I always read that these cars are really picky about powering down the electrical system. However, when I did my full stereo install- I had no problems aside from the 2 expected- I had to reprogram the windows and turn the wheel from lock to lock.

Any particular steps I should take in the removing the ecu in preparation to sending it off to be tuned?

 

How did you reprogram the windows? Was it the turning of wheel?

 

turning the wheels from lock to lock was to keep the esp light from coming on. i don't remember what i did for the windows- continue to hold the "up" botton for a few seconds after they closed...or something like that- in order to get the 1 touch roll up feature to work again.

 

Hey bro, did you ever find out how to remove the ECU? I'm planning on getting mine done this week, but I'm having trouble with it. I took off the plastic piece held on by 2 clips, and under it was a fuse box? After that I was completely lost.

 

No, there's nothing special you need to do. Just take off the tray, unplug the ecu (either take a pic of the setup before you remove it, or just try to remember what plugs into what - it's straightforward, but can be confusing the first time you put it back), and send it off.

The only real problem with our ecus is that they're crimped together. Mine's been apart three times, I think, and they're looking very worn.

dblock - the ecu is further towards the rear of the car from the fuseblock. At least on the 2002 230.

 

the ecu is the cast aluminum piece that you can see sticking through the center of the airbox when you open the hood- it's got heatsinks/fins on it. after you get the top plastic/airbox off- there are two sets of harness' that plug into the ecu. each is held in via small "lever" or "cam lock"- i know what i am picturing but it's hard to explain. as you flip open the "lever", it will pull the harness out of it's socket. like i said- it's hard to explain, but as soon as you get it, you will wonder how in the world something like that confused you. at least that's what i was thinking when i did it anyway