[efield328xi]

Hi All! Thanks for taking the time to read my post. My 2011 328i xDrive has been in the shop for an engine replacement. It was worked on at the same dealership where I purchased the car, though, not an actual BMW dealer.

They have successfully replaced the engine, etc., but they called me this morning informing me that the car won't start, and mentioned contacting a dealer who gave them a checklist of codes they would need to check and clear. The dealership informed me they do not have the software that works with my vehicle, and the only people they knew to ask do not have the software either.

I live in rural Eastern Kentucky, so would hate to have to have a flat bed drive my car a couple hours to the nearest BMW dealer. Can I just replace the ECU? Any help you could provide me I would be eternally grateful!

[patents]

You really need to read the codes. You can get the Carly adapter and app for less than the cost of the tow.

BMW codes are very specific and will often tell you exactly what's wrong. But they are just a tool. They'll give you clues, but there's no guarantee the shop will be able to fix the car even with the diagnostic codes.

Sounds like you really should have taken the car to a BMW specialist.

[ctuna]

Why is this posted in the Audio and bluetooth section and not the general ,
engine or coding section?

Best bet for diagnostic and coding software is the coding section.

http://www.e90post.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=368

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1354115

Best to get ista d/p it's what BMW uses or used to use
for diagnostics and programming.
There is a bunch of programming that has to be done if the electronics was changed. So I would avoid replacing the ECU.
It has vehicle specific stuff programmed in it like your Vin and
is associated with the module for locking the car.
How do you know the timing is correct and the valvetronic motor
is synchronized . (valvetronic motor must be initialized correctly or
go through a relearn process.)
Basically you can't just throw and Engine in one of these like you could in pre 2000 car with a limited number of electronics modules.

Dealership doesn't have software to fix stuff how does that work?