DME control

[macyfilms]

Hello all. I took my 98 Boxster to the dealer and he tells me the DME (996 618 601 04) Control is shot. $2700 for a new one. I found them used on the internet for as little as $250.

My questions:

1) Will this work?
2) Can I trust a used DME unit?
3) Can you recommend a place purchase?
4) Do I need a '98 unit or will any year work?

huge THXX !

[Jaxonalden]

Originally Posted by macyfilms

Hello all. I took my 98 Boxster to the dealer and he tells me the DME (996 618 601 04) Control is shot. $2700 for a new one. I found them used on the internet for as little as $250.

My questions:

1) Will this work?
2) Can I trust a used DME unit?
3) Can you recommend a place purchase?
4) Do I need a '98 unit or will any year work?

huge THXX !

Hey Bro,

I called Oklahoman Foreign about your DME problem and they said you can swap out just the DME but someone (the dealership) might be able to re-flash the unit and have it work, but if it doesn’t work you get to buy another. They said you should swap out the DME, the alarm box under the driver’s seat and the key head as a set unit. They have a set as long as you have the M35 option. The cost is $850.

If you would like to talk to them directly their number is 1-405-799-0644.

Good luck

[Lil bastard]

Don't buy any used DME w/o having the 6 digit DME programming code - it cannot be re-programmed w/o it.

Also, you'll need your current 16 digit immobilizer code so that it can be programmed into the 'new' DME - car will not start w/o it. You should have the dealer supply this before disconnecting the old DME.

Also, you'll need your car's VIN to enter into the PST2.

You do not need a new alarm module or key head (but you will need the existing key head code).

[Jaxonalden]

As LB stated below, you will need all that information to reprogram your new DME because without it the alarm, key head and DME won't talk to one another. And that's why OK Foreign told me you need the set, that the re-flash doesn't work all the time and if it doesn't work you get to buy another DME (ever see a sign that said no returns on electrical parts?). The safe fix is buying a set unit.

Hey, at this point you haven't spent any money yet. Call around and get as much info as possible and make an informed decision. I don't want to see you get burned.

[macyfilms]

well, i bought a used control unit because the dealer seemed confident he could make it work. $300. the wrecking yard said they won't give a refund, but will exchange it if it doesn't work. pretty generous. I'm now nervously waiting to hear from the dealer to see how this plays out.

[macyfilms]

The conclusion: dealer could not get replacement DME to work, but made an attempt to reprogram the 'bad' one and was successful. So my car runs again, but it appears i am stuck with a Control Unit that is of no use to me. I will attempt to return it for store credit.

so fyi on two notes: one) bad control units can sometimes be saved if the dealer is persistent. two) when feeding power into your boxster via the lighter, use extreme caution, as it can clear the data on your control unit if you get the polarity backwards.

Lastly, what does everyone think is a fair price to get a new plastic window stitched into my cab top? The local upholstery guy (who regularly does these) is asking $600.

sg