325e using 325 intake & harness - Q's

[misterYthirty]

I have an 86 325e. The cold start system on it is going on the wayside. The ICV is starting to act up. I have been lead to believe that the later models (88+) have better engine management etc.

Questions:

1.) Can I use an intake and harness from an 88 325 (SuperETA) on my early 325e?

2.) Do I need to use the DME from the 88 325 in order to update the Motronic? And if so, can I use the chip from my current DME, or who makes an 88 325 chip?

3.) What all do I need to do this swap of the electronics and engine management? Is it plug and play mostly, or do I need to get into the chassis harness as well?

Yes, I have searched, and these are the questions that I cannot find clear answers for. There is a lot of conflicting information and claims.

I am not interested in doing an 'i' head or intake swap etc. I like it as an 'e' and enjoy the torque etc. Just trying to smooth out the cold start and idle issues which come down to the early electrics and motronic.

:neutral:

[nando]

1) yes.. but the ports on the intake will be a bit bigger than the ports of the head. it would be better if you port matched the head to the intake.

2) er, yes. The DME *is* the upgraded motronic. No, you can't use your old chip. I don't know if anyone makes a chip for the 153/154 ECUs (88 models), look for a 173 or later ECU which has many chips available.

3) if it's electronic, you need it for the swap - every sensor, wire, injector, etc. you also need the FPR. It should be plug in for the most part but you will want to cross reference the C101 connector from your car with the one from the new harness to make sure they match 1:1.

[misterYthirty]

Thank you nando.

Two questions from that:

1.) Wont a 173 DME be from a 325i, so the rev limiter etc will all be off for a low revving eta motor?

2.) I dont think my car has c101, isnt that only on late model cars? That or there was a massive change from early to late with the motronic change wasnt there?

3.) Is this all worth the hassle, or should I just buy new early components?

[jlevie]

The DME from a SuperETA or from an I/IS won't have the right maps for an ETA, nor will the rev limit be compatible with your engine.

In addition to the intake, throttle body, harness, CPS, and DME you'd also need injectors and an AFM compatible with a Motronic 1.1 or later. And you'd need to switch out the ignition wires. On top of all that, you'll need to modify the body wiring to match up with engine harness.

Sounds like a lot of trouble to me as compared to just fixing the cold start system, which consist of only the time temperate switch and cold start valve.