Staintune and Chip, How Do I get in?

Robert3826 · 04-21-2003, 01:53 PM

Now that I have been talked into installing a FIM chip to go with the Staintune Exhaust, Where can I find a tool to get into the Motronic box?

It is fastened together with a star type bolt with a pin in the center.

Also, the BMW part number does not match any listed on the CBT web-sight and I can not get into the unit to see if the BMW Epron will match up?

Thanks:

Rob

roger albert · 04-21-2003, 01:55 PM

You need security torx. Available at most tool places
Been on many threads, so a search may yield some specifics

repoe3 · 04-21-2003, 02:18 PM

i used a pair of pliers, they are not in very tight as the lid is sealed with silicone. pry that off very carefully, take your time and it will break free easily.

repoe3

motoyoyo · 04-21-2003, 03:32 PM

Another thing to be careful of is that the lid is also sealed to the rest of the box with silicone adhesive. At least it was on my '99 Motronic. I had to do some gentle prying with a couple screwdrivers and actually break the silicone bead loose in a few spots with an extacto blade. I used a little (very little) fresh silicone when I put it all back together.

Robert3826 · 04-21-2003, 03:38 PM

thanks all, I will get some silicone. I just returned from sears where I got the security torx $9.99 for a bit set..

boxercup · boxercup's Garage

Greetings Robert,

The most important thing here is that static electricity can damage the ICU chip or the Motronic.

Discharge all static from your hands and do not use any magnetic tools.

Enjo your "S"

Cheers,

Robert Foster
Foster Design

lennie · 04-21-2003, 05:26 PM

Robert,

When Duane at FIM pryed my ECU apart he did it with extreme care. If you are able to remove it successfully, there is no need to reseal with silicone sealant.

repoe3 · 04-21-2003, 05:51 PM

agree with lennie, when i pried mine apart, the silicone bead was clean and made for a good seal after closing the box. it really was only installed to one side, the other just kind of holds on to it.

repoe3

Robert3826 · 04-21-2003, 06:01 PM

I pried it apart very carefully; it looks like it will reseal. The bead looks good.

After talking to our local dyno tuner guy, I asked him if when I bring the bike to the dealer, could they see that it had a different chip in it. I was told no. He told me the BMW computer could not tell the OEM chip -V- the FIM chip.

Can they tell?

brad black · 04-21-2003, 08:56 PM

no

moose · 04-22-2003, 07:00 AM

Just a tip: After breaking into my ECU with vise grips, I replaced the torx bit fasters with allen head screws for future accessibility.

boxercup · boxercup's Garage

Greetings,

FYI , I am talking here about the opening of the motronic and the seal around the outer edge of the motronic box>>>>NOT the ICU chip itself.

There is an absoute need for a water/air tight seal at the motronic box.

When you open it up scrape, all the factory sealant off of the mating surfaces and do not allow any scrapings to reside inside of the motronic.

When you are done with the ICU chip installation, apply a small silicone sealant bead around the whole circumference of the mating surfaces of the motronic unit and install the torx and tighten.

Cheers,

Robert Foster
Foster Design

Dave Hopkins · 04-22-2003, 09:15 AM

When I got my pipe & chip from Vanderline it came with the security torx bit. The silicone split nicely after starting it with a knife.

CarlosT · 04-22-2003, 10:19 AM

And don't worry about damaging anything by using a utility knife to cut the silicone seal. Fortunately the Bosch folks put a generous metal lip inside to keep anything (utility knife blade or screwdriver tip) from making contact with any chip or PCB board.

Grounding yourself and the ECU is a good idea. I worked with mine on top of a metal cabinet to which I was grounded as well.

Can someone please post the size of the cover bolts? I wanna get some allens for next time around.