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On the outside of the DME, you will notice a label with a number. This is the ID of your DME and you will need it, along with the ECU ID, when ordering a chip.

Open the DME and locate the chip. Your DME may have a different layout with two boards instead of a single one, but the procedure is the same. Exercise the same care when handling the DME as you would with any other main boards.

The chip may be covered by a small plastic shield, which you should be able to remove without any tools. The chip itself has a sticker with a number on. This is the ID of your ECU.

Carefully pry out the chip. A tool of wood or plastic is to be preferred, as metal might damage the chip. You don't want that, since you will need it the next time you are up for an emissions test... Insert the new chip and reassemble.

Does this sound like a lengthy process? Well, it isn't. It takes about 10 minutes, if you have tried it before. 30 minutes should be plenty for a first timer...

What's next? The good stuff! Crank the engine and get ready for your new sound! Although some chips sound no different than the original, especially the Alpina chip tell you right away that something has changed. But more on that later... Some suggest that it's a good idea to let the engine idle for about ten minutes before driving the car, so the engine management can get used to the new conditions. But I am not so sure. I believe the best way for the DME to adapt, is to let the engine run under various conditions, including under load. Of course, I could be wrong on this...

On the following page, you can read how each of the tested chips performed.

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