Yes, the car will still run and drive fine without the general module, unless you have SMG transmission. cars with SMG transmission will not start. Other than that you will loose a few things like power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, remote trunk release, trunk release switch (the key will still work in the keyhole) interior lights, windshield wipers, windshield washers and alarm. Other than that you probably won't even notice the module is missing.

From BMW GM5 FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

How do I remove the GM5 module?

I have created a GM5 removal instruction web page which applies to the 3-series, GM5_Removal. Or you can view a removal procedure which I found linked in an E46Fanatics forum post bmw-gm5-removal.pdf. Z4 removal instructions, Z4 GM5 Removal. Sorry I do not have removal procedure for the X3 or Z8.

From BMW GM5 FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

I want to send my GM5 in for repair, but, I can't find your address.

I did not post my address because I don't want people just sending in their modules. For one, I want to first determining if the GM5 is truely at fault or if it's something else. How pissed would you be if I charged you to replace the door lock components only to find that the exact same problem still exists. Two, I don't want modules coming in while I'm on vacation or on a business trip. There is no one else in the office qualified to work on these modules and more than half the office have electrical engineering degrees. Without someone there, your module would just sit in the box or if it's too big on the porch. The procedure for obtaining my GM5 repair service is to contact me via email at scott@bmwgm5.com and tell me your cars model year, # doors, body style and a description of your problem including which door(s) fail and if it's unlocking, locking or both? Is it worse when the cars interior is hot or cold? Does the fuel filler door fail to unlock? I really don't care if the trunk release works so you can skip that one. After I determine that it is or could be the GM5 causing your door lock problems I will send you my shipping address.

From BMW GM5 FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

How much is your repair service?

I have a web page dedicated to this. It covers both mail in service as well as drive up service and international service. GM5_Repair_Service.

From BMW GM5 FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

How can I pay?

Cash, money order, cashiers check shipped with the module. I accept PayPal ($10 extra charge), my account is scott@bmwgm5.com. A company check is okay if you are a repair shop,but, no personal checks.

From BMW GM5 FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

What is your turn around time for repairs?

Turn around times depend how much you pay.
Priority Service: I will do the required repair service within 24 hours and ship it back via Priority mail, which usually takes 2-3 days within the US.
Express Service: I will do the required repair service the same day and ship it back via Express mail which usually is next day within the US, but, some areas it's 2nd day.

From BMW GM5 FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

Does my GM5 need to be reprogrammed after your service?

No it doesn't. That's another way my service can save you another $140 since a new uncoded module will require programming to get it to work in your car at the cost of 1 hour labor. No need to pay a visit to your dealer. When you get the module back from me all you need to do is plug it in and you're done.

From BMW GM5 FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

Are you an auto mechanic? Can I ask you about other problems with my car?

I am not an auto mechanic. I do not work on cars. I am an electrical engineer who designs solid state memory systems. I got into the whole GM5 door lock problem by accident, my car is an 1999 323i, well you get the picture. You can ask me about other problems with your car, but, you are most likely going to get, "I don't know", as my answer or, "Hmmm, that's not good, you should take it in to somebody to have it looked at." Don't get me wrong. I don't mind hearing your problems. Sometimes I can help, but, other times I'm as clueless as you.

From BMW GM5 FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

Where is my GM5 module located?

In the E46, 3-series it is located behind the glove box regardless of body style <Picture>. In the Z8 is it located next to the CD Changer <Picture>. On the Z4 is it located behind the glove box, but, exact position varies slightly depending on if the car is left hand drive or right hand driver <LHD Picture> <RHD Picture>. On the E83, X3 it is located behind the glove box <Picture>.

From BMW GM5 FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

The module sounds like there is something loose inside when I shake it. Is this a sign of a bad module?

No, the rattle you hear is completely normal!

From BMW GM5 FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

Looking for the V23078-C1002-A303 relay made by Siemens/Tyco?

From BMW E46, E83-X3, E52-Z8 GM5 Front Window Relays V23078-C1002-A303

What can you fix?

The most common problem is gauges don't move, digital display doesn't work and most of the indicator lights won't work. ABS and seat belt lights may be the only things that light up. This also affects the AC compressor and might affect the steering wheel radio buttons and in dash GPS display.

From BMW E46 3-series Instrument Cluster Repair Service

How long does it take?

Instrument clusters are typically repaired and shipped back in 1-2 business day.

From BMW E46 3-series Instrument Cluster Repair Service

How much?

Instrument cluster repair is $150 with return shipping within the US. If you are outside the US add $50USD for shipping.

From BMW E46 3-series Instrument Cluster Repair Service

How to pay?

