BMW Servicing X5 FRM Module Diagnostic

A 2013 BMW X5 xDrive35d with 65,887 miles was towed to Auto Werkstatt’s Kent location after the owner reported several electrical and drivability problems. The vehicle would start, but when placed into gear, the shifter would return to Park. The power windows and door locks were also inoperative.

Technicians verified the customer’s concerns and found several stored fault codes across multiple vehicle modules. A common issue among the codes was a loss of communication with the FRM, or Footwell Module. The driver’s door latch was also buzzing loudly when the door was closed, and the vehicle was displaying inoperative light messages. Technicians referenced BMW TSB SB 61 10 26, which notes that battery replacement or jump-starting can result in a shorted FRM and cause many of these types of concerns.

Further electrical testing showed that power was present at the FRM and that the related fuses were functioning properly. Technicians accessed the front junction block and rear fuse panel, then removed the driver-side kick panel to verify power at both rear connectors of the FRM. Because power was present but the module was not communicating, the inspection indicated that the internal EEPROM chip had become corrupted. Auto Werkstatt recommended repairing the FRM, clearing the stored fault codes, restoring communication, and then checking for any remaining faults.

The inspection also identified several additional maintenance concerns. Both front tires had inner and outer edge wear and measured approximately 3 to 4/32nds across the tread. Both tires were dated 2017 and replacement was recommended. The rear tires were also dated 2017 and showed dry rotting. Technicians found oil droplets on the floor after the vehicle had been sitting and recommended cleaning and leak testing to determine the source. The front lower control arm bushings were also beginning to crack and tear with age, with replacement and a vehicle alignment recommended.

Additional inspection findings included front and rear wipers that were streaking and noisy, a check engine light and lights-out message, and a center dash message display that would stop operating when attempting to access service information. The engine and cabin air filter replacement history could not be documented, and the drive belt should be checked for previous replacement. The power steering fluid level was slightly low with minor seepage from the reservoir cap seal. Because the vehicle could not be safely road tested in its current condition, Auto Werkstatt recommended addressing the FRM issue first and then road testing the vehicle to identify any remaining concerns.