<E28> ECU replacement options

[Rick Viehdorfer <viehdorfer@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Good day digesters! Before I get on to my subject today, I wanted to
thank the volunteers who emailed me copious amounts of information about
stereos and replacing speakers et al. To those who did, you know who you
are and thanks. Some I am still corresponding with; some I haven't yet
returned messages. I will do so before Christmas Eve, I promise....
I want to replace the used ECU in my 1986 535i with the best possible. I
recently replaced this 'box' with a used unit from a  like vehicle. I
have heard all kinds of rumors about these boxes - that they were
kludged together at the factory, that the originals were jury-rigged,
that all that are available at the dealers are 'remanufactured' boxes,
not new. What I want is the newest, most up-to-date box I can find for
my model. One that was manufactured specifically for it, by the original
manufacturer, with appropriate upgardes or improvements. I'm a little
leery of plinking down BIG BUCKS for something that I have done little
or no research on. So my question to Digesters has to do with the
history of these ECUs, and what options I have in terms of getting the
best possible available. Perhaps (egad!) someone close to the Landshark
would know. My reason for this is that since these ECUs tend me to be
problematic (i'm on #3 now) it makes little sense to install a $300 chip
(which is my NEXT purchase) in a box that may be faulty! Sorta like
putting a high output ignition system on a car that burns oil. Any
comments - suggestions - advice - experiences most happily responded to.

btw, the car as always exhibits the typically elusive problems... idle
fluctuations, flat spots at mid-range revs, etc. No amount of money
seems to make any of this go away. And yes, its been seen by the best,
and my wallet has been filched to the tune of thousands. So this is it.
I'm going to try this combination and see what happens....

Thanks in advance

Rick V.
BMW CCA #??? where is that card anyway........

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