Can I swap out ecu in my '98 IL?

I have been told that my ecu/dme is no good. Shop has proposed a rebuilt ecu with 5 yr warranty @ $1,600 installed, including his diagnostic time.



I know where I can pick up a used OEM ecu same number as mine for less than $100. I am concerned that it will not work



My question is, can I just swap them and expect the used ecu to work with my EWS (plug and play)? The shop tells me that this will not work and that they cannot reprogram a used ecu. Also told me that in addition to the EWS not recognizing the used replacement ecu, the VIN #'s will not match up and cause red flags when I go to have emissions tested.



Can a used ecu be wiped clean and then reprogramed? If so, where can I get this done at a reasonable cost?



I have seen Youtube videos where the ecu in an E39 was bypassed. Is this a safe option or just creating other problems?



Any insight on this would be tremendously appreciated. Wife wants me to cut bait and get rid of the car. I cannot let it go but also cannot afford to pump a lot of $ into this as there are other issues (rear suspension and valley pan gasket as well as tires) that are needed.

Can I swap out ecu in my '98 IL?