Instructions for sending BMW General Module 5 in for service
Last updated July 17, 2026

The GM5 module is used in the E46 3-series, E85 E86 Z4, E83 X3 and the E52 Z8. If you want to get a GM3 module repaired then follow the instructions on this other web page BMW GM3 Module Repair

How to get the module out of the car
The GM5 module is located behind the glovebox in the all the cars except for the Z8
E46 3-series E46 3-series General Module Removal Instructions
E83 X3 General Module Removal Instructions
E85, E86 Z4 General Module Removal Instructions

Where to send it
Send your module to:
Scott Johnson
25238 Denny Road
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 $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 except for modules from Z4's. These modules have mounting tabs that stick out and will not fix in the Small Flat Rate box. 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 $35 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 or give me a tracking. The tracking number is for you to see if I've received it yet or not.

Be sure to put a note in with the module with your name, the address you want the module shipped back to, what car the module is from (model year, model number, body style) and a brief description of the problem that you want repaired. Also if you are not sending payment with the module, let me know how you are sending payment, what name it's coming from and how much. Modules with incomplete information WILL be delayed. Please print clearly. If you want a tracking number sent to you when it ships out please put your email address on the note as well.

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, 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.

How long will it take
As long as you followed the instructions in the section above then the module will be repaired and shipped out the following business day. Then it's up to the shipping time which for Priority mail is about 2-5 days or Express mail which is usually 1, but, sometimes 2 days if you are in a more rural area.

How much will it cost
The table below assumes that you just need one service. For example, the problem you need repaired is the door(s) intermittently fail to unlock. If you have two problems the cost is slightly more. For example the door(s) intermiteently fail to unlock and the rear left window fails to go up. For the additional repair add $20. Please remember to write the problems that the module is being sent in for repair on the note with the module.

How to pay
If you are within the US, payment can be made via money order, Zelle, Venmo, cashier's check, cash or PayPal (Add $10 if paying by PayPal). Make money order and cashier's checks out to Scott Johnson. If you are an auto shop I will accept a company check, but, no personal checks. For Zelle use email p9019@yahoo.com, for Venmo use @Scott-Johnson-1241 and 310-283-4273 for verification if it asks for my phone#.

If you are outside the US I only accept International Postal Money Orders drawn in US funds (available from the post office of most major countries) or PayPal.

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. Then click on "Pay for goods or services". Enter scott@bmwgm5.com, the amount, then click Continue. Sorry if the PayPal web site doesn't exactly match my instructions. They are always changing things.

Take a look at my frequently asked questions web page: General Module 5 Frequently Asked Questions

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).