Central locking on e46 intermittently working

[Dr Evil]

Howsit everyone, does anyone know where in Cape Town I can have my GM5 module repaired. The central locking works fine in the morning but when it gets warmer it doesn't always work, I don't think its the actuators as it works normally when the car is cold. Any help will be much appreciated. I have a 2003 F/L

 

[freerider]

:facepalm: must be murpheys law this.

I'll find out from Jacques at motorem if they have a 2nd hand one for you.

 

[Dr Evil]

LOL, thanks Don, Murphy is working on my nuts. I must still upload pics of the car, just don't have time between work and family. You met my daughter after all
I reset the key and it was fine for a whole 10 minutes but now I'm thinking the relays are messed. I'd try a DIY but I'm not tempted to mess with the board just yet.

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What a way for me to tell the forum I'm the proud owner of your old car LMAO

 

[andrewbuch]

I had same problem on mine.. managed to get a working 2nd hand unit..

worst part was when it wouldnt work & I had passengers... The fiance' was never happy climbing in through the window...

 

[Dr Evil]

I ran into that issue yesterday andrew, I lowered the windows and took a try with the central locking button on the dash and it opened up. Other days I'm not so lucky. I wonder if zeemax would be able to repair it, I think I'll give them a call tomorrow.

 

[eend]

I had the same issue on my 318 a few years back. Luckily it was still under motor plan and they put in a new modulator - problem solve. Haven't had any issues since then.

If you can get hold of a 2nd hand one, I am sure it would work. If they are a bit pricey, why not try a scrappy for one?

 

[Hellas]

Secondhand GM5 units go for R500 to R1500, but it could help to simply clean the contact points of the relays first. I've seen units live for 3 years (and counting) on a simple cleaning.

 

[Dr Evil]

Shot, I'll give it a try Hellas, who knows maybe Murphy aint so bad.

 

[lucian]

If you have the new relays to fit on the GM5 module then any electronic repair shop should be able to do it. I fixed mine about 18 months ago and it took about 30 minutes. Do not try it yourself, unless you have worked with electronic boards b4. You need special tools and some magic liquid to get the old ones off and the new ones on without damaging the board.

This just baffles me. Why do they not build the board so that you can just clip off the old ones and clip-on the new ones, like fuses works.
Siemens probably told BMW that these relays will last forever.
BTW Forever is 10 years for a BMW. After that everything gets screwed.
Makes sense. How else will they sell new cars.

 

[Rishaan]

:argh::argh:hEY GUYS..... must say, i girlfriend aint too happy either by having to jump in thru windows, becoz of doors not wanting to open,,, and yes this is only on hot days that this crap happens.... What is the GM5 module( unit), does this control the central locking? where is it located in the car,perhaps behind the fuse box in the glove compartment ??? im starting to feel a little confident here chaps......, and also what relay are you guys refering to ? PLEASE HELP......

 

[lucian]

:argh::argh:hEY GUYS..... must say, i girlfriend aint too happy either by having to jump in thru windows, becoz of doors not wanting to open,,, and yes this is only on hot days that this crap happens.... What is the GM5 module( unit), does this control the central locking? where is it located in the car,perhaps behind the fuse box in the glove compartment ??? im starting to feel a little confident here chaps......, and also what relay are you guys refering to ? PLEASE HELP......

here's everything you need to know
http://www.bmwgm5.com/

 

[Rishaan]

gee wizz...... thanks soooooooooo much guys, much appreciated... im am trying this the weekend....... you guys rock

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please forgive my ignorance, but if its in fact not my GM5 that is faulty, then it could only be the actuater...... WHAT IS AN ACTUATER? where is it located ? is this another term for central locking pump...( per door)????

i am soooo excited to finally get some decent feedback regarding this matter... no more seat hopping for my girl :bravo:

 

[lucian]

I think the actuater you can hear in the door it will make a noise. Search the forums or google it. There is ways to check it. But if all the doors behave like this then chances are good it is the GM5.
My car did exactly the same (when hot did not open) and after I replaced the relays, all is fine and working.

 

[Rishaan]

all doors are deffinately not opening...... so it GM5.... YEAH MAN....


thanks Lucian, you'r a life saver.....

im scoring bonus points with the girlfriend this weekend

 

[darrenrsa]

I have this same GM5 problem, definitely, it's intermittent..

How can I go about repairing my GM5 module ? Anybody ?
I have a good friend who is an excellent electrician, but what relays/switches/fuses are needed etc etc, or do you think he'll know ?
He's never worked on a GM5, but is an excellent electrician for many years and has lots of experience with soldering etc...

What's my best bet for repair ?

 

[lucian]

You need to search the internet. There was this guy in the US who sold these relays. A friend of mine bought 2 from him, but later bmw dealer replaced his whole board so he gave me the old one with the new relays on. I just had them taken off and put on my board. Did it at a pc electronics place in Bellville.

OK here's the link:
http://www.bmwgm5.com/

 

[yusufm786]

Depends what relays they are - I have little doubt that you'll find the relays at a local electronics store - try mantech/communica/rs electronics. The soldering is a mission though - unless you are very good at it I wouldn't attempt it. The problem is that the old relays are through-plate soldered onto a multi layer PC board. this means that the solder goes all the way from one side of the board, through the hole to the other side, so as you heat up one side to suck it out, the rest tends to stay in place. You eventually need to suck out all the solder properly, from like 8 legs (if the relay has 8 legs) before you can think of removing the old relay. Hence I say, if you know a professional, let them get it out. Installing the new one is easy.