You can pay by Zelle, cash, cashiers check, money order or Venmo. If you are in the auto sales or auto repair business you can pay with a business check. For Zelle send payment to p9019@yahoo.com Make money order out to Scott Johnson. Send payment with the instrument cluster. For Venmo my username is @Scott-Johnson-1241 and the last four digits of my phone number are 4273. On the note with the cluster say how you are paying if payment is not included in the box. Venmo and Zelle should arrived before the cluster to not incur a delay.

From BMW E46 3-series Instrument Cluster Repair Service

How to send it?

Please, please, please pack it well. DO NOT open the cluster and take the circuit board out. Send the entire cluster. There is a detachable visor like piece (see bottom right picture at the end of the page) that can be removed. I recommend you remove it before packing because this piece sticks out and can make packing it more difficult. DO NOT send in the visor piece. You keep that and snap it back on when you get the cluster back. The minimum box size should be 15x9x8. I use a 17x9x9 (1377in^3) box. The post office shipping costs are reasonable up to 1 cubic foot (1728in^3) and then the shipping cost can almost double if you are more than 1-2 states away. See pictures below for various packing disasters due to improperly packed clusters. Do not send signature required! If you absolutely must send send signature required contact me first to arrange a day or alternate address. No one is guaranteed to be available during the day to receive and sign for packages. We are in and out during the day. Signature required packages may be delayed up to a week or may even be sent back.

From BMW E46 3-series Instrument Cluster Repair Service

Where to send it?

Send your cluster to:
Scott Johnson
25238 Denny Rd
Torrance, CA 90505-7051
U.S.A.

From BMW E46 3-series Instrument Cluster Repair Service

Want it repaired right away?

If you live nearby you can arrange to drop off the cluster on most weekday (M-F) nights after 7pm. Repaired clusters are usually ready in 24 hours.

From BMW E46 3-series Instrument Cluster Repair Service

What can you fix?

I mainly fix BMW diamond shaped key fobs where the remote function has stopped working, but, still starts the car. Before sending in any key make sure it needs repair. Try syncing the key to the car first, key sync procedure. If key sync does not work or it works, but, soon stops working and needs to be sync'd again it probably needs to be repaired. I also repair keys that won't start allow engine cranking. I do not do cosmetic repairs. If the round BMW logo is missing I will not replace it, but, you can buy new ones from BMW. For diamond shaped remotes used with E38, E39, E46, E52, E53 the part number is 66122155753. For the rectangular remotes with hidden key blade for E60, E61, E63, E64, E82, E88, E90, E91 and others, the part number is 66122155754. They should cost about $10. The -753 part is 11mm is diameter with a adhesive flat back and clear domed rubber front. The -754 part is just a pieces of stamped aluminum with a slightly concave back and painted front.

From BMW Key Fob Repair Service

How long does it take?

It usually take about 5-7 days.

From BMW Key Fob Repair Service

How much?

For keys that have not been cut open, repair is $60 including return shipping within the US or $70 including return shipping outside the US. For keys that have been cut open and the original battery has been modified, add $25. For keys that have been cut open and the original battery has not been modified in any way, add $15. Why the extra fee? Well because I get a lot of keys that are messed up and fixing the damage takes more time than repairing the key in the first place. I have taken pictures of some of the damage I have found in customers keys and have posted them here on my key fob wall of shame.

From BMW Key Fob Repair Service

Want it repaired right away?

I can also repair keys if you bring them to me in person. I'm a Los Angeles suburb called Torrance. Most keys are repaired in about 40 minutes, but, some take longer if the problem is hard to find. Pricing higher though, $75 for keys that have not been cut open, $15 extra if the key has been cut open and $25 extra if the key has been cut open and the original battery has been tampered, modified or ruined. Most keys I get in for repair do not need the battery replaced as the problem is NOT the battery. This is not a key fob battery replacement service! This is a key fob repair service, not a battery replacement service. If the battery is the cause of the problem then it will be replaced.

From BMW Key Fob Repair Service

E46 — All Information In One Place

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Frequently Asked Questions mentioning E46

Are you still doing GM5 repairs?

Will my car work without the general module?

How do I remove the GM5 module?

I want to send my GM5 in for repair, but, I can't find your address.

How much is your repair service?

How can I pay?

What is your turn around time for repairs?

Does my GM5 need to be reprogrammed after your service?

Are you an auto mechanic? Can I ask you about other problems with my car?

Where is my GM5 module located?

The module sounds like there is something loose inside when I shake it. Is this a sign of a bad module?

Looking for the V23078-C1002-A303 relay made by Siemens/Tyco?

What can you fix?

How long does it take?

How much?

How to pay?

How to send it?

Where to send it?

Want it repaired right away?

What can you fix?

How long does it take?

How much?

Want it repaired right away?