95 316i problem

linonmi · 02-02-2006, 07:01 AM

The tach and the speedo don't work. Sometimes, only one of the 2 would work. Also, the battery gets drained after 2 days of not using it.
We brought it to the dealership and it took them more than 2 weeks to figure out what was wrong. They said they found an electrical problem with the left headlight and that the DME needs to be replaced, $1,400.00 for a new DME.

Can anyone tell me what else could be wrong and is it possible to repair the DME?

xtreme barton · 02-02-2006, 02:35 PM

are you handy with tools ?

i would repair the headlight yourself.. and look around for a engine computer..

you may be able to find a wiring diagram and do some research for yourself..

1400 for a engine computer seems way over priced..

call bmw for yourself and see what they price it for .. you can install that yourself also.. pretty simple ..

linonmi · 02-03-2006, 07:50 AM

They already took care of the headlight. As for the DME, our driver has a mechanic friend who's working on it. He'd tell us tomorrow if he could fix it.

How much would a new DME normally cost?

xtreme barton · 02-03-2006, 02:37 PM

depend on model of car ..

some are $80 and some i guess are $800

could be possible that it is 1400 but man thats one pricey part if it is ...

your best bet is to just call bmw service department for a price quote ...

just do it !! cuase i really want to know what they are quoting ...

xtreme barton · 02-03-2006, 03:09 PM

you mean a 318i right ... not 316 ..

xtreme barton · 02-03-2006, 03:10 PM

you can also have your ecm/ecu recalibrated..

the chip just may need to be re-flashed ...i doubt that you need a whole unit ... just need the chip ..

unless it fried

linonmi · 02-10-2006, 04:18 AM

The car's running again. Thanks for your advice.

I also read from other forums that the e36 is more prone to get their DME wet inside (something to do with its location in the car). So when that mechanic friend opened up the DME, I wasn't surprised what we found inside.

Yes, it's an e36 316i. Here in the Philippines, the 3 series start with the 1.6L. About half of the e36 and e46s I see here are 316is. The e60 (5series) start with a 2.0L engine. Higer displacements are usually subject to P.O.A.

Again, thanks

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