ECU Question

[Aerton]

Hi, can my sons 87 325i ecu be swapped out with the ecu from any other e30 M20 car for testing?

His car runs like crap and I'm considering swapping with my 93 e30 M20 or a friends 89 325e, or a 87 325is.

Let me know what you guys think I'm going to try tonight but don't want to fry anything.

Thanks

[jlevie]

You can swap in the DME from any car that has an M20B25 engine (325i/is/ic). While a bad DME is a possibility, the odds are that it isn't the cause.

[ttrousdell]

look at the numbers. e and i computers are def not compatable. as far as i know all "i" car ecus are interchangable. the two main ecus for i cars are the 173(grey)-better ecu what i have in my 90 325i and 89 325is and the 153(green)-crap use as paper weight and get 173. there is more info on this online

[Reeves]

Look at the last 3 numbers on the computer. You can use either 153 or 173 on those motors, but nothing else as far as I know. 173 has some updated software and is less prone to breaking.

[nando]

you can use any Motronic 1.1/1.3 ecu, there's way more than just 153/173 as well. Eta's are motronic 1.0 and as mentioned won't work.

[Aerton]

Thanks guys, I will try my or my buddies car DME, his is closer as it's an 89, mines a 93.
Will look at the numbers you mention.