Weird Locking problem

[Sundevil]

Okay, this is not for an X, but my moms 2005 325CI (still a BMW). Her key fob stopped working and before I cut it open to try to replace the battery I also notice the car stops chirping when manually locking the door. Are these symptoms related, or is there something else at play??

Any help is appreciated.

Thanks

[Big "J"]

The GMIII (General Module) controls the lock functions. My 4.8 has a mind of its own and sometimes it unlocks all the doors with the second push and sometimes only the 2 front doors unlock. When only the 2 fronts unlock I can't get the lower tail gate to unlock. There was a guy who repairs general modules and his website described locking issues related to the GMIII. Not sure if he's still repairing or not.

Good Luck

[Sundevil]

Hi Big J,

Thanks for the help. Is there a way of diagnosis if it is the General Module through INPA? The doors unlock when I use the key in the door, and when I hit the button on the console. It is almost like the key stopped working and the alarm stopped chirping. Everything else works as it should.

[rhusbands]

Best thing is to check out the website below and see if your symptoms are the same... follow the instructions (email him with a list of the symptoms and what is NOT working) and he will get back with you on next steps if it is a GMIII (GMIV or GMV) issue.

Based on what you've stated already, it most likely is. Cost is relatively inexpensive for the repair, and as you will see on his website, most of the time the issue has nothing to do with the key... so tearing into the key and possibly hosing something up may only create more problems.

https://www.bmwgm5.com/bmwgm5/

Hope it helps.