Where's my Body Control Module??

Bmwtvboy · #1 02-26-2016, 11:05 AM

Yesterday a local stereo shop finally figured out what all the electrical issues were; BCM. It wasn't a problem with my sound system even though a mechanic claimed it was. He said my BCM was pulling 4 amps and not going to sleep? SO, what do I do to rectify this issue? And is the alternator recharging the battery and then the BCM draining it over night? BTW, my electrical charging system(alternator/battery) checked out fine. Where is this thing? Is it expensive to replace? Repairable? How do I get it out of the X and will it require reprogramming? Thanks in advance.

Addition: Was looking up parts on Ebay and found 2 bcm's One in the right rear quarter panel with fuses and the other is a white box, but not sure where it is.

Qsilver7 · #2 02-26-2016, 12:16 PM

Which BCM (body control module) were they referring to? The GM III, the LCM, trailer towing module, control unit for illuminated door handles, relay for consumer shut down, etc?

Here is a diagram of e53 components:

The diagram below are some of the "BCMs"...and a link to the part nbr index to identify which module is which in the diagram below:

http://bmwfans.info/parts-catalog/E5...ts_and_moduls/

Bmwtvboy · #3 02-26-2016, 01:48 PM

He stated the system wasn't going to sleep and was drawing 4 amps.
He wasn't sure about which BCM? I'll check with him. Is there a single BCM that sleeps the vehicle? What about the footwell module? Is that work off the BCM behind the glove box? What's the one in the rear panel for?

Bmwtvboy · #4 02-26-2016, 02:30 PM

He stated he tested and found the draw in the rear unit bcm.
But there is much on line about FSR's and phone fuse removals. etc.
No one also seems to clarify the orange shift light as proof of "sleep" mode.
Your thoughts about all this?

Bmwtvboy · #5 02-26-2016, 04:17 PM

Just looked in the window. Car as been sitting since last night and I see that the orange shift light is off. Now what?

Qsilver7 · #6 02-26-2016, 06:48 PM

For some reason...you can't go by the orange shift light on the early e53 models. When this topic comes up...most early e53 owners say their orange gear shift (tranny range indicator) light stays illuminated...even after the 16 minute "consumer shut off" period. (when the vehicle goes into sleep mode).

For an understanding of the orange gear shift light (transmission range indicator light)...see the BMW info below about "CONSUMER CUT OFF". Perhaps it will persuade you to "believe"...but in your case...it may not apply.

Bmwtvboy · #7 02-27-2016, 01:31 PM

Ok, this is great information. So how do I determine which if any module is bad? I see many posts about the general module behind the glove box being a master module with replaceable relays to fix various problems with draw/lock issues, etc.
Some post consider the FSR for the blower to be an issue, but mine was replaced a few years ago with OEM. Your thoughts on difficulty to diagnose. Is this really a dealer/computer diagnose solution only?
Thanks again.