DME problem

MetzinM3 · 07-20-2004, 04:30 PM

after experiencing a heavy rain in my '95 m3 it began running very rough, i ran engine code check and received error for bad engine coil #1 - 1271, replaced the coil and still running bad - then check code returned 1282 Fault Code Memory - pulled DME and discovered front left area is burned and smells horrible. I am conflicted about the reason being the bad engine coils or the very detailed flooding problem for the dme compartment on the e36 - If i replace the DME and a bad coil still exist could i fry my new DME? or should i replace the dme and all 6 coils?

BMWCowboy · 07-21-2004, 05:27 AM

U should replace all 6 coils and the DME>>and make sure you remove the drain from the Firewall so it will drain from the DME better~

funkymarcus · 07-21-2004, 07:09 AM

OUCH! indeed. Check the coil primary resistances. If they're all in-spec, there's no need to replace them. Definitely replace the computer - it's quite likely that you only read a coil fault because the portion of the computer that drives the coil had melted.

BMWCowboy · 07-21-2004, 08:18 AM

Wrong answer-->>BMW sent out a bulletin on this to replace ALL 6 COILS along with the DME-->>its the coils that are burning up the DME
if you replace just the DME it will be a waste of money$

Ad Hoc · 07-21-2004, 08:39 AM

Cowboy:

That raises a question. My DME drowned a few months ago and I replaced it with a new one. I have no indication that any of my coils are bad. Is BMW suggesting that I replace them nonetheless?

funkymarcus · 07-21-2004, 09:43 AM

Faulty coils CAN roast the computer, but so can waterlogging. In this case, I'm almost certain that the water did it, but to be completely sure, I said to test the coils. If the primaries are the proper resistance, they're fine and no more money needs to be wasted on replacing them. If a coil was bad, it would have had plenty of other chances to toast the computer prior to its being flooded. Obviously, if a coil shows bad now, it ought to be replaced whether or not the computer is healthy.

BMWCowboy · 07-21-2004, 10:16 AM

The bulletin we received wz for early E-36`s>>95 & below if I remember correctly......and it is for misfire codes......it stated if you have a coil misfiring then you should replace all 6 coils....If the DME is already gone then of course you would have to replace the DME .....there is also bulletins on how to repair the drain problems but just removing the spout fixes this~

BMWCowboy · 07-21-2004, 10:20 AM

I will try and find the bulletin but I work at a Lamborghini/Lotus dealership now...so not sure if I still have it....and I only work on BMW`s but not 4 an autherized dealer

Ad Hoc · 07-21-2004, 12:24 PM

How are the new Lotuses? I remember the Esprit Turbo used to be built like crap but was fast as hell. A Ferrari mechanic friend of mine use to call them a "disposable car." He said they never could stand up in the 24 Hrs at Le Mans. Do they still use Lucas electronics?

BMWCowboy · 07-21-2004, 01:02 PM

They look & sound good>>but unfortunatly I only get the Bimmers

May get to go to Lotus school soon..but not sure I will be staying in the atlanta area much longer

BMWCowboy · 07-21-2004, 01:05 PM

We are suppose to recieve 140 new Lotus`in the next couple months>>and supposily most are already leased or sold>>kinda wEiRD driving them, the clutch, brake & gas pedal are all on the right side and are about a 1/2 inch from each other>>gotta have very small feet to really enjoy driving them>>and I wear a size 12>lol~

MetzinM3 · 08-03-2004, 07:14 PM

we'll thanks for all the advice everyone - i am know in an ongoing battle with my insurance company - they had the car diagnosed at my local dealer and they are saying that engine coils #2 and #5 are bad and that is what caused the DME to "burn". I of course, find this very unlikely because the problem never existed until i encounted the heavy rain. I will update as we continue to disagree. Any tips to proove my point would be appreciated. Thanks again

Ad Hoc · 08-05-2004, 10:10 AM

When my DME fried it happened in a car wash. Had to have the car towed and the DME replaced. My insurance company (GEICO) covered it under my Comp. When I spoke to the adjuster after he saw the DME at the shop, he said the amount of corrosion on it implied to him that this had happened over a period of time and that the trip through the car wash was just the last straw. He said he was surprised GEICO was paying the claim - I'm glad the decision wasn't his to make.

I can only suggest that if your DME shows signs of corrosion, you could try to convince your insurance company that this was not a mechanical failure, but that it had some external causation (rain, car wash, etc.)

MetzinM3 · 08-14-2004, 06:11 PM

again, i want to say thanks for all the help. My local dealer agreed the problem could have been caused by the water and after few weeks of calls and pleading my case to the insurance company - i received a check for a replacement dme and 2 new coils. i am happy to say after replacing all 6 coils, and the DME the car is running great! I also put in new plugs and a new O2 - the car has never run this good.
THANKS!!
MetzinM3