I posted about this problem in the newbies folder, but here goes anyway:
My 1990 518i (E34 M40) with 175k on the clock was cutting out under load and revving up to 5K then dying while idling (amongst other wierd and wonderful things).
I eventually discovered that the ECU had been flooded out, Unit half covered by greasy balck water. Have now been made aware of the issues that caused this to happen.
Whatever, I removed the ECU, dried it out, sprayed it with WD40, then put it in a 30 degree C oven for a few hours before replacing it. The car now fires up OK, has not so far stalled on me, nor do the revs shoot up and down - but a previously soft sounding and smooth engine splutters and spits, idle is horrible sounding and whiteish smoke comes out of the exhaust (also a new problem). I am reluctant to drive it any distance now, due to a tight schedule and a reluctance to do any serious damage to the engine (if this has not already been done).
Would I be right in assuming that the ECU has had it and must be replaced?
If so, what do you think of the places that offer to repair your damaged ECU (one example being found at http://www.carclinicmagazine.com/index.html)?
Or would it be worth going to a breakers to seek one out.? I have been told that many units are almost identical and that your cars chip can be transferred?
The price of a new unit would be prohibitive and probably not worth it considering the age of the vehicle. This would be a shame, as it is in pretty good condition and (surprise surprise), I've already spent too much money on it to happily trash it.....
Any advice gratefully........ and all that......
My 1990 518i (E34 M40) with 175k on the clock was cutting out under load and revving up to 5K then dying while idling (amongst other wierd and wonderful things).
I eventually discovered that the ECU had been flooded out, Unit half covered by greasy balck water. Have now been made aware of the issues that caused this to happen.
Whatever, I removed the ECU, dried it out, sprayed it with WD40, then put it in a 30 degree C oven for a few hours before replacing it. The car now fires up OK, has not so far stalled on me, nor do the revs shoot up and down - but a previously soft sounding and smooth engine splutters and spits, idle is horrible sounding and whiteish smoke comes out of the exhaust (also a new problem). I am reluctant to drive it any distance now, due to a tight schedule and a reluctance to do any serious damage to the engine (if this has not already been done).
Would I be right in assuming that the ECU has had it and must be replaced?
If so, what do you think of the places that offer to repair your damaged ECU (one example being found at http://www.carclinicmagazine.com/index.html)?
Or would it be worth going to a breakers to seek one out.? I have been told that many units are almost identical and that your cars chip can be transferred?
The price of a new unit would be prohibitive and probably not worth it considering the age of the vehicle. This would be a shame, as it is in pretty good condition and (surprise surprise), I've already spent too much money on it to happily trash it.....
Any advice gratefully........ and all that......