I have a 97 740i. I have two sears garage door openers purchased new in 1999. When I bought my 740i two years ago I programmed both doors to the homelink.

A few weeks ago one of the garage door openers quit working. Turns out it was the logic board and a new one costs $100 (with shipping). A new opener was $129 so I bought the whole thing so I would have spare parts for both doors.

After installation I tried to program the new opener to the homelink and also to the old opener. It wouldn't work with either one. New technology in the new opener changes the code every time you use it (I think it's called a rolling code). I called BMW and they told me the new technology only works with 1998 and newer 7 series. Just my luck.

Something to think about if you're buying a garage door opener and your car is 97 or older.

someone that knows for sure can chime in here, but i would think that you could just upgrade the homelink and it's a wrap, right?

Not sure, I thought the Homelink remotes for the e38's had only one style/model. There was only one part number; found this part number from bmwfans.info: 82 11 1 470 125

the e38's homelink UGDO (universal garage door opener) went thru 5 different part nbrs. The early ones (like stated...up to 5/97)...then the next ones starting 5/97-3/98 which where the first to work with the rolling code garage door openers...then the last ones became illuminated (when the headlight switch is turned on.

If you look up the UGDO part nbrs based on model year...you will see the diferent part nbrs for each. And yes, the oldest UGDO's part numbers have ended.

BMW Part number: 61 31 8 362 462 (up to 5/97 mfg date...no longer available but can be used by part in next line) BMW Part number: 61 31 8 373 749 (from 5/97-3/98 mfg date...no longer available but can be used by part in next line) BMW Part number: 61 31 8 380 869 (no longer available but can be used by part in next line) BMW Part number: 61 31 6 919 879 (still available...can be used by part in next line) BMW Part number: 61 31 6 981 941 (current)

Then there is BMW Part number: 82 11 1 470 125 which is found in the accessory diagrams

Does this mean I can get one from a newer model and it will work in my car?

I've got a similar issue. I have a 01 740il and I was able to program my community gate and my girlfriends garage door on homelink but I can't program my own garage door. When I try to program it the homelink light flashes rapidly. Anyone experience this?

OMG, look at Qsilver! Always amazed at the info pool this guy has. Phenominal!

Does this mean I can get one from a newer model and it will work in my car?

I would assume yes because each line in the part nbr index I was looking at indicates that the ended number could use the next number below it. But if your car didn't come with the illuminated UGDO...then (I believe) you will not have the 4th wire in your harness that will allow the newer UGDO to light up when the headlight switch is activated. BUT, you can always add it.

If anyone can verify this please do...I don't want to give out false information based on my assumption of what I believe to be the true. :)

I've got a similar issue. I have a 01 740il and I was able to program my community gate and my girlfriends garage door on homelink but I can't program my own garage door. When I try to program it the homelink light flashes rapidly. Anyone experience this?

If your home's GDO (garage door opener) has a button on the unit hanging from the ceiling to program/reprogram the remotes or any accessories that work with it...did you press it when you were trying to "train" your car's UGDO (universal garage door opener)?

I went through the entire process three times. I programmed the new remote to the new opener, and then held that next to the homelink. I then cleared everything off my homelink and then reprogrammed it to the old opener, with no problems. I then tried again with the new one but it still wouldn't work. I believe you can only program the homelink with the remote right next to it.

Also, my old remotes wouldn't work with the new opener, and the new remotes wouldn't work with the old opener.

Thanks for all the info guys. At least I can still open one side with homelink, and my wife uses a remote in her trooper for the other side.