D3 BiTurbo ECU

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orangenick
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Joined: Sat Mar 24, 2018 10:41 pm

D3 BiTurbo ECU

Post by orangenick » Sat Feb 20, 2021 3:03 pm

So looks like my low fuel pressure issue may be down to an ECU problem. The garage have said there loos like some overheating marks on one of the main chips and it struggles to communicate with the computers, which the RAC also mentioned.
He seems to think the ECU is fairly generic to BMW and then gets programmed with the Alpina stuff??
Is it going to be as expensive as it sounds?

Bob
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Re: D3 BiTurbo ECU

Post by Bob » Sat Feb 20, 2021 3:10 pm

The DME has a 7-digit ALPINA part number so I’d guess it’ll be £££.

https://www.alpina-automobiles.com/file ... glisch.pdf

In reality, it might be a BMW unit and it’s really the map that you’re buying though if you needed a cheaper option.
Last edited by Bob on Sat Feb 20, 2021 8:20 pm, edited 1 time in total.
B3 3.2 TOURING #062

orangenick
Posts: 27
Joined: Sat Mar 24, 2018 10:41 pm

Re: D3 BiTurbo ECU

Post by orangenick » Sat Feb 20, 2021 3:51 pm

Thanks, that catalogue is brilliant, will save me a fortune not to mention a load of hassle.

Yad3100
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Re: D3 BiTurbo ECU

Post by Yad3100 » Sat Feb 20, 2021 5:43 pm

Had a problem with the ecu on the M52 recently as it was continuing to prime the fuel and wouldn’t start. Bought a second had ecu to test if it was the issue. When it worked got a upgraded ecu with better map from eBay and it works well.

Obviously the D 3 has the N47 unit like the 320d, or 123d if it’s compound turbo and the ecu can be flashed through the obd port (I did it on my old 123d coupe, 250 bhp was great). So if your on a budget then you maybe able to get a second hand ecu for next to nought and then get it flashed by someone who can copy the Alpina map data.

Most independents will be able to recode the ecu to the rest of the car, which will at least get you mobile. You will need a specialist to flash a new map. There are other alternatives off the shelf, like bluefin.

I would suggest that you enquire on the cost of a new ecu and do some web research to find the most cost effective solution. Not sure if the new ecu will be plug and play (bmw ones these days are not and need coded to the car), so the recoding price may apply to both routes.
Adam
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