"1987 BMW 325i: Main Computer Problems"

Black 1987 BMW 325i Front View

I have a 1987 BMW 325i. My mechanic told me that there is a problem with the main computer. Can this be tested? The ECU would cost me more than what the car is worth, so I pick up a couple from a wreck car from the junk yard and tried it. I doubt that it’s the ECU cause it still does work. Any thought or suggestion?

Answer: I’m inclined to question the credibility of any mechanic who condemns the ECU. A lot of otherwise normal failures get blamed on the ECU and wind up costing the owner more than (s)he should have to pay.