325i DME chip in a 323i

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   I have a 1996 E36 323i coupe.  Upon reading the spec I learned that the 325i it's predecessor has the same engine but more power, an additional 22bhp (170 to 192).
BMW tell me that the pin outs for both chips are identical, but are unsure as to whether the two are interchangable.
Does anyone know if they are or not, as it's a cheap factory method of increasing power.
James

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grimesj Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Groupie Joined: 03-March-2003 Location: United Kingdom Status: Offline Points: 50	Topic: 325i DME chip in a 323i Posted: 03-March-2003 at 13:18
	I have a 1996 E36 323i coupe. Upon reading the spec I learned that the 325i it's predecessor has the same engine but more power, an additional 22bhp (170 to 192). BMW tell me that the pin outs for both chips are identical, but are unsure as to whether the two are interchangable. Does anyone know if they are or not, as it's a cheap factory method of increasing power. James
	E36 323i Coupe - Let me know aboout gadgets and trick bits

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RichB Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 11-January-2003 Location: United Kingdom Status: Offline Points: 73	Posted: 06-March-2003 at 20:24
	I've mentioned this point to you on the other thread; I'm kind of at a loss as to this one. It seems too obvious and subtle an upgrade. One that would significantly improve performance without being overt, although with an apparent reduction in fuel economy. Official combined for the 323 is 34 and 29.2 for the 325. I actually get about 24/25 from my car and do negligible motorway driving. But they say that the only 2 differences between the new Mini One and the it's sister, the Cooper are ECU mapping and the price. Approx �2k more for the Cooper, for 115bhp instead of 90bhp. As Clarkson said, "get a One, pay to have it remapped and pocket the �1,700 difference". Similar principle then? What we need is some kind of E36 2494cc guru who can give us advice here - appeal to enthusiasts and engineers out there???

RichB Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 11-January-2003 Location: United Kingdom Status: Offline Points: 73	Posted: 08-March-2003 at 15:15
	And it's not a question of swapping them over physically, but simply remapping the ECU accordingly. Still don't know the answer but working on it! Let me know what you find out...

RichB Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 11-January-2003 Location: United Kingdom Status: Offline Points: 73	Posted: 04-April-2003 at 09:36
	The 323 was launched as a restricted 325, to create a market for the 328. The main differences are as follows: 325 - steel engine block 323 - aluminium block. 323 also has a restricted throttle body and single exhaust system. So if you pruchase a big bore throttle body, enhanced exhuast system and rechip your car (induction may also be helpful), you should be able to make your car as quick as a chipped 325, (nearly!) There are specialists who can help with this kind of thing - throttle body etc. Apparently there are two parts required when a car has Traction Control, as all 323's do.

grimesj Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Groupie Joined: 03-March-2003 Location: United Kingdom Status: Offline Points: 50	Posted: 10-April-2003 at 13:07
	Rich B, Thanks for the information. However my does not have traction control, What makes you think that they all do?
	E36 323i Coupe - Let me know aboout gadgets and trick bits

RichB Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 11-January-2003 Location: United Kingdom Status: Offline Points: 73	Posted: 16-April-2003 at 18:24
	Cos they do!!!! SE or not. Ring your local stealer and give them your reg and ask them if you have Traction Control - I'm sure you will have. If you have an E36 323i then you will have TC. Of the 6 potters, only the 320i's in 1990 to early 92 were sans TC; you will have TC I'm certain...

Webdunk Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Visit Members Homepage Add to Buddy List Moderator Group M3 GT Register Joined: 16-October-2002 Location: Central Scotland Status: Offline Points: 5245	Posted: 17-April-2003 at 08:40
	My 96 328i coupe has no TC.


skull Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Really Senior Member II Joined: 20-April-2003 Location: United Kingdom Status: Offline Points: 640	Posted: 23-April-2003 at 23:39
	hi ime new to this forum but but have done loads of research on bmw's 323 to 325 is the cams. the throttle body on the 323 and 328 is the same size also 325. but they also altered the gearing so between the 2 there is not much difference and would cost more just to get the extra hp. overall you would have to swap the head, ecu . some companys like birds do upgrade kits for around �1300 i think. check there web site. you can also ring and ask like i did
	just a little crazy. My drive E46 M3 COUPE [MAN]CARBON BLACK GREY LEATHER H/K 19"s LED REARS S/B.