Is this a General Module Issue ?
 

I've read on many threads the following symptoms.. dome light out, keyfob out and central locking is out... (and wipers sometimes don't work) and many replace the General Module.

So I have the same symptons, I'm leaning towards replacing it. However my map lights do work, the only dome light that doesn't work is the middle front. Nothing comes on when I unlock the car. Pretty annoying at night.

My wipers do work, the car alarm arms when I manually lock. I will try to reprogram my key, and double check the fuses.

Im guessing its a GM, but can it be possibly anything else ? Is there anything else I should check ?

2003 x5 btw...

Have you checked to make sure that the middle light (near the rear view mirror) isn't burnt out? It can be blown out whereas the 2 map lights on either side could still be okay.


Also, the interior lights can be initiated so as not to turn on. Make sure you haven't pressed & held the middle light's button and initiated this process:

Yeah, I actually checked the bulbs by removing the entire unit... the bulb is fine.

So to get the interior bulbs to work normally (IE: come on when the door opens) you just have to press the middle button again for normal use ? That pic was usefull, i didn't even know you could do that.. thanks !

If thats a no go...(Since central lock is out) I will go down the GM replacement path.

It does sound like a general module problem. You will have to replace it or get it repaired. bmwgm5.com can repair GM5 modules as well as GM3 modules

Replaced the GM.... got my keyless entry working..central locks work now... and my dome light is on... but they stay on.. and I can't turn them off... anybody encouter this ?

Did you replace your GM3 with a used one? Sounds like the replacement GM has a problem or did you break the dome light when you took it down to test the bulbs.

Yeah im thinking the replacement GM I have has an issue with it.

Is that a new or used general module?
Probably should have gotten the original module repaired.

Yeah... Im going to get the original one repaired... Right now I'll keep the replacement one in.. (pull out the interior light fuse)

Update.... just got my module fixed.. and everything is working they way it should !!

BMW General Module 5 (GMV, ZKE V) totally recommend it.. super fast service.

:thumbup:

good to know!!!!

could you mark the titleof the thread - SOLVED, to mark the fact that it is solved for the future readers???

Thanks!!!

:thumbup::thumbup:

I was looking to see how to do that.. apologize in advance.. not to forum savy.

So can you tell me about this service? You remove the General Module send it to this guy? Can you drive the X5 while you wait when its removed? Also what was the total time from the day you sent it ou to when you received it? Also is it just direct plug in and your good? Or do you need to have it programmed or anything. Confused. Thanks

Incase you haven't got your answer (i haven't been online in a while), but yes you can drive your x5 with out the GM. (few things won't work... like wipers)

I just sent it out.. a few days later he sent it back.. i put it back in and works perfect.