Gm3 module
 

Hope this is on the right section, been reading up on some of the symptoms for the dodgy gm3 module, Central locking in the front doors, manual door locking, interior lights. Just wanted to know if there is a way to find the correct part number for a new module without taking it out the vehicle as I don't have time to remove it and it's not at my current address.

Anyone else had this?

Yes...use one of the online part databases where you enter the last 7 digits of your VIN...then look up the module's diagram.

Its latest 11 digit part nbr will be listed...and perhaps the last one that ended. If you use the bmwfans.info site...it has an extended old part nbr reference...which may help if buying used...and both sites have a parts cross reference feature that allows you to search by part nbr which may indicate that other BMW models use the same part...which extends your search possibilities.

1. http://bmwfans.info/parts-catalog
2. RealOEM.com * Online BMW Parts Catalog

For example, when I use the VIN for my 06 4.4 X5...I get taken to the link and diagram below. Remember, there are different GMs for high cluster systems and low cluster systems...so you really should start with good information first by finding out what specficially works for your vehicle based on it's VIN.


If you're not familiar with the parts database & can't find the diagrams for your X5's GM III...just follow the links along the top of the website page (like breadcrumbs) at the link below and work back to the diagram/part nbr index for your X5 based on it's VIN (VEHICLE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM...BODY CONTROL UNITS AND MODULS):

Thanks, couldn't have given a better answer than that !

After I entered the last 6 digits of my vin & followed the previous post, it came up with 3 different options for the part numbered '1'. The bottom one was in bold, I'm assuming this is the one for my car?

Neither site "bolds" any of the numbers on the CPU I'm on...so without any direct link or model year info to look up the diagram you pulled up..I don't know what it is exactly that you're seeing.

Do look at or across all of the columns for any information that may indicate old part nbrs that are no longer available as new (like the word "ENDED" on realoem.com...or the presence of a red X & a line running through the part nbr on bmwfans.info). These old discontinued part nbrs can be useful if searching for a used part.

Another option is a general module repair. This link is for a service I used a couple of years ago with wonderful results. Very quick service - was without the general module for approximately 4 days. As I recall, the car will work fine without the general module (except for remote entry and windshield wipers).

Forgot to include in the above post that (If I remember correctly) the windows also won't operate without the general module. So you'd be without windows, wipers, and remote entry while the GM was being repaired.

Yes...you are remembering correctly. :thumbup:

You can see in the topological chart below of the communication bus....the GM is the general control module for FZV (central locking), DWA (anti-theft alarm siren system) the door modules (which also control the side view mirrors and mirror heating & folding...if so optioned), and the seats (which also includes the steering wheel movement)...so make sure you have all those things set for the main person that will be driving the vehicle if the GM is removed for repair. :)