ECM - Unable to Program, Must Order Replacement

9232bmw02

Group 12
Engine Electrical
System


Bulletin Number
12 10 91 (3424)


Woodcliff Lake, NJ
April 1992
Product Engineering


SUBJECT:
DME 3.1 Engine Control Module

MODELS:
E34 and E36 with M50 Engine

Situation:
As you are aware, we are unable to encode DME version 3.1 with the MoDiC and must order pre-coded replacement engine control modules. While the part numbers are different for the E34 and E36, automatic and manual transmission versions, the BMW and Bosch hardware numbers on the actual part may be the same. This does not allow one to detect misboxed parts or incorrect installations.

Solution:
One of the following methods should allow a positive identification of the control module version to be made.

METHOD 1 (PREFERRED)

Using the BMW Service Tester and Version 10.0 Diagnostic Software (soon to be released) call up the DME Diagnostic program (selection 1). The first page to appear on the screen will be the DME Identification Page.





Example shown is for a 525iA vehicle with an M50 engine and a DME M3.1 Engine control module having part number 12 14 1 738 832 installed.


The last seven digits of the eleven digit part number are shown on this page.





METHOD 2 (ACCEPTABLE)

The silver BMW Coding Label will typically have the last seven digits of the eleven digit part number printed on the last line of the label. While an absolute identification is best performed using method 1, this visual identification is helpful when handling an Engine control module not installed into a vehicle.


METHOD 3 (MARGINAL)

Using the 'Version 1.0 E36 ONLY' MoDiC diagnostic software, the application of the control module can be verified.

PROCEDURE

- With the MoDiC connected to the vehicle and the ignition switched on, select number one, E36 Diagnosis. If an E36 is not connected, you will receive the following prompt:

E36 Not Recognized!
Is an E36 Connected Y/N?

Enter 'Y' for Yes.

- Select number one, DME/DDE, for DME diagnostics.

- When first page of Identification comes up, hit RIGHT ARROW button four times. The fifth page to the right will look similar to the following:

Identification <
EH5 Unleaded Premium
Gulf
with air condition.

- EH5, EH4, or AG identifies the Engine control module as being for an automatic transmission vehicle. HG identifies the control module as being for a manual transmission vehicle.


SPECIAL NOTE:

The information under Identification may not be accurate and therefore should not be the sole reason for replacing an Engine control module. Rather, use it as a '2nd opinion' when control module misapplication is suspected. For this reason, in the future the fifth page of Identification will be eliminated.





Application and Part Number


Warranty
Information:
For information only