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1999 BMW Z3

Question: where is the on-board computer (engine control module?) located?

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robertsc, Cocoa Beach, FL, December 16, 2011, 09:51
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 Rookie

Z3 engine starts but dies immediately. this happened three years ago, a shop charged me $1900 to replace "the computer" with a used one, and the car worked again. Later, a friend told me all he needed to do to fix the same problem on his Z3 was clean the contacts (I live near the ocean in Fla). I want to try that before I tow it to a shop.

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  • Answer #1

    patrick mannion from Greg Solow's Engine Room, December 16, 2011, 19:35
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    The ECU is located rear right hand side passenger side of engine compartment.There was a recall and re-flashing bulletins for that car.There is a company that independent auto repair shops get their information from, this same information is available inexpensively for people that work on their own cars.. The information is year make and model specific, covering repair procedures, torque specifications, fluid capacities and specifications, service bulletins, component locations, wiring diagrams ect.... Alldata is very easy to navigate http://bit.ly/AllData_Repair_Manuals_Online

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    robertsc, December 19, 2011, 02:25
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    Found the ECU; jiggling it didn't help. Your suggested website has nothing for BMW... any other suggested sites? Can't find anything about the recall of tech bulletin either. Thanks for your help

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