E53 on board computer problems

[Fletcher]

Originally Posted by Clavurion

Like I said the cluster is the brain.

What did you mean by OBC button programmed?

When you configure the BC button to display certain things on the cluster. That no longer does anything either.

[X5chemist]

When I had issues with the BC button, a used programmed GMIII body control module fixed it. The GMIII module monitors and controls so much stuff.

[Fletcher]

Originally Posted by X5chemist

When I had issues with the BC button, a used programmed GMIII body control module fixed it. The GMIII module monitors and controls so much stuff.

Ah so perhaps worth trying a replacement gm3 module.

Do you know if they need coding to the car?

[X5chemist]

Yes, it needs coding. I was chasing two parasitic draws. Plus, BC display, inside lighting, and F60 issues. All of them went away by replacing the GMIII module.

[Qsilver7]

I got lost, too...sorry if you've already tried the suggestions below:



In regard to selecting miles/Fahrenheit vs kilometers/Celsius...have you done the procedure in the owners manual that changes these scales?


The procedure is similar to unlocking the cluster...they are so similar that many owners end up switching the scales when they attempt to unlock the cluster to check the hidden menu.

• press & hold trip odometer reset button
• turn key to position 1 (KL R)
• turn key back to OFF
• release odometer button

Next time you turn the ignitnion on...the scales for mileage and temp should have changed to the other scale.







If you've disconnected the battery recently...then this could be why you've lost the BC programming. Have you tried reprogramming the OBC features you want to appear in the instrument cluster?

[Fletcher]

Originally Posted by Qsilver7

In regard to selecting miles/Fahrenheit vs kilometers/Celsius...have you done the procedure in the owners manual that changes these scales?


The procedure is similar to unlocking the cluster...they are so similar that many owners end up switching the scales when they attempt to unlock the cluster to check the hidden menu.

• press & hold trip odometer reset button
• turn key to position 1 (KL R)
• turn key back to OFF
• release odometer button

Next time you turn the ignitnion on...the scales for mileage and temp should have changed to the other scale.







If you've disconnected the battery recently...then this could be why you've lost the BC programming. Have you tried reprogramming the OBC features you want to appear in the instrument cluster?

Thanks for the reply. I have done that procedure, but it only changes temperature not the mileage measurement.

I’m unable to reprogramme the BC button- holding it in just does nothing…🥲

I am very stumped…

[Tactician]

Hi - I am also unable to reprogramme the display by holding the BC button down and my issue is when I attempt to start the car I get CODE---- displaying on the computer strip on the dash.
A mechanic with BMW software could not get the software to 'connect' to my cars system so no full diagnosis, with a 'LAUNCH brand' tablet scanner he was able to -re-initialise the imobiliser system but that changed nothing. turning the key does nothing (no click, no starter engaging just silence)
New battery installed now and still the same.
Does any of these issues sound familiar to you chaps
The car handbook tells me to utilise the MID unit on the centre console to input a code. neither my car nor a friends ever had a MID unit (different dash configuration)

current vehicle is:
2004 X5 E53 sport diesel 3.0L

[wpoll]

Originally Posted by Tactician

...my issue is when I attempt to start the car I get CODE---- displaying on the computer strip on the dash.
... The car handbook tells me to utilise the MID unit on the centre console to input a code. neither my car nor a friends ever had a MID unit (different dash configuration)...

What is the current dash configuration? Has the MID unit been removed and replaced with an aftermarket unit?

I think you will need either a MID or a factory NAV screen to access the CODE feature. The CODE feature is a 4-digit PIN code that diables the starting system (via the alarm module). It seems it can get enabled in error sometimes (power glitches etc.) and I'm not aware of a way to clear it without eother a MID unit or a factory NAV unit. I've read that you can bypass the CODE to start the car, using this method: -

Key position 0
Pull Fuse #43
Then start

Never tried it myself but at this point, it could be worth trying? You can re-insert the fuse once the car is running, to get teh dash working again, and you'll have to do this each time until you sort the code.

And BTW, it seems that it's common in case like this for the code to be the default - 2767 - but you are still going to need a method to enter the code. You can plug in a MID unit temporarliy to do this - check for one on eBay?

[Tactician]

Dash configuration is as new but aftermarket head/NAV unit, I bought a factory NAV unit but it has different connectors so cannot use that. Never had a MID unit in my X5.
What is the method to enter a CODE with a NAV unit only from factory? (handbook does not tell me)
I have been using the method you mention (pulling the fuse) but after replacing the battery the alarm goes off when I put back the fuse now so that's not an option
I am looking out for a MID unit but need to see connectors so I know it will be able to connect.

Thanks for this information

[Tactician]

also have another way to start the car
Short the low tension terminal at the starter motor from the high tension and you can start with the key (but needs 2 people)