motronic codes

[ashton]

On my 88 325i my check engine lights flashes like the early models are supposed too, but mine isn't an early model. Like if it throwing a code it'll throw 1.2.3.( coolant temp code) instead of 1221 or something like that. But isn't it supposed to throw the 1221 instead of the 1.2.3.? If you know please tell me. Just trying to learn.

[nando]

Somebody probably swapped in a newer ECU (173 etc).

[ashton]

Somebody probably swapped in a newer ECU (173 etc).

You mean an older one?

[jlevie]

Your 88 could have a 153 or a 173 DME, depending on production date and whether the DME has been changed in the past. Take a look at the cover of the DME and see which is in the car.

[nando]

You mean an older one?

no, I mean a newer one. most '88s came with 153s which didn't have the extra functionality that 173s and later had.