I have the same symptom (car is e39 530):

Hazard lights come on, doors unlock & the dome light comes on. I have no water seepage.
Sometimes it does that while driving - I noticed it does that when the auto lights turn on.
I am inclined to think it's a weak battery. I will have to test it thoroughly. I was/am worried it's a failing LCM or GM3 module. Hope it's only the battery.

Doru
 

My 2003 E39 had all the same exact symptoms as yours, My battery seemed to be OK (12+ volts) but it was 7 years old.
New battery fixed all.........it wont fix immediately.....it seems that the LCM has to adjust/relearn after the new battery.

Cheers,

yes - the skirt around the shifter #3
 

QSilver 7-

yes- in your picture #3. you can see toward the bottom of the skirt that there are small quarter inch or so areas that are underneath. there is one approximately at 6 o'clock that i used a precision screw driver head with tape ( my non marring prying tool) to pop up this skirt. It will then provide access for you to examine the switch for the hazard or the central locking button.

In my case, my central locking button no longer worked. It turns out after removing the skirt for the shifter, and then curling my hand under the console, i pushed up from underneath to push out the central locking button. [same could be done for hazard button to check it- I believe the housing is one unit for both, but obviously two separate buttons. The housing for the central locking was damaged not allowing pressure to be held when pressed down upon. Simple glue and duct tape fix- back in business.

It's page 612-9 in Bentley manual.

Thanks... :thumbup:

Replaced the battery under warranty. I think the LCM got all confused with the low voltage. Once I had the new battery in, at first I lost the right reverse light (white one at rear) with the warning on the dash. And it did not work. Then, the reverse lights come back with the previous symptom: flashers on, doors unlock, dome light on.

Then, after the next cycles, the symptom was gone. Weird things with low voltages.........

Symptom is back.

As soon as i put the key in the ignition and barely turn 1/100" (pos I is not reached - the key just moves from pos 00:

1. hazard lights are on
2. doors unlock
3. dome light turns on

Have to take the key out, use the remote to lock-unlock (otherwise the dome light stays on, and the central console locking mechanism does not work).

Scanned with GT1, and in INPA I got:
512001 DWA-LED flashes after activation
512002 Anti-theft alarm system, false alarm
512003 Central locking unlocks or locks automatically
512004 Central locking button not functioning
512048 radio and reception problem during vehicle access.

Contents of defect code memories (not selectable or deletable):
Radio - No communication possible
ZKE - 94 GM: LED for anti-theft alarm system, open circuit
ZKE - 5E GM: Central-locking drive, passenger's door

The battery looks strong. Not sure what the problem is.

P.S.: Also the INPA Diagnosis Test Schedule gave me this:
ZKE - 94 GM: LED for anti-theft alarm system, open circuit
Burglar alarmsystem (ZKE) zke
ZKE - 5E GM: Central-locking drive, passenger's door
Seat/steering - column memory slm

Had the same weird electrical issues with my e46 before....dealer told me its the ignition switch.....ordered the part and replaced it myself....problem solve!

Or you could ask Scott from bmwgm5.com .....he might be able to help you...after reading your last post sounds like the problem is the GM3....

Issue fixed
 

The issue is fixed for good. Chased the issue, couldn't find anything wrong. Suspected the LCM & airbag module. They were good. Last week, I noticed a greenish hue on the pass side HID light. Changed the ballast and the issue disappeared.
Maybe this can help someone else with the same issue.

Glad you finally found the culprit.......
 

Surprised that the LCM didn't give you a HID light warning...........