Ha ha... thanks guys.... so here's what's up: a new module from, yes, Laurel BMW, is $375 (minus some dollars if a CCA member). I then talked to bmrparts.com about the used modules they sell. $150 for a module with a 6-month warranty. After saying I'd call back later, he quickly lowered the price to $100. So I called them back later to order my used memory module for $100, plus $30 for a LIFETIME warranty, so I should be safe. Both BMW dealer and bmrparts said again that they come pre-programmed for universal use, so just plug in and go. I'll let you know the final result after installation :-)
btw, thanks javier and others for pointing to the FIY methods, but I simply don't have the time or the expertise to start doing soldering, etc. Buying the new one hopefully is the simplest way to go (and from looking at the one that's currently in my car, it seems as if this problem has happened before and it was refurbished... it has non-bmw "warranty" stickers, etc).
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