Is there a place to get a new ECU for a good price?
 

Had the X diagnosed at a dealer today. They said the same thing as my indy. I need a new ECU to fix my engine failsafe message. There are codes in the brain that will just not clear and everything else has been ruled out.

BMW quoted $2500 for everything
My indy quoted $1200 for the new ECU and $400 for labor.

I'm going with my indy, but wanted to know if there is anywhere I can buy the brain for cheaper.

I wanted to get a used brain/ECU, but my X is a 2001 so I've heard that a brain from something that new can not be reprogrammed.

Buy a used one from eBay and install it, then use SSS Progman to code it. 20 minutes work, very easy. But you must have the SSS system to do it. During coding your ECU, do not use 'automatic', but use 'mannual' instead.

I don't know what SSS is but I'll look into it.

Does the module program through the OBD or through the mod itself? I wish there was a way to send the used mod somewhere and have it come back to me ready to go.

The DME is coded via OBD.

SSS refers BMW Software Service Station, or called Progman.