This procedure was done on a '93 325i Automatic. This procedure may not work on all models! Proceed at your own risk.

 

Tools:

• You should have a pair of screwdriver, one each of Phillips and flat (the one in the trunk tool kit should do)

• Torx size T-20

• pliers (the channel-lock in the tool kit works)

• knife or some other device for prying open the DME

Find the rubber cover for the DME; it's in the engine compartment on the passenger's side. Pull the 3 plastic caps off (one is removed already in the photo).

Pull the rubber cover down and remove the 4 screws holding the plastic cover in place. Put the plastic cover aside.

 

Pull the lever on the wiring harness. It will swing open, then can be removed. The DME has already been removed in the picture.

The DME should slide right out. It is held in place by the clips shown here. The computer shown here (top) is probably the automatic transmission controller.

When you get the DME out, take the 4 T-20 Torx screws out of the top of the box. Don't worry about the others. Flip the box over and pry open the tabs on the bottom (circled in the picture). You'll probably need to use something sharp to get the tabs started, then you can use the flathead screwdriver or pliers. Don't be too worried about damaging them, they're not vital. Pull the top metal cover off. Be patient; the cover can be quite a pain in the arse.

 

Pop the cheap piece of plastic off to access the chip.

Important: Note the location of the cut out on the chip, you'll need to put the new chip in the same way! The picture shows the direction mine was oriented, yours may be different.

Carefully pull the factory chip out and install your new chip.

Installation is the reverse of removal. (note: when bending the tabs back, try to get them as flush as possible to the bottom of the box: you're going to have to slide it back in the clips)

Let me know if this helps you out!

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