Instructions for sending your General Module 3 in for service
Last updated January 3, 2025

The GM3 module is used in the E38 7-series, E39 5-series and E53 X5. If you want to get a GM5 module (used in E46 3-series, E83 X3, E85/86 Z4 and E52 Z8) repaired then follow the instructions on this other web page BMW GM5 Module Repair

How do I get the module out of the car
The GM3 is located behind the glove box.
E38 7-series Removal Instructions Bimmerboard forum post <removal instructions>
E39 5-series GM3 Removal Instructions
E53 X5 GM3 Removal Instructions

Where to send it
Send your module to:
Scott Johnson
25238 Denny Rd
Torrance, CA 90505-7051
U.S.A.

How to send it
First of all, do not remove the circuit board from the white case. Place the whole module in an antistatic bag if you have one, but, if you don't, wrap it in paper or newspaper as it's inherently antistatic. Do not wrap the module in plastic unless it is antistatic treated.

You can send the module to me any way you want. USPS, FedEx and UPS all know me and will deliver without any problem. Check the holiday schedule for the various delivery services. I have links at the bottom of the page.

The most economical way to send it is Priority mail through the post office. They provide a Small Flat Rate (SFR) box for free and it ships for around $6-7. It's about the size of a VHS video cassette and the module fits inside with just a little bit of space on all size. Wrap it in a layer of bubble wrap or just fill the empty space with a few pieces of wadded up paper. Adding delivery confirmation costs $0.70 extra. Please do not add signature confirmation. The SFR box fits in my locked mail box and will be delivered even if there is no one around to sign. For faster shipping use Express mail through the post office. It will typically be delivered next day by 3pm (if it's dropped off at your post office before their deadline). Shipping cost is around $25 when using the Priority Mail Express Flat Rate Envelopes. Throw it in the Express mail flat rate envelope (Letter size or Legal size). You do not need to let me know that you shipped it and please do not send me a copy of the receipt or the tracking number.

Be sure to put a note in with the module with the address you want the module shipped back to and what the module has wrong with it. If you are not sending payment with the module, let me know the email address from which PayPal payment is being sent and when it will be sent. Modules with incomplete information will not be worked on until I have time to research it and that could take days. Please print clearly. If you want a tracking number send to you when it ships out please put your email address on the note.

International customers, do not enter a ridiculous value for Declared Value on the customs form. I will bill you for the import duty. A declared value of $50 USD will not trigger a duty charge. List the contents as Used Automotive Part For Repair.

Important information that you must read
You must put your name and return mailing address in the package, preferably on a piece of paper wrapped up with the module. Do not write in on the module, do not email it to me, do not phone it to me or text it to me. Please write clearly! Return address must be in the box with the module or your repair may be delayed or sent back to the wrong address. If you want the tracking number for the return trip, write your email address on the note as well. Do not ask me for the tracking number via email, phone or text. Comments, special instruction, description of the problem,(if it's not an intermittent door unlock problem) should be included on the note as well. Do not give it to me via email, phone or text. I will not remember it and I do not attempt to dig up the email trail when a module arrives. I get about 100 emails every day and delete as many as possible immediately after responding. Please do not ask me if I've received your module unless you are genuinely concerned that there is a problem. Use the tracking number you received from the shipper to determine if it was delivered. Please don't ask me via email, phone or text me if it's been repaired and shipped back. If you included your email address in the package with the module you will receive a tracking number from Stamps.com when a return label is generated (which is typically the night it was received). Use that number to check if it's been shipped. Repaired modules ship out the next business day after they are received unless there is a problem and I will contact you if that happens. Repair cost is simple (see table below) and payment should be sent with the module via cash, cashiers check or money order in US funds and if you are paying via PayPal you must say so on the note with the amount sent and the name on the account it was sent from, if that name is not the same as the return address. If you have a question let me know via email or phone. My contact information is near the bottom of this web page just above Holiday Schedule.

When using PayPal please make sure I receive payment by the night before the module is due to arrive otherwise there might be a delay in the repair. Log in to your PayPal account and click the "Send and Request" tab at the top of the page. Enter scott@bmwgm5.com in the To: field, enter the repair cost from the table above in the amount field, check the box for Services and then click Continue. On the next page enter a small message and click "Send Money"

If you have any other questions shoot me an email at scottcjohnson@gmail.com or give me a call, 310-283-4273 (DO NOT text me).