2005 X5 3.0D not storing seat adjustments

[sv1cec]

Hi there,

New member, first post and I need your expertise.

We just got a used 3.0L diesel X5 a few days ago, and I am still in the process of learning it. Thanks to this awesome resource, I've learned quite a few things already, but I have a question I need help with.

OK, the truck is equipped with the fully adjustable, electric seats (no lumbar support). I can adjust the driver seat to the position I want it, and store that position in memory (say memory 1). Then I can adjust the seat to a different position for my wife and store it in memory 2. The seat returns to the preselected memory positions, if I press the button on the driver's seat, just fine. However, I can not make it return to the pre-selected position, with my keys remote.

I took it to the local BMW dealer who connected it to his computers and told me that in my car, this can't be done (make the seats return to the designated memory positions) from the key remote, because the car has a third-party radio and those seat preferences are stored in the OEM radio memory.

Is that true? I mean, I understand that in contemporary cars electronics play a vital role, but storing the seat preferences in the radio, is a bit far fetched.

Any ideas on that?

I am sure that I'll be back for a lot more issues that puzzle me at this moment, but for the time being, this is the most important one, so all help will be greatly appreciated.

[sv1cec]

So nobody knows where seat adjustments are stored, to be retrieved by the key remote?!?!

[Gregory891]

I have a 2002 X5 3.0 d (184 HP) which was originally built with a cloth interior. I upgraded this winter to full leather (door panels & seats). In the process I went from manual front seats to sport, heated & memory seats. I have the three memory button on my driver seat as you would but also not the integrated "specific key = specific seat memory" aspect.

The feature isn't in factory radio, rather it's in a general module for the car (I have my factory radio and mine doesn't move based on the two keys I have).

This feature is for high spec cars, but again I don't know where this "lives". I am fine with pushing button 1 or 2

[Qsilver7]

The key selected seat memory has to be programmed in using BMW DIS/GT-1...or some of the aftermarket software/harware can do it (INPA and the other software you see mentioned on the forums all the time).

Ditto...this information is NOT controlled by the radio...but as Gregory mentions...the GM (general module) is the main control module that seat memory passes through:



As you can see in this small section taken from the car/key memory settings...BMW designed the system (since 1999 for 3/5/7/X/Z models with 123 seat memory) to be able to activate seat memory from either unlocking using the remote key buttons or when the door is opened. It appears that your local BMW dealership are just not familiar with BMW DIS/GT-1 as far as memory settings for the key:

[sv1cec]

My X5 is also equipped with cloth seats. So I guess I have a lower specs car, since it also doesn't have the electric steering wheel adjustment. But if I understand correctly Qsilver7, the excuse that I was given (that seat position can't be saved, because my car doesn't have the OEM radio) is bogous. I guess I'll visit another BMW dealer and see what they have to say.

Thanks guys, I appreciate your responses.

[Qsilver7]

The ability to program key/seat memory is based on having the 123 memory seat option. If you have that option, then key/seat memory can be programmed thru BMW DIS.

[sv1cec]

The technician in the dealer checked the car with their latest computer/software and said that it doesn't have that option. I have a list of what modules are installed in the car, what shall I look for, to see if it can do it? Which module?

[Qsilver7]

Do you have the 123 M buttons on your drivers seat? That is the module you need. And do you have the FZV remote key (3 button radio frequency remote key)?

See the 2nd paragraph in the attachment below under DRIVER'S SEAT MEMORY (CAR memory influence)

If you have the IR (infrared) 2 button remote...perhaps they can't be coded?

HINTS:

• SM = seat module
• PM-SM = power module-seat module
• KL R = ignition position 1
• GM = general module

[sv1cec]

Yes, my seat has the 123M buttons. And I have the 3-buttons keys, front (open doors), center (lock) and rear (open hatch). So I should be all set?

OK, does that need to be programmed by the dealer or can it be programmed by the owner?

[Qsilver7]

See 1st sentence in reply #4.