Does a 1996 Bmw 318ti ECU need programming? Anybody have experience with ECU Swapping

[thefredster93]

I'm new to this car stuff....my first car is/was a 318ti....well ive owned it for about 2 months until it never started again. I took it to a mechanic and he said that it was going to have to be the ECU. I get MIXED stories from EVERYBODY...some say i have to do it at the dealer, others say i don't have to, others say i have to get a specific one with the same transmission type, others say that since it's an M3, it doesn't need reprogramming and the dealer said reprogramming doesn't exist..that i NEED to take it in...i think theyr full of shi* though and are trying to get a quick 500$ from me.....


PLEASE does anybody have any experience with replacing a ECU for a 1995-1997 318ti...did you need reprogramming?

WILL it even help my car to start in any way?? I'm literally desperate to just get it going and i have bought a used ECU from ebay.....i don't want to have to part it out....i've only had it for 2 months..

[1996 328ti]

What is an M3?

[thefredster93]

Originally Posted by 1996 328ti

What is an M3?

The m3 sport package they say....

[tiFreak]

the sport package ti is identical to the non sport other than some visual and suspension changes. sounds like you have an EWS problem to me, what are the symptoms you're having?

[thefredster93]

Originally Posted by tiFreak

the sport package ti is identical to the non sport other than some visual and suspension changes. sounds like you have an EWS problem to me, what are the symptoms you're having?

It's been a while since I've been in it...last I remember was it not starting...not the starter though....mechanic said there's no current flowing to the spark plugs nor fuel pump

[bmwconnect]

Sounds like EWS to me. perhaps the batt in your key has died

[1996 328ti]

Originally Posted by bmwconnect

Sounds like EWS to me. perhaps the batt in your key has died

+1
'Sometimes' these problems are as simple as that.

[thefredster93]

D

Originally Posted by 1996 328ti

+1
'Sometimes' these problems are as simple as that.

How do I go about fixing that??

[1996 328ti]

Perhaps I spoke out of place?
I looked at my keys and if there is a battery in there it looks like its glued in.
I now wonder if I was thinking of the key fob instead.

Oh wait:
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=315311
Although that is a different key.

Can't tell with this video either.