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Subject: $21 solution for the old Homelink UGDO problem -- you'll like this! Author: davidc (moderator) : member since December, 2003 : 10060 posts Posted on: 2005-01-18 22:30:06

As many of you know, most BMW's come equipped with the UGDO (universal garage door opener) in the overhead console. However, as many of you have likely discovered, unless you have one of the later models with a green LED, it isn't compatible with older, non-rolling-code garage door systems. Such is the case with my '97 740iL. See Official word on rolling codes and older BMW garage door openers from last year.

The obvious solution is to replace the UGDO with the latest version from BMW, but that's rather expensive at $160 or more. A less obvious solution is to enhance your old garage door system so that it’s compatible with your UGDO. This is easier than it sounds. In fact, it's downright simple and the cost is a miserly $21 and a trip to your local Lowe's home center.

Note that this solution works best if you have the old style UGDO *and* a non-rolling-code garage door system, common in homes more than 10 years old. If you have the newer rolling code garage door system, you can still use this approach, but you won't be taking advantage of the extra security offered by the rolling-code technology already in your garage. If this sounds confusing, the bottom line is that we're adding a non-rolling-code receiver that's compatible with the old UGDO to our existing garage door system. And, the nice part is that it won't interfere with any existing remotes you may already have.

Our garage has two separate doors, so I purchased two SkyLink 318TR Garage Door Remote Control Sets at Lowe's. Each set includes a two-button keyring transmitter and a receiver box that plugs into a standard 110V electrical outlet. We're going to configure one receiver to work with one button on each remote, and the other receiver to work with the other button.


Here is the SkyLink 318TR Garage Door Remote set.


Open the cover on the keyring transmitter to reveal jumpers used to set the ID (or code) for the system.


Choose a unique ID for the system by randomly selecting a few of the nine jumpers and moving them to the other side. Make a note of how the jumpers are positioned when you're done. We're going to configure the other transmitter and the other receiver to use the same ID.


A view of the receiver module with its antenna.


Use a Philips screwdriver to open the door on the back of the receiver.


See those jumpers? Note that there are ten jumpers instead of the nine we had in the transmitters. The #10 jumper is used to select which transmitter button this receiver will respond to. Leaving jumper #10 in the "+" position corresponds to the left transmitter button. Removing jumper #10 (note that I said "remove" -- don't just move it to the other side) corresponds to the right transmitter button.


Attach the wires to the terminal strip on your garage door motor where your wired buttons (the ones on the wall in your garage) attach. Polarity isn't important.


Plug the wiring connector into the receiver then plug the receiver into a nearby electrical outlet. Most garage door openers have an outlet above the motor on the ceiling.

Now test the keyring transmitter to make sure it opens and closes the garage door. Repeat the above steps for your other garage door, then its time to program the UGDO in your car.


Begin by erasing the UGDO memory. Hold down buttons 1 and 3 for approximately 20 seconds. Release the two buttons when the LED begins to flash slowly. You only have to do this once. A common mistake it to repeat this step when programming the second button, which wipes out the first button.


Choose a button on the UGO and press and hold it. While the LED is lit, press and hold one of the buttons on your keyring transmitter. Hold the transmitter near the UGDO as shown. Continue holding both buttons. Eventually (it could take as long as 60 seconds), the UGDO will begin to blink. When the blinking speed changes to a fast blink, you can release both buttons. The UGDO button has now learned the "code" for your transmitter and copied what it needs into its memory. Repeat this step for the other button on your transmitter and you're done!

See also, Skylink 318TR home page

David Cecil, KI4GZR
'97 740iL, 127k miles
'92 750iL, 77k miles
'86 735i, 95k miles

www.e38.org has links for everything about your BMW 7-series automobile

• $21 solution for the old Homelink UGDO problem -- you'll like this! (pic) (url) - davidc 2005-01-18 22:30:06 (14013 views)
  • Can I use this to get an old UGDO to work with a new rolling code opener? - imolatony 2005-01-19 09:01:59 (657 views)
    • yes (nt) - davidc 2005-01-19 12:23:25 (409 views)