Okay so I have a 2003 X5 3.0L.
I lock the doors, close all the windows including sunroof and trunk but after I leave it for about 5-10 minutes the alarm always goes off. And its very loud and very good. But Why is this happening? I can't figure out why its always going off, I always make sure everything is locked and closed and that no one is inside it... is it the motion detector?
Thanks for any help!

Usually, it's caused by a bad hood switch. The techs at the dealer can scan the memory in the car to see what is setting it off though, so they're your best bet.

Usually, it's caused by a bad hood switch. The techs at the dealer can scan the memory in the car to see what is setting it off though, so they're your best bet.

where is the hood switch located?? any other comments anyone?

I believe it's in the same place on all X5s which is under the hood toward the back, on the passenger side. Kind of by the microfilter housing area. It's the little button that gets pushed down when the hood is closed.

If you take your car to the dealer, they will hook it up to the diagnostic equipment, and read out the alarm memory. This tells them how many times each sensor has detected something that set the alarm off. Usually the hood switch's number will be significantly higher than the rest of the sensors, although I've also seen the ultrasonic interior sensor do it once as well.

I believe it's in the same place on all X5s which is under the hood toward the back, on the passenger side. Kind of by the microfilter housing area. It's the little button that gets pushed down when the hood is closed.

If you take your car to the dealer, they will hook it up to the diagnostic equipment, and read out the alarm memory. This tells them how many times each sensor has detected something that set the alarm off. Usually the hood switch's number will be significantly higher than the rest of the sensors, although I've also seen the ultrasonic interior sensor do it once as well.

ah I see, thanks a lot man. I don't necessarily need to go to a BMW dealership, I can go to a mechanic with BMW tools right?

I am not sure if aftermarket diagnostic tools have the capability of reading the alarm memory, I have never used them.

I was thinking...try unplugging that hood switch and see if it fixes the problem. If so, you can buy a new one from the dealer and save yourself the diagnostic fee.

I was thinking...try unplugging that hood switch and see if it fixes the problem. If so, you can buy a new one from the dealer and save yourself the diagnostic fee.

thanks a lot, I'll give that a try. Is this a common problem and does this solution often work?

It is very common. If that doesn't work, the next thing to try would be the ultrasonic sensor on the roof of the interior. It's underneath that cover with the little slots in it. Pop it off and unplug it.