Bizzare electrical problem not LCM

onions · #1 01-09-2010, 01:37 AM

Hi all,
Thought I might share a story with you that might be of interest...

About 3 weeks ago, I jumped into my 03 X5 and started her up. The radio came on and as it was quite loud, I went to turn it down and noticed that there was no lights on the radio panel and I couldn't turn the radio on, or off, nor could I turn it down...

The radio stayed on for about 30 seconds and then turned itself off... But I still was unable to turn it on or off...

Next, I noticed the the turn indicators were not flashing on the dash. Nor were they making any clicking sound. Same for the hazard lights...all flashing on the outside but no dash indicators...

The reverse sensors were also not working...

Did a search on this site and took the advice of unhooking the battery etc to try and reset the computer, but it didn't work...

Took the car to the local BMW service centre and after 2-hours of running diagnostics on the car they stated that they suspected the Lamp Control Module (LCM or LKM) had gone as they were unable to communicate with it.

The quoted $1200.00 for the module and up to $2500 for labor to repair it...

So, booked the car in for the new year and started saving...

Following Christmas, my wife wanted one of the CDs that was in the stacker/changer and when I attempted to eject the cartridge, it wouldn't work...

I undid the bolts and removed the changer and then disconnected the two leads at the rear of the unit then just plugged back in the power lead which then allowed me to eject the CD cassette...

Hooked back up the unit...and you wouldn't believe it, but everything started working again as it should!

What tha????

And everything has been working fine since....

So much for the BMW techs and all their computer diagnostic equipment...and I could have easily been $3500 down the toilet for nada...

Anyway, just thought I would share this in case it happens to anyone else...

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porka · #2 07-10-2010, 01:16 PM

Hi,

I have basically the same problem on my 04 3.0d except for the radio..

I rushed out to the garage to try and repeat what you did, but unfortunately it didn't work

I have the INPA diagnostics software and interface and it can't communicate with the LCM also...

Need to try and find that module and maybe connect/disconnect it and see..

Weasel · #3 07-10-2010, 02:43 PM

Sounds like something is bringing the i-bus down... Which could stop communication to the LCM inadvertently. In onions case is was the CD changer that had the bus down, but it could be anything on the bus so they should all be checked one at a time.

You can look at the i-bus chart/schematic in this link.
WDS BMW Wiring Diagram System - X5 E53

*side note* Mods, does the WDS link on this site not work properly anymore? I can't get the schematic pics to pop up...

porka · #4 07-10-2010, 07:01 PM

Thanks for the reply.

I actually started taking apart the right hand side footwell looking for the lcm but it turned out to be in the passenger left hand side one.. they swaped it out on the rhd cars after all.

Anyhow, took the lcm out, opened it, and to my surprise, it has considerable water damage !! ask me how I know, looks exactly the same as my last laptop I fried by spiling a drink on it

So I'm pretty sure this needs replacing. Found a few used ones on ebay but I'm not sure if I will be able to code it to my car with the gear I have.

Anyone know if INPA or NSC expert can do it ?

Weasel · #5 07-10-2010, 07:38 PM

If it has water damage that means your sunroof cassette overflowed the drainage system... the drains might be clogged causing it to overflow, in which case the water runs down the a-pillar trim and can drip right on the module under the dash.

There are a few good threads on here with good info on sunroof cassette leaks. Worth checking out.

porka · #6 07-10-2010, 08:16 PM

Thanks Weasel, you'r probably right since I do have a sunroof, heh.

I wanted the pano roof, but I thought the regular sunroof on mine would be a safer option, looks like they are both useless, lol

Seems like a lot of the LCM modules on ebay are actually version 3's, mine is a 4

porka · #7 07-21-2010, 07:30 PM

Just to update, I managed to find a used LCM module with a a slightly different part number but it was still listed in the same category in realoem..

Everything works now but the tamper dot has appeared on the dash.

I have carsoft and inpa/ncs expert but I can't find any way to reprogram the vin and mileage to the used module.

Only other note on the dash is that the rear number plate bulb is out. I checked the bulbs, and both are fine. Right side works, left doesn't. No power on one side basically, but I'll work it out hopefully.

GSXRliterbikz · #8 07-21-2010, 08:14 PM

Mileage is stored in 2 or 3 different spots, including the LCM. Thats why the tamper dot came on. I think if you have it coded to your car the dot will go out. Not positive on that though.

Weasel · #9 07-21-2010, 09:33 PM

The VIN is stored in all programmed modules, but the mileage is stored in the LCM and cluster. You will need the LCM programmed/encoded to your vehicle by BMW software whether it be GT1 V44, SSS (progman), or the new ISTA-P system. May be worth bringing it in to a dealer and paying the hour labor to get it programmed.

porka · #10 07-22-2010, 05:13 AM

I actually have GT1 v44 running on my system but I can't get it to communicate through the ediabas/inpa interface I have.

Looks like I have to get back at it and try to make it work.

Thanks

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