BMW GM3 Module 3
The BMW GM III is used on several cars such as the E38 7-series 1995-2001, E39 5-series 1995-2003 and the E53 X5 1999-2006 series. GM3 Part numbers web page
If you have an E38, 7-series, E39, 5-series or E53, X5 and have the problem where the door locks don't work from the key fob remote and the central locking button, but, do work when the key is inserted in the door keyhole and the interior lights don't work and in some cases the wipers don't work then I can repair it. Contact me at scott@bmwgm5.com if you have these symptoms and want your module repaired. GM3 Repair web page.
If you don't have the symptoms above then I
may still be able to repair your GM3.
Contact me and tell me your symptoms. You can contact me at scott@bmwgm5.com
or call me at 310-283-4273.
Unlike the GM5 used in the E46, 3-Series, the GM3 does not supply power to the front door lock motors or the front window motors. They are instead connected via the P-Bus to the PM-FT/SB modules, one in each of the two front doors. The PM-FT/SB modules detect the state of the key cylinder via two hall effect sensors and the open/closed state of the door via another hall sensor. Each PM module is responsible for powering the door lock motors and the window motor. The door lock motors is powered by an H-bridge power MOSFET output circuit. This is good since MOSFETs do not wear out like relays. The windows are still powered by relays, typically Tyco or Siemens V23078-L1002-A303 which are the low noise version of the V23078-C1002-A303 (I sell these). Check out my PM Module web page.
Below are three examples of different GM3 modules that have been used from the first E38 7-series in 1994 through the last of the E53 X5's in 2006. Over the years the design has been changed, new capabilities added and in some cases reliability improved and in other cases it got worse. For the most part the GM3 is a very reliable module with the exception of some in the 2002-2003 time frame. These years have a high rate of interior light failure which affects door locks via the key fob and central lock button and sometimes the windshield wipers. If you took your car into the BMW dealer they probably quoted you between $800 and $1200 for a new module, installation, coding and a car wash. They will tell you that the module can not be repaired. I will tell you that it can be repaired and I can help you save up to $1000 off what the dealer quoted. GM3 Repair web page
GM3 module, P/N 61.35-8 378 631. The module has 5 relays inside.
Three are the familar V23078-C1002-A303 that
are used for front windows in the GM4 and GM5 modules and two are the V23072-C1061-A303
which is also used in the GM4 module. Later modules use the V23072-C1061-A309
which I do not stock.
GM3 module, P/N 61.35-6 920 822 from a 2003 X5 (E53). The board
is slightly different from the module I got from a late 90's 7-series. PC board
says Rev. G. The other module says Rev. E.
GM3 module, P/N 61.35-6 946 947. This module is a complete redesign
from the earlier module. Several relays have been replaced with solid state
drivers. Two relays remain (front window) that are a new part number to me and
I do not have any.
U1 - Servotronic Solenoid Driver (power from X332-1, output
to X254-11)
U2 - Windshield Washer Pump Driver (power from X254-10, output to X254-18)
U3 - Alarm Siren Driver (power from X254-10, output to X254-17)
U4 - Interior Lights Driver (power from X254-10, output to X254-20)
U5 - Interior Lights Driver (wired in parallel with U4)
U6 - Switch off consumer load (power from X254-10, output to X254-19)
U7 - BTPIC0106K, Dual Out Driver - Pin 1 to X254-7 Bottom Tailgate Motor and
Pin 7 to X254-16 Upper Tailgate Motor (power from X332-1)
RLY1 - Rear Right Window Motor Relay V23078-C1002-A303
(power from X254-4, output to X254-5&15)
RLY2 - Rear Left Window Motor Relay V23078-C1002-A303
(power from X254-4, output to X254-2&12)
RLY3 - Rear Door Lock Relay V23078-C1002-A303
(power from X254-4, outputs X254-6 rear door locks, X254-14 unlock rear doors
and gas flap)
RLY4 - Rear Door Lock Relay V23072-C1061-A303
or V23072-C1061-A309 depending on board rev (power from X254-4, output to X254-13
lock rear doors)
RLY5 - Rear Door Lock Relay V23072-C1061-A303
or V23072-C1061-A309 depending on board rev (power from X254-4, output to X254-3
rear lid lock motor)
The GM3 is located behind the glove box in the E38, E39 and E53. I found removal instructions for the E38 7-series <removal instructions>, but, not for the other two cars. I believe they're going to be fairly similar.
BMW General Module II (GM2) Page
BMW General Module IV (GM4) Page