Replaced door locking relays in the GM5 module

R

RenoRaines

Member
Hi!

I know Z4 (and also other BMW cars) suffer from door locking/unlocking relay failure. It's pretty common issue and costs quite a lot of money to replace the module in which these relays are located. Of course if you're replacing the whole GM5 module. Well since I got the door-unlock failure symptoms and since replacing door-lock wouldn't solve the problem I decided to buy these two relays from eBay and try to replace the faulty ones.
I pulled out GM5 module, opened it and start the procedure with my friend. We removed the protective film and actualy opened the relay and carefully pulled out pins one by one. That way we didn't risk to loosen the contacts on the PCB. After that we cleaned the holes and soldered the new relays onto PCB. Closed the module and install it in the car. Voila! Problem solved. Doors lock and unlock without a problem.

I also have noticed that when I replaced the passenger side door-lock the doors would shut like a new ones - thump is way more quiet than the 8 years old door lock. So I decided to change the drivers side also :)

The cost? 25€ for relays and one six-pack. The satisfaction of saved more than 300€? Priceless! :thumbsup:
 
Great work, that's cool to hear!

Although I'm perplexed as to why the door closing sound changed after you changed the lock. You must have some something different sealing the door cards back up?
 
Do you have any photo's of the process??

I too need to sort out my door unlocking issues and would like to do some homework on the relays before opening them up! Do you have a link to the part numbers?? I assume that the relays are not country specific?

Wattsie
 
Door closing sound; I suppose the lock itself, lubrication and rubber gets old and used. Therefore door lock becomes loud. Hollow metallic sound. Every time you open/close the door the lock does it's work. If we say 2 times a day it's at least 730 times a year. And that's the minimum. :)

Sadly I didn't take any pics. It's pretty straightforward. I used a guide from here for removal:
http://www.bmwgm5.com/GM5_Z4_Removal.htm

And here you can see the module:
http://www.bmwgm5.com/GM5_FW_Relays.htm

Relays are the ones with blue lettering. Although you can see 4, the Z4 only has 2.
I have used Tyco V23084-C2001-A303 relays. Bought them from eBay. Paid a bit over 20€. Expensive for relays but cheap in comparison to GM5 module :)
If anyone is planning to do this by himself I strongly recommend trying some soldering first on some used/trashed radio PCB. Overheating the circuit when soldering can cause permaneng damage to the circuit. Again, I have dismantled the relay, heat the pins and pull them out one by one.
If unsure you can always take the PCB to the electricitan which will replace both relays with no sweat for a beer or two :)
 
foddysavva said:
Yes! What on earth is up with the sound of the doors closing!?!? Why do they sound like they echo echo echo lol
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Cos there's no soundproofing in the door. Stripped for speed! :D
You can stick the sound deadening pads into the door but be very careful how you remove the membrane on the door as if it's split it lets water in and causes issues with the yaw sensor (under the drivers seat) and the airbag modules (base of each B-pillar)
 
foddysavva said:
I think I need to start compiling a list of issues and work out just what's needed!
Click to expand...
Start listing, and let me know what you come up with, as there may be things on this 2.0i breaker I can save for you.
At this rate you'll either be leaving it with me a lot longer or I'll need to take some holiday. :rofl:
 
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