E60 525i ecu into E60 523i

[Domen]

Am new to the forum. Looked through previous threads but can seem to get an answer on the above. Am thinking of buying a used E60 525i ecu and plugging it into my 523i. Has anyone tried it? I have checked and found that all parts are the same include the gear ratios between the 525i and the 523i. Thanks

 

[mizhan]

if it's as simple as that, i'll be very surprised; and all 523i owners shud perform this upgrade, then change badge to 525i.

 

[berserkdroid]

IMHO the ECU maps will be different between the two boxes. If you plug in the 525i box, be prepared for potentially expensive results.

BTW have you introduced yourself in the Newbies section?

 

[chookleng]

if that can be done, does that mean my 525i can also use the 530i ecu too? save lots of $$$$$$$ with more hp than

 

[Grand]

Well, there is a difference between the 525 and 530 in terms of the capacity of the engine whilst the 525 and 523 share the same 2.5 cc engine. So I think the question is rather legitimate but I think it will not be as simple as just plug and play. Better be on the cautious side lest any electronic components are rendered inoperative as a result.

 

[nazrin]

Wow! Might be very expensive experiment....If I were you, I will make more research before carry on with this task! Good luck Bro!

 

[attenbrough]

if that can be done, does that mean my 525i can also use the 530i ecu too? save lots of $$$$$$$ with more hp than

Brader, the cylinder in the 525 and the 530 block is different in sizes.... becareful man... you may bore your block and put in a bigger piston but the durability of your block might be weakened....an old fren of my blow his 3.2 block so he had to put in a 2.5 (cheaper ma..hehe) but he also throwed in a 3.0 piston which gave him good top end... in which he blew his gear box... hehe... :rock:

So... If not ready to blow here and there... i suggest remapping to be the safest for now...

Good luck ya...

 

[wolf73]

Bros...

It has been proven that Power Box into 523 brings the maximum bhp...... rather piggy back the ECU then change the ECU board as the harnes may differ.

523 owners... put PB and the bhp is greater than 525 owners.... PB settings are tuned for 523 max out.

 

[attenbrough]

PB arr? Where to get ar?? Solly me blur...

 

[wolf73]

PB arr? Where to get ar?? Solly me blur...

In Singapore.

I can arrange with the workshop for you guys to roll in and get them all fixed. (PS: i dun earn a single cent, just helping the brudders here from MY)

It's a 15mins job where the connect the piggy back into your ECU and you are good to go.

There was 1 thread i asked if MY BMWClub would like to have a joint meet up with BMw.sg... if any interested parties can take this opportunity to convoy in and get it fixed and vroom vroom back KL.

 

[nazrin]

Hi Wolf73,
How about PB in 525? Any different?

 

[kevster30]

The 523i and the 525i may share the same cubic capacity but it is not entirely the same engine. The top end(cyclinder head, valves, camshaft, intake manifold etc.) of the 523i is completely different from the 525i.

The different hardware is used to curb the engine's output in order to accommodate certain tax and insurance rates in several EU countries.

It is logical then to assume that software will make a difference but cannot possibly compensate the difference in hardware.

 

[XXX]

Click here to help the kids...http://www.bmwclubmalaysia.com/forums/showthread.php?t=35244

 

[wolf73]

Hi Wolf73,
How about PB in 525? Any different?

Yes...feels much better on my ride

 

[trustgtr]

not sure how far this is true but i was told by a friend that the diffrences are mainly the air flow meter and inlet manifold..regards to the ecu, most conti cars nowadays has built in immobilizer which require the ecu to recognise the keys for it to be able to start the car..

 

[Domen]

Thanks for all the replies.

I guess I will still have to do more research on it before trying it. The difference between the 525i and the 523i was cosmetics (body kit and rims) and the 40bhp difference in BHP. If the engine blocks are the same (ie 2.5l capacity) then the bore and stroke for both models are the same. I have been told tha the injectors and the air intakes are the same. However, someone brought up the cams, so I will need to check into that.

The other issue someone brought up was the recognition of the key by the ecu so thats another issue to look into. Will try to post my findings...

 

[kevster30]

Domen,

There will be a difference and the car will feel more sprightly and drivable, however it is IMPOSSIBLE to get the 40hp difference through software tuning alone.

 

[Domen]

Just checked with BMW mechanics. Confirmed that all parts are the same, intake manifolds, engine heads, valves and cams. However, the person highlighted that the ECU is tagged to the car's engine and chassis. Hence it will be impossible to start the car as a fellow member correctly put it. Issue is put to rest. Thanks for all the input.

 

[sixpotters]

Personally, I doubt BMW would just use a different ECU to differenciate a 523 n 525. Sometimes parts may look the same but parts number might be different, thats the tell tale sign of differences.