carmunger

I've got a 2000 A6 with the ART 4.2 motor. Its got 88K on it and I just got this code: Internal Control Module (EEPROM) Error P1640 or 18048. Previous to that I have been having trouble with the Bank 1 main cat. The recomended corrective action for the ECM is to replace it. Is there anything I can do besides buy a new one at $625? Can the EEPROM be flashed or can I replace just it? Is there a chip or something that I can change? I do not know what I am asking these are just my random guesses in the dark. Would anyone use one from a junk yard?