12 14 550 Replacing control unit (DME) (N63)

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 BMW 550i GT, 2012 BMW 550i GT, 2011 BMW 550i GT, and 2010 BMW 550i GT. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

IMPORTANT: Read and comply with notes on protection against electrostatic damage (ESD protection)

Necessary preliminary work

Switch off ignition.
Disconnect BATTERY EARTH LEAD.
Drain coolant for charge air cooler.
Remove right INTAKE DUCT (N63) .
Remove right TENSION STRUT .

IMPORTANT: Follow INSTRUCTIONS for removing and installing control units

Replacement

Carry out programming/encoding
If no data can be read out from the previous control unit, carry out injection quantity compensation (description at end of instructions).

IMPORTANT: It is absolutely essential to read out the fault memory with the BMW diagnosis system and to create a fault memory printout.

Switch off ignition.

Release screw (1).

Lay filler neck (2) for windscreen washer fluid to one side.

Fig 1: Identifying Screw And Filler Neck

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Release screws (1).

Tightening torque 12 90 2AZ.

Remove electronics box cover (2).

Fig 2: Identifying Electronics Box Cover And Screws

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Unlock all connectors (1) from control unit and disconnect.

Unclip grommet hold-down device (2) and remove.

Detach rubber grommets (3) from electronics box. Place wiring harnesses to the side.

Installation note:

Make sure grommets are correctly seated (watertightness).

Fig 3: Identifying Rubber Grommets, Grommet Hold-Down Device And Connectors

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Release outer locks on electronics box at front and rear.

Remove cover (1) from control unit.

Fig 4: Identifying Control Unit Cover

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Release screws (1).

Tightening torque 12 90 1AZ.

Unclip coolant lines at clamp (2) from electronics box.

Release the electronics box (3) from the spring strut but do not remove.

Fig 5: Identifying Electronics Box, Clamp And Screws

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NOTE: Picture shows rear coolant line on control unit, procedure for front is identical.

Press in lock (2) and detach coolant line (1) from control unit.

Catch and dispose of escaping coolant.

Lift out control unit.

Fig 6: Detaching Coolant Line From Control Unit

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Injector adjustment

If the DME control unit has been replaced, it will also be necessary to carry out adjustment of the injectors!

Injector adjustment is carried out with the aid of so-called adjustment values.

The adjustment values are printed in two blocks of three digits on each injector.

The adjustment values must be stored in the new control unit!

Fig 7: Identifying Injector Adjustment Value Printed On Injector

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If injector adjustment is not carried out, the engine may run roughly or fail to start.

Read off the adjustment values and enter according to the installation location (cylinder) of the injectors:

Connect BMW diagnosis system
Identify vehicle
Select "Function selection"
Select "Service functions"
Select "Engine electronics"
Select "Adjustment function"

Fig 8: Identifying Injector Adjustment Value Printed On Injector
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Select "Adjust injectors"
Select "Test plan"
The adjustment value must be entered for each cylinder.

NOTE: Check stored fault message.
Delete fault memory.
Vent COOLING SYSTEM for intercooler.