME out of another car as they are VIN specific, but you could buy a brand new DME and have it programmed to the car. Essentially both DME's would then be programmed to the vehicle and it would be as simple as swapping them each time.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-22-2009, 08:59 PM	#5
goff ///M Tech 6 Rep 89 Posts Drives: F30 Join Date: May 2008 Location: NY iTrader: (2)	Not when the DME is VIN specific. Once it's programmed to the car it cannot be swapped into another car without also swapping the CAS and the key. Older (90s) DMEs were not VIN specific and could be coded to another car and alinged with EWS and it would work, but not newer cars
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-22-2009, 09:16 PM	#6
klipseracer Banned 228 Rep 3,012 Posts Drives: 2007 E90 335i, 05 E46 330i Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Arizona iTrader: (27) Garage List 2007 335i [0.00] 2005 330i [0.00]	So, there is no reasonable coding that can be done by a BMW tech to program a used DME? Because I know someone who can do some under the table coding work on my car. Also, if I aquired a new DME, what would have to be done to that one? This is really all for not considering if you have a BT cable you could just clear everything, however for the flash tuners and my strong belief that given enough time the flash tunes will be superior to the piggybacks.
	Appreciate 0 Quote