Six problems related to electrical system have been reported for the 2002 BMW X5. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Car was parked. I tried to unlock my car with the key fob and nothing happened. I unlocked the door with the key and after getting in the central locking system would not work. After researching the problem I found that the gmiii controls the central locking as well as other items like the windshield wipers, interior lights, sun roof, and rear upper and lower hatch. I orders a new one and when I took the old one out to replace it I found that it had caught on fire and blew fuse 14. It appears a thyristor or tiac got to hot and set the board and case on fire. I had smelt a plastic smell earlier while driving so it may have been burning before I parked. I am attaching photos.
Takata inflator replaces on drivers airbag replaced approximately 2 years ago. Then the passenger airbag light showed defective sensor. BMW said the would extend warranty 15 years but car is now 17 years old. Had to pay for repair out of pocket. Also had to replace general module for remote opening of and locking doors.
The suspension/subframe of the vehicle is rotted. Also, the electrical system is wacky. My speedometer and abs light turn on and off - including my engine and transmission light flash on and off. The vehicle has been check and there is anything wrong with the engine or transmission.
Vehicle fire was parked for a couple of days and owner went to car and notice that the interior of the vehicle had a past tense fire. The airbags were deployed expect for the one on the passenger side door. No exterior damage noted to the vehicle or in the engine compartment. The fire origin was on the passenger side dashboard behind the glove compartment and airbag, please contact sioux city fire rescue for further information.
Electrical system continuously fails,causing the interior lights, side rear mirror, trunk latch, and automatic locks etc to malfunction. Dealership cannot fix or find the cause.
Onboard computer readout is missing lights. More and more lights are starting to fail. The service guy has a simple solution, buy a new board. . . . Nice a relatively new car needs an expensive part that just failed on it's own.