BMW Repair: Engige Control Unit, windscreen wipers, printed circuit board

Question
I have a BMW 316i E36 1998 model.I had a buning smell coming from the dashboard air cond vent while driving it at 60km/h, I used the car for five monthsit for until it stopped and refused to start. I have just replaced the coded barrel, a slip ring and a sterring lock, the clutch kit has also been replaced all fitted by an approved BMW dealer. The petrol pump is working, there is spark on the plugs, when you start it manually from the starter it only turns the engine but it does'nt start. I was told by the BMW dealer that the Control unit may be faulty. My feeling is that the ignition is not sensing the coded key, it only swithces on but it can't start

Answer
Good day,

Well, the dealer may be right in assuming that the ECU is faulty. The main ECU sits under the plenum cover below the windscreen wipers so any burning and the smell would easily make its way into the cabin as it's right next to the fan.

If you have a sypathetic dealer or specialist in your area, you might want to try to borrow an ECU (or buy one cheap from your local scrap dealer)to try in your car, but beware! If you fry his you are not going to be very popular! Check around the area where the  ECU is for signs of water ingress, this could be a reason for the unit shorting out. Generally these units are well protected but water can be devious.
If you can, take the ECU out and prize it open carefully by unfolding the cliping points and check for burn marks on the Printed Circuit board.

Best bet would be to get it hooked up to a diagnostic machine if you don't have any joy with the above

Let me know how you get on.

Regards

Rob