Installing Chip - ECU Case Won't Slide Off

[FrustratedMunky]

This may be really stupid.

Anyhow, I'm at the point where I have the ECU out of the car and its sitting on my desk. I've pulled up the metal tabs from each side, but it still won't come off. There are some funny looking screw things as seen here:

http://img55.exs.cx/img55/3387/dscn0104change5nq.jpg

Do I have to unscrew these before the case will come off, or should it just come off without unscrewing them?

Thanks in advance.

Chad

[fastbmw]

http://www.pelicanparts.com/bmw/techarticles/JF-Tech/BMW_E30_3_Series_performance_chip_install.htm

from what the link says, all you have to do is pull the tabs, try prying it? could be dangerous....

[FrustratedMunky]

I've tried, for quite some time now. I'm frustrated :( I've looked at like 3 separate walkthroughs and none mention anything about them. I don't understand why it's being such a pain in the ass. Also, I'm not too sure if the black end stays attached with the flat bottom or the top case, it would make most sense if it were attached to the bottom flat part. Maybe it's just being really stubborn for some reason.

[Mike 91 318ic]

you have to remove the 4 torx screws and bend the tabs. Once you bend the tabs they'll probably snap off... This doesn't matter cause the torx screws hold the cover on.


M

[kowalski]

yeap the screws and the tabs, there is also a dust cover on the chip when you open it.

[FrustratedMunky]

Thanks guys! I'll look for a proper driver for the screws today.

[Mike 91 318ic]

If you don't have the right torx driver you can come by my place DT and I'll show you how to do it. I have everything you need.

M

[Mike 91 318ic]

Also make sure you put the chip in the right way or you'll seriously **** up your car for about 12-24 hours... ask me how I know... :mad: Also don't bend the prongs or they'll snap off and your SOL... Not to scare you but be very careful, and also don't wear anything with static.

M

[FrustratedMunky]

Thanks for the help Mike (and the precautions :() haha. I didn't disconnect the battery when I took it out, so I'm going to disconnect it before I put it back in. I hope that saves my ass. I already broke all the metal tabs haha so hopefully things will go a little bit better today.

[Mike 91 318ic]

FYI I don't disconnect the battery

M

Thanks for the help Mike (and the precautions :() haha. I didn't disconnect the battery when I took it out, so I'm going to disconnect it before I put it back in. I hope that saves my ass. I already broke all the metal tabs haha so hopefully things will go a little bit better today.

[FrustratedMunky]

Finally finished the installation :) I didn't disconnect the battery either and I started it, and it idled fine. I can't wait to feel the results.

[Mike 91 318ic]

Cool! what chip did you decided on? the 92 octane Mark D?

M

[FrustratedMunky]

Yep! Got a good deal on it used :D I couldn't back down from it. I'm trying to work a deal for some Racing Dynamics RGP's hopefully too, if the price is right... Bilsteins are coming in soon (ordered a few days ago sent to Point Roberts) and springs are waiting (the ones that were on Angus' E30). Summer is going to be a huge hit to the wallet... and I'm so excited for it :D

[kowalski]

how much was the chip? i want to get into a decent chip rather then this dinan fleabay chip. if anyone sees one out there for a 91 318 give me a pm.

[FrustratedMunky]

Keep your eyes open for used ones, it's well worth it. The common price is ~$150USD on the forums, which is much better than regular price IMO. There are many people out there wanting to sell their JC chip in order to try out the MarkD.

[kowalski]

hmm
well ill keep an eye out.

[Mike 91 318ic]

Since your using reground cams wouldn't you be better off with a custom chip?

M

hmm
well ill keep an eye out.

[VitaminJ]

I just got my Mark D in the mail... I'm going to install it with my new pedals on saturday... I hope all goes well...

[Mike 91 318ic]

make sure you use a new drill bit, those pedals can be a pita.

M

I just got my Mark D in the mail... I'm going to install it with my new pedals on saturday... I hope all goes well...

[royalflush313]

so I jumped on the GB and bought myself a MarkD chip for 190US.

There has been so much exggerated hype and what not, that my expectation exceeded the results. I am still satisfied with the results, but the result is by no means overwhelming.
The best part about the chip is that the engine rev is much much smoother, making driving (shifting up and down) much more enjoyable.
As for power gains, my ass tells me that it's quite minimal. Probably very little HP gains, TQ band seem to be more favoured for my kind of street driving though.

I would buy the MarkD chip again in the future if I switched cars, but this mod will certainly not be at the top of the car mod priority list.

Maybe I'll get around to the whole intake/exhaust thing for my car for shits'n'giggles sake.