When your LCM says "I'm outta here!" (and REALLY means it)

[civdiv99]

Attached pics are my LCM after it threw a tantrum and melted down. 3:30 am, there was a bang and alarm went off and lots commotion, various lights on, etc. We could smell it and really were hoping it burned down since insurance probably > sale price of a 17 year old X5, but no joy. (it's street parked, so just excitement without collateral damage.)

Currently, everything else seems to work (except lighting, obviously). Starts, clear dash, no issues, the suspension levels, radio plays, drives without dash malfunction lights, etc.

I have an article on bimmerforums whereby someone lists out the steps to code another LCM using NS Expert, which I have and have used to code steering position sensor, so I can do that if necessary.

I'm of the opinion I really don't care if I get a tamper light (i.e., if I cannot fix this cheap and keep driving, I'm just going to take to salvage yard anyway).

If I don't care about a tamper light, can I just plug and play another LCM then? This is my car used for commuting and sitting in a parking lot all day. Not an important member of the fam.

I'll investigate the drain tubes behind the A pillars. And in the meantime I have a replacement ebay unit on the way. Watch out for those wet footwells!