87 DME recommendation

[pepelapu]

My 87 Coupe has been parked for 1 month with a bad DME. At this point I would appreciated a recommendation from someone with more Porsche experience than I have. Here is the background.

I purchased an 87-911 carrera 1 year ago. I have upgraded it quite a bit over the winter, inspired greatly by this Forum. Since taking it out I have had an intermittent stall problem. I borrowed a friend`s DME and isolated the problem to the DME. I have read on this forum how to open the box and re-solder some contacts. I have done this successfully. The DME worked for a while. Now it does not anymore.

My Porsche is garged until I find a solution. Here are the options as I see them:

1) purchase a used DME. (approx $400, scarce, no warranty, 15 years old)
2) purchase a rebuilt from a Porsche dealer ($700+$300 core as my unit has been openened frequently, 2 year warranty, still a 15 year old unit).
3) purchase a new Porsche DME ($1,500, 2 year warranty, brand new unit)

I am tempted to purchase a new one. I find that $1,500 is outrageous but feel it is the only solution that will solve this problem permanently. Otherwise I will continue to have the fear of having the car towed every time I take the car out.

Are there any other solutions? I do not believe our host carreis them.

Does Bosch sell the aftermarket DME? Is it cheaper than a dealership unit? Where from?

I appreciate any feedback on this one.

Richard

[88911coupe]

If it were me I'd try and fix the DME unit. Mine took two tries since I missed a broken solder the first time. I would be very reluctant to pay a small fortune for a new DME. I believe it was Jim Sims (very knowledgable poster) who said these things are pretty robust, other than the broken solder issue. There's something to be said for the peace of mind with a new one though I guess.
Later,

[RickM]

Try here: http://www.programainc.com/
They can repair or rebuild. Worth a call to explore options.

There are also a few threads on this subject.

[IROC]

FWIW, I think I saw that Vertex sells new ones for less than $1000 if you decide to go that route.

Fixing the one you have seems like the best option, though. Evidently the solder joints at the big ignition transistor are the weak spot. The rest of it seems pretty robust.

Mike

[RickM]

Whichever route you take let us know how you make out.

BTW, do you have the stock chip in there?

[mjshira]

contact www.tremotorsports.com I know that you can send your DME to them and they can get it gone over and back to you having been tested and ready to run.

James

[RickM]

I called Gabriel of Programa to get a sense of the R&R service they provide. Here's what I've learned:

- Apparently 911 cores, in good shape, are hard to come by. Additionally, volume is very low.

- A rebuild service is available for repairable boxes. Water damaged units can sometimes be rebuilt but chances are lower (much).

- All work is done on a case-by-case basis as there are many variations, even within model years.

- When rebuilding the unit is not merely repaired. The unit is completely tested using multi/many step process...using a stock (known baseline) chip.

- If there are known weak spots or upgrades that apply to your unit then they are addressed during the rebuild.

- They will match Vertex prices.

- Three year guarantee.

- It would REALLY help to have the Porsche AND Bosch part number when contacting them.

- They also rebuild ingnition amplifiers. (?not sure i know what that is?)


BTW, I have no financial interest in this company. I'm merely providing facts to make an educated decision.

[pepelapu]

Gents,

Thank you for the information, the leads and the moral support you are all providing. My action plan is to contact Programa and proceed from there. I will post my final resolution.

Thanks again Rickm Mjshira 88911coupe and iroc.

[dad911]

Option 4: Buy my DME w/autothority Mass flow sender & K&N Filter for $900 plus shipping.

[Lorenfb]

Did you do a search with Google or Yahoo using "DME Control Unit"
or "Porsche Motronic Unit"? There are many more sources available
for the Porsche DME unit than have been mentioned.

You might call Tom Gould at Pelican Parts. They may have some
sources that they provide for rebuilt units.

Good Luck
Loren
'88 3.2

[Hazbeen]

check out dcautomotive.com and see if they have sold the one from the 87 targa they are parting out. they seem to charge 350-500 for the ones on their web site.

regards

Haz

[Eric Coffey]

Buy a used one! Even at $400 a pop (from a reputable used parts/salvage co, ebay, etc.), you could have two "spares" for the price of one new unit.