Last update January 27, 2012.
GM3 Repair Service
The GM3 module is used in the following cars: E39 5-series (1995-2003) and E53 X5 (1999-2006)
People are always asking me if I'm still doing repair. Yes, I am still doing repairs. If at some point I stop, I will update this web page.
I have added a Testimonials web page. These are links to forum posts about me or emails from people who have used my repair service. They are directly copied from their emails with all the grammar and spelling mistakes left in.
Ok, for my repair service, this is how it works.
First I need to determine if you even have a GM3 module problem. I do not
want to take your module in for repair if it's not the problem or it's a problem
I can't fix. This is a waste of your money and doesn't help my reputation.
The first step is to:
1) Send an email to scott@bmwgm5.com or call
me at 310-283-4273 and say that you are interested
in my GM3 Repair service.
2) Tell me your cars model year and model number.
3) Briefly describe the problem you are having.
4) You may have noticed that I haven't posted my address anywhere. This is
so no one can send in modules without first contacting me. Once I determine
that GM3 is in need of repair I will tell you have to find my address. Payment
is to be made by money order, cashiers check or cash shipped with the module.
If you are an auto repair shop I will accept a company check, but, no personal
checks. Payment can also be made via PayPal to my scott@bmwgm5.com
account although PayPal rate is $10 highier. PayPal payment should
be made before I receive your module otherwise your repair job may
be delayed while I wait for payment. Cost of repair is listed below.
5) When you receive the repaired module back reinstall it and it will just
work. No need to pay a visit to your dealer, no reprogramming or coding. In
some cases you will need to resync the keys to the module, but, that is a
very simple procedure. Key resync procedure.
I get asked all the time if the car will be usable while the GM3 module is out of the car. Yes, the car will run and drive just fine without the module. Engine, transmission, lights and brakes are not controlled by the GM3. The following items are controlled by the GM3 and will not function without the module: windshield wipers, door locks, rear windows, interior lights, trunk release, tail gate release, soft close trunk and if your car is so equiped, servotronic, which is a boost in steering assist at low speeds, that won't kick in and you will have a harder time steering at low speeds.
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GM3 Interior Lights, Door Locks
(and Windshield Wiper) Repair
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Priority Service
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Express Service
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| Within the US (Add $10 if paying by PayPal) |
$130
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$150
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| Outside the US (Add $10 if paying by PayPal) |
$150 USD
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$170 USD
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| Drive Up Service |
$150
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With Priority Service, modules are repaired and shipped out within 24 hours of receiving it. Return shipping is via USPS Priority Mail (approx 2-3 days within the US and 6-10 days outside the US)
With Express Service, modules are repaired and sent out the same day if possible. Return shipping is via USPS Express Mail (usually delivered overnight within the US and in about 5-6 days outside the US). With Express Service I usually require a signature upon delivery. If you request it I can waive the signature and allow the postman to leave the package at your mailbox.
Drive Up Service is where you schedule an appointment with me and you drive your car over to my place in Torrance (approx 17 miles south of downtown LA). While you wait I will remove the GM3 module from your car, repair your module, reinstall the module back in your car and put everything back together. You won't have to get dirty at all. This takes about 45 minutes to complete. With drive up service evenings and weekends are fine. Just contact me with what time you would like to come over and I'll let you know if that time works for me.
Once I have reviewed your information I will try and determine if GM3 Repair service is right for you. If it sounds to me like a GM3 problem I will then give you my address of where to ship the module for repair.
Payment should be made via a money order, cashiers check (made out to Scott Johnson), cash shipped with the module or via PayPal ($10 if paying by PayPal) to scott@bmwgm5.com. Repair shops can pay with company check, but, no personal checks. Also when using in PayPal do not use eCheck as this takes 7-10 days to clear and will delay the repair.
Packing and shipping the module. The GM3 contains ICs which are static sensitive. Do not take the board out of the white box. Place it in a static safe bag or wrap it in static safe bubble wrap (usually pink or blue). If they are not available use paper. Paper being made from organic material is slightly conductive and does not usually build up a static charge like untreated plastics. The post office has free boxes available is shipping via Priority Mail or Express Mail. One of my favorites is the 13.5" x 11.5" x 2.5" box that is available in Priority Mail and Express Mail versions. There is also the Priority Mail Small Flat Rate box which is just big enough for the GM3 plus 1-2 layers of bubble wrap. It's a little snug, but, I haven't had any problems yet. Cost to ship using the Small Flat Rate box is only $5.35. This is the most economical way to ship.
Notes on shipping the module in. Do not remove the board from the white module casing. Send it in an antistatic bag if you have one, otherwise use a paper bag or newspaper (inherently anti-static). Do No wrap it in plastic that isn't anti-static. You can ship the module to me via any means you wish, FedEx, UPS, USPS, I don't care, they will all get to me.