keep M20 351 ECU or destroy for case and 55pin?

[barbierij]

Hi Everybody. This is my first post here on R3V. I usually post on bimmerforums but I figured I could get more help here.


I have a 0 261 200 351 ECU from a '91iX. I was going to take it apart for my MS2/Extra build but I don't want to ruin it if it will be better than what I have in one of my BMWs. Is this the better of the M20 ECUs or are they just the same? I don't know what the ECU is in the other three IXs.

[E30_fiend]

the newest and "best" ecu for the m20 is the 173 ecu. If you are just going to blow it apart for MS then dont worry about what ecu hyou have so long as its a single board ecu and not a dual board.

[barbierij]

I just feel bad taking this apart. I won't cut the board apart. I guess I can just store the board in a box inside an ESD bag.

[E30_fiend]

Yeah thats a good idea.

[jlevie]

the newest and "best" ecu for the m20 is the 173 ecu. If you are just going to blow it apart for MS then dont worry about what ecu hyou have so long as its a single board ecu and not a dual board.

A 173 DME is the most popular DME for an M20B25 engine (mostly due to the availability of "chips") but it is hardly the "latest & greatest". The IX DME is unique to that car are has it's own value due to more limited production. If the goal is to use the case & connector for a MegaSquirt, use any non-IX M20B25 DME, even a dead one, over the one you have. The case & connector for any of those are the same.

Note that the functions of a late IX DME are a bit different than the DME used in 325i/is/ic cars. So using an MS in a late IX will be a bit more of a challenge.

[barbierij]

Alright. I know the iX auto tranny isn't controlled by the ECU. What would be the difference between this and a 2wd ecu?

[barbierij]

Also, this one is my spare.