Wazz72 Posted August 30, 2013 Share Posted August 30, 2013 I went to use my E38 last week, and after starting it the engine began to stutter, and then stalled (As if there was dirt in the fuel) After several attempts I called out a mechanic who seems to think it could be a fault on the ECU, and that it may need to be sent away to be reprogrammed at a cost of around £200. Im thinking it may be easier just to pick up an ECU from a breakers that is the same model number, and replace it myself. I have done this on other cars, but never on my E38 as it has always been very reliable. Can anyone tell me where the ECU is located in the 740, is it behind the centre console in the dash, or in the boot? Also, has anyone ever come across a similar problem, and if so what was it, as Im not convinced itis the ECU at fault here. Any help is greatfully appreciated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
straightsix Posted August 31, 2013 Share Posted August 31, 2013 From what I've seen ECU faults can be caused by many things on these cars - even the thermostat! Don't forget that if you do get a secondhand ECU, you'll also need keys etc. for the immobiliser. IIRC the ecu is under the scuttle panel. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wazz72 Posted August 31, 2013 Author Share Posted August 31, 2013 From what I've seen ECU faults can be caused by many things on these cars - even the thermostat! Don't forget that if you do get a secondhand ECU, you'll also need keys etc. for the immobiliser. IIRC the ecu is under the scuttle panel. This one is weird though, the engine starts, and I can rev it, but as soon as I take my foot off the throttle it starts to splutter then satll. The mechanic thought it could be something to do with the MAF or the ECU, but he wasnt sure. Hes been trying to find the E38 740 V8 service manuals online, but hasnt had any luck. Im just wondering if my OBDII bluetooth dongle would work on one of the BMW convertor thingys (Converts ODB to the BMW circular diagnostic port), and give me some fault codes? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
straightsix Posted August 31, 2013 Share Posted August 31, 2013 You could try it - or you could get a BMW specialist to plug it in. Might be cheaper in the long run than keep buying things to get a proper diagnosis. £200 for an ECU and then having to change keys (and locks if you want to retain one key) could get expensive - especially if it's a mis-diagnosed fault. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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