Recently, I've noticed some random problems on my 2001 X5 3.0i. To be honest, I don't know if these are totally independent issues or possibly related. Have any of you experienced any/all of these issues, or have any ideas on how to address?

- Brake Light
Left brake light indicator comes on/off sporadically. When the warning light comes on, the brake light indeed doesn't work. I've replaced the light bulb, but the problem cropped up again within a week or two. The problem often fixes itself/goes away. I've even found that hitting the light assembly from the outside of the car is occasionally enough to get the light working again. Presumably the light bulb isn't making clear contact?

- Driver's side power door (un)lock
Using the keyless entry, the driver's side door only unlocks about half the time. All the other doors unlock when I press the unlock button a second time. I usually just put the key in the door to unlock it. Then, the auto-locking doors do NOT kick in as the car passes 20 mph. Using the power lock button on the center console to lock/unlock all doors tends to work sporadically on the driver's side door, but always on the other doors. It seems like something in the driver's side locking mechanism is jamming up - enough to prevent it from locking/unlocking electronically, but will open with mechanical force (i.e. key in the door).

- Climate Control memory
When I turn on the car, sometimes the climate control system jumps to the settings from 2 or 3 trips ago. i.e. whatever system records that I've changed the temp settings fails to "save" and the "last saved" settings are used by default. Again, this happens sporadically - sometimes the car is at my last temperature, and other times set to 69 degrees.

Any thoughts?

Hi I have a 2002 X5 and the dealer wanted to charge me $300+ to change out the tail light assembly. I asked them what the problem was with the brake warning light coming on and they told me that it was a problem with the assy and to remedy it you have to replace the whole thing. BUT...me not always believing what I am told found out through the parts guys that they have a new bulb holder that is longer than the original and from BMW they are about $15. I had the same problem as you with the bulbs and finally after replacing the holder it hasn't bothered me in months.
The other stuff in your question I haven't experienced.
Hope this helps
Brent

Yup, it looks like the bulb holder was the issue. I reversed them and sure enough, the warning light migrated with the bulb holder.

The phantom temperature issues haven't happened recently. Now if I can just figure out the power door lock thing, I'll be set.

Are there any diagrams online with instructions about how to properly remove the door panelling? I'm tempted to take a look at the locking mechanism myself...

Faulty door lock actuator is a common problem. My pass side one does this. You can DIY and replace the actuator. Part is about 80-90 at the dealer...haven't looked for BMWCCA discounted prices yet